The AI & Democracy Foundation is leading a research initiative to document “deliberative workflows” — the step-by-step microprocesses within citizens’ assemblies and other minipublics that shape outcomes. By capturing the inner workings of facilitation in fine detail, the foundation aims to improve deliberative practice, support more modular and adaptable process design, and identify opportunities where AI tools can augment facilitation methods.
This project seeks to make visible what experienced facilitators often hold intuitively: a mental catalogue of process options that can be deployed and adapted depending on group dynamics and objectives. Through detailed documentation of elements such as group size, timing, inputs and outputs, desired participant experiences, and known risks, the foundation is building a library of “process cards” that can serve as practical tools for both seasoned and emerging practitioners.
Beyond improving practice, the initiative also highlights opportunities for AI to assist in deliberation—for instance, by streamlining the time-consuming process of theming brainstormed ideas. By clearly defining data inputs and outputs, developers can begin creating tools purpose-built for democratic contexts.
To learn more or register, visit the official project page.
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