What
Polis is an innovative open-source platform designed for survey research that harnesses the power of data science. It functions as a real-time tool for gathering, analyzing, and understanding the collective opinions of large groups, expressed in their own words, supported by advanced statistical methods and machine learning algorithms.
Who
Unknown
Where & When
Has been used in the US & Taiwan.
Why
Polis was developed to address the challenges of traditional survey methods that often fail to capture the dynamic nature of public opinion and complex societal issues.
How
Key Principles
- Participant-Driven Surveys: Polis shifts the creation of survey dimensions to the participants, allowing the survey to evolve with participation.
- Adaptive Engagement: The platform adapts to incoming responses, ensuring efficient use of participants’ time by displaying comments semi-randomly for evaluation.
- Open Source Software: Polis is freely available under the AGPL3 license, encouraging community-based development and customization.
Functions
- Statement Submission: Participants submit concise text statements on a given topic.
- Voting System: Other participants vote on these statements, indicating agreement, disagreement, or neutrality.
- Cluster Analysis: An algorithm sorts participants into groups based on similar responses, facilitating the identification of consensus statements.
- Interactive Overview: A live, evolving graphical representation of the conversation’s ecosystem is available to participants for review and further engagement.
Business Models
Unknown, presumably fees for using the hosted platform and grants.
https://www.centreforpublicimpact.org/case-study/building-consensus-compromise-uber-taiwan/