Introduction

Technology solutions have an inherent tendency to fail due to complicated systems, reliance on integrated systems, lack of capacity to maintain and repair tools when they break, and constant pressure to update or replace existing tools with shiny, new options. This can result in tools that end up collecting dust or are otherwise forgotten, even if they were designed to serve an important and valuable service.

In this module, we discuss consideration for sustainability and maintenance that can be included in the design and implementation of civic tech projects. The lessons address choices like who should host, control, and own civic tech tools, how do we measure the success of the tool, and how do we recognize the end of the useful life of technology in a way that helps us move forward productively.
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In this module, you will learn how to:

  • Define success criteria for civic tech projects
  • Measure the success of a project over time
  • Create a maintenance plan

Lessons

These lessons provide an introduction to considerations in measuring impact and considering maintenance in the design of information tools.
Three case studies provide examples of student projects that aim to keep solutions simple and impact high.

Lesson on Who Should Own Civic Tech Tools

A critical and often overlooked aspect of sustainability of civic tech projects is who will own the tool or service.  This lesson walks you through considerations in determining which department or agency can provide the resources and has the motivation to maintain civic tech tools.

Lesson on How We Know it is Working

The ecosystem of civic tech tools, systems and services is constantly evolving. So is our understanding of the information problems civic tech aims to address. This lesson introduces a few ways to measure the success of a civic tech project and determine whether it is still worth the investment, or whether it is time to move on.

Lesson on Sunsetting Civic Tech Projects

Civic tech tools and services lose their value over time for many reasons. This lesson prepares you to think about how to prepare for the inevitable transition to new tools, processes, and perspectives in civic tech solutions

Case Study: Building community volunteerism in Dearborn, Michigan

A student team interviews high school students to understand what they value and need in volunteer opportunities. They apply those insights to design a volunteer matching tool for the city. Focus on the design choices that leverage existing systems and keep maintenance requirements low.

Case Study: Helping residents navigate city services in Dearborn, Michigan

A student team works with residents and local government to make it easier for people to find the resources they are seeking in city government. Pay attention to the considerations students make to keep the solution appropriate to the contact and easy for the government staff to maintain. 

Case Study: Information students share insights on working with city government

Library and Archives students talk about their experience working with local government partners on civic tech projects. Students address their effort to create measurable value and easy to maintain tools.

Activity

Evaluate one of the programs that didn’t work very well at your organization and list out 3 reasons why the program didn’t work. Redesign the program to accommodate those fail points.

Additional Resources

Here are a few additional resources for examples and guidance on assessing impact and maintaining civic tech projects.

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