  DemocsBrief Description:Democs is a conversation game that helps small groups to discuss public policy issues. No speakers or experts are needed, as pre-prepared cards contain all of the necessary facts. It works best for six people over two hours, but it is flexible.
Description:Democs helps participants to take in information and to make that information meaningful. The information on the topic is provided on playing cards which are dealt out in two rounds. Each time, people reflect on their cards and choose one or two that they feel are most important. They take turns to read them out, explaining why they chose them, and then place them on the table. Next they cluster the cards, with each cluster representing a key issue relating to the topic. Once they've voted on a range of responses or policy positions they try to create a response that everyone in the group can live with. Used For:Helping people find out about an issue, form and share their opinions with others and to work out whether there is a policy position that every member of the group can at least live with if not support enthusiastically.
Suitable participants:Usually anyone who wants to is invited to participate although sometimes particular representatives are sought out. For instance, the Human Genetics Commission, investigating over-the-counter genetic testing kits, was interested in the views of the general public and in those of members of their consultative panel. Cost:Low, a single kit costs £30 in a box or is free by email. Time Requirements:Individual sessions are short: around two hours.
When To Use / What It Can Deliver:You should use Democs when you want to give anyone who wishes the chance to participate in their own time and place and when you want to increase public understanding of an interest in an issue. Democs can deliver participants that feel they can have a say and want to do so as well as some information about common ground and preferences. When Not To Use / What It Cannot Deliver:You should not use Democs when you just want a one-off session on a particular topic, as developing the information cards would be too expensive. It can also be dangerous to combine citizens and experts in a single game as the latter can dominate. Democs cannot deliver lengthy deliberation, direct decisions, tangible outcomes or follow up in itself. Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Origin:Gaming/Deliberative democracy Case Studies:
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Restrictions In UseInsert Content here Further InformationContact: New Economics Foundation |
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