OTF SUA Lab: Tech Trials

1

Components of a tech trial

• Assesses and documents the needs of a community

• Creates space to 'try out'/trial an app or tech as part of their workflow or safety plan

• Documents findings / provides insight on benefits and barriers to adoption

• Prioritizes co-creation - the community creates something for themselves or makes a design contribution to the project - related to the topic (ex: physical safety, shutdowns, etc.)

• Builds an understand holistic workflows for safety

• Run by a local partner

2

Goals of a tech trial

To include end user communities as key stakeholders in technology design and development. / To bolster and continually build on co-creation and participatory design processes.

3

Why

It's easy for open source apps to be overlooked or invisible to the people they can benefit most. Partnerships are key for building trust with marginalized communities and frontline defenders.

By benefit most — we mean that there are people that can endure extreme consequences because of how the technology (or apps) they are using expose them. Or because of how the information controls and monitoring put in place restricts them and binds their perception.

Tech Trials are about communities teaching technology teams. Trialing an open source tool with a community to learn how it needs to adapt. They intend to open new possibilities for participants, and cultivate a co-design practices with teams. Giving them tips into potential partnerships and a framework for engaging.

If you’re interested, complete the form and book a time to chat:

Outcomes from previous projects: WEPN Community Study