Reflections on Collaborative Design

Lessons from Creating a Digital Public Service App

Authors

  • Elaine Venson Information Technology Research and Application Center (ITRAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7607-5936
  • Julia de Souza Information Technology Research and Application Center (ITRAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil
  • Sara Campos Information Technology Research and Application Center (ITRAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil
  • Rejane Figueiredo Information Technology Research and Application Center (ITRAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil
  • George Marsicano Information Technology Research and Application Center (ITRAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil
  • Wander Pereira Silva Information Technology Research and Application Center (ITRAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59490/dgo.2025.1044

Keywords:

Digital Public Services, Collaborative Design, Lean Inception, Design Sprint, User Testing, Prototyping

Abstract

Digital Transformation in public services requires a comprehensive understanding of the value creation to improve services and government operations. Designing digital public services is challenging, but Service Design methods can help achieve services that align with democratic values like accessibility, reliability, and a positive user experience. This article reports on the collaborative design of a mobile app for a regulatory agency in Brazil, using co-creation, co-design, and co-production methods through two workshop cycles. The first cycle, based on Lean Inception principles, defined the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), while the second cycle, utilizing Design Sprint techniques, refined and tested the MVP with citizens. Feedback from users and public servants is also shared, emphasizing the importance of involving citizens and government employees in developing public service solutions.

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Published

2025-05-26

How to Cite

Venson, E., de Souza, J., Campos, S., Figueiredo, R., Marsicano, G., & Pereira Silva, W. (2025). Reflections on Collaborative Design: Lessons from Creating a Digital Public Service App. Conference on Digital Government Research, 26. https://doi.org/10.59490/dgo.2025.1044

Conference Proceedings Volume

Section

Practical reports