Hold outsiders accountable
Research practices, even when well-intentioned, can cause harm, especially if transparency and shared decision-making are not prioritized. Time and capacity constraints in academic and tech spaces can lead to a common practice of asking for forgiveness rather than permission; this can backfire easily in community collaborations. When methods or goals shift without consent, communities may feel misled or harmed, even if apologies follow
Solutions
1.
Establish feedback loops
Integrate feedback mechanisms into research projects and digital tools. This could be as simple as prominently featuring a feedback form on an online platform or as involved as check-ins, webinars, a user forum, or user feedback sessions beyond a time-bound project.
2.
Develop mediation techniques from the start
Moments of conflict can become opportunities to build trust if harm is addressed openly and with humility; and if clear efforts are undertaken to make repair or change future practices. To support this, team members should take basic facilitation and mediation training, particularly in well-funded projects.
Know of another resource or solution?
Resources
OEDP's Tools and Templates for Community Data ()
OEDP's Tools and Templates for Community Data support community data stewards in being able to safely and equitably use and share community environmental data. They include tools like a data values statement template and data use and sharing agreement questions.
Incorporating user feedback into open source software development
This article by MoldStud explains the critical role of user feedback in open source software, detailing how it helps identify bugs, prioritize features, and improve the user experience. It outlines practical strategies for collecting feedback such as surveys, forums, feedback forms, and user testing; it also emphasizes best practices like prioritizing feedback, iterative development, and transparent communication with users.
Listen4Good Competencies for High-Quality Feedback Loops
This resource from Listen4Good describes the core competencies organizations need to establish and sustain high-quality feedback loops with their stakeholders, especially in the social sector. It provides a framework and practical guidance for nonprofits to systematically collect, analyze, and act on feedback, ensuring that client and community voices directly inform program improvements and organizational decision-making.