The goals of this conference are: 1) to give government agency managers new insights into how government Web sites can better meet the needs of citizens, especially by making the sites more usable; 2) to enable government Web managers and Web designers to apply user experience criteria to evaluating Web sites; and 3) to improve the ability of agencies to engage citizens in productive and useful Internet interactions that serve citizens and the agency mission.
The conference will emphasize the importance of seeing government Web site users as more than customers. Users are citizens who, with the right tools, can produce value and contribute more to solving problems. The participatory and collaborative production capabilities of the concept known as Web 2.0 call for governments to innovate in their engagement with citizens. At the same time, it is essential to ensure that Web sites meet standards for accessibility and positive user experiences. Much has been learned recently about ways to evaluate a user's experience of Web sites; the conference speakers will draw on current research and their own experience to provide conference participants with tools for improving their own agency Web sites.
Improving the quality of agency interaction is an important goal in itself and can also lead to improvements in the return on agency investment in technology. The conference will address the value proposition for the application of Web technology to agency missions.
Even seemingly routine transactions and on-line interactions can improve a citizen's connection with government. The conference will enable agency managers and Web authors to improve the application of e-democracy concepts to government Web activities and, by doing so, improve the processes of democracy.
