Citizen Science
PESTEL Summary - citizen science
Regarding the PESTEL framework for citizen science, the social factor is probably one of the most important ones. This is because citizen science involves the public actively participating in scientific research, contributing to data collection, analysis, and problem-solving. It expands the capacity of scientific research, fosters public engagement and education, enhances scientific literacy, and promotes collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public. It also fosters relationships between participants and the natural world, bridging disciplines and knowledge domains.
Economics and technology also play significant roles in citizen science. Technological advancements offer the potential for advancing citizen science, making it accessible even in low-income countries through affordable and networked tools. Various technological tools and methods, such as mobile apps, interactive web services, eye-tracking, and geocoding capabilities of smartphones, enable citizen science. Technology is also a big part of the future of citizen science since instrumental and dematerialized technologies can be what brings it forward.
However, the legal aspect is important to note when discussing citizen science and its future. The legal challenges related to data privacy and consent, particularly in compliance with GDPR regulations can be a barrier for citizen science.
Deep Dive - citizen science
Citizen science refers to the involvement of the public in scientific research, enabling them to actively contribute to data collection, analysis, and problem-solving. (R17)
Citizen science can be employed in various ways. First, it expands the capacity of scientific research by involving a large number of participants, which allows for data collection on a larger scale and in diverse locations. Second, it fosters public engagement and education, as citizens gain a better understanding of scientific processes and contribute to the generation of knowledge. It also enhances scientific literacy and creates opportunities for dialogue between scientists and the public. (R15)
Furthermore, citizen science can address research questions that require extensive data collection or monitoring over a long period. Volunteers can help gather data in areas such as environmental monitoring, biodiversity tracking, and weather observation. This participatory approach promotes collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public, leading to more inclusive and democratic decision-making processes. (R15)
Overall, citizen science harnesses the power of collective effort and participation to advance scientific understanding, foster public engagement, and contribute to solving complex societal and environmental challenges.
There are three key components that should guide the design of citizen science:
1. Design standards
Design standards are principles and guidelines that promote good practice in user interface design, usability assurance, and software quality. In the context of citizen science, standards focus on human-centered design practices, usability, and accessibility. They aim to ensure compatibility, interoperability, and the overall effectiveness of citizen science projects. (R16)
2. Design methods:
Design methods in citizen science encompass various approaches and techniques used to create user-friendly applications. These methods include eye-tracking, qualitative interviews, usability testing, and quantitative data analysis. User-centered design (UCD) is a popular approach that involves involving users at all stages of project development. Agile development methods and early access to co-creational user feedback are also explored to improve the design process. (R16)
3. User experiences in the digital and physical world:
User experiences in citizen science can vary in both the digital and physical worlds. Design plays a crucial role in shaping user experiences and can impact engagement, satisfaction, and the relationship between participants and the environment. Factors such as gamification, platform specialization, and infrastructural support influence the user experience. Additionally, citizen science projects can stimulate affective encounters with nature, fostering relationships between participants and the natural world while bridging disciplines and knowledge domains. R(16)
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Agnes Ytreberg and Erland Lettevald from the Swedish agency Marine and Water Management see citizen science as a great opportunity when it comes to collecting ocean data. Furthermore, Ytreberg does not see any major regulations that affect citizen science when it comes to collecting data, What is required is for individuals to give their consent for the information to be shared and made searchable. GDPR can be a challenge in this regard as it requires consent. The reporters themselves own the data and can request changes if necessary. Furthermore, marine and coastal citizen science can play a crucial role in policymaking and bridging the gap between researchers and the public, fostering greater ocean awareness. (R17)
Ytreberg and Lettevald also point out some challenges with citizen science. They both highlight the importance of clear instructions and frequent quality controls. It is important that the data collected meet the required standards and that the collectors receive feedback on how their data is used and how it contributes to a larger context.
In our mission to fill the ocean data gap, we will mostly focus on the users of our sensor would be diving clubs and associations. Therefore, the participant in a dive which takes place through a diving club will be using our sensor, and therefore be a citizen scientist. This is something that Emmy Ahlen emphasised would be a good step in order to engage more people towards citizen science. Ahlen explained that dives often occur within structured forms through clubs, associations, and other organized groups. Targeting these entities would yield greater effectiveness, as individuals wouldn't bear the sole responsibility, and a larger number of participants could be engaged simultaneously.
Citizen science is an important part of the future and the development of new technologies, both instrumental and dematerialized, offers great potential for advancing citizen science. Affordable and networked tools enable citizen science activities even in low-income countries. Data collection can now be facilitated through various instruments, devices, and tools such as mobile apps, interactive web services, and do-it-yourself technologies. The widespread use of smartphones, with their geocoding capabilities, further enhances the possibilities for citizen science data collection. (R16)