Abstract

This paper presents an interactive Soapbox platform, which utilizes networked public displays to encourage local citizens to participate in civic engagement. Soapbox is comprised of three subsystems: Soapbox for speaker (SFS), Soapbox for audience (SFA) and Shoutbox. SFS allows people to deliver a speech to the public. SFA enables audience members to watch a speech and give feedback to it. Shoutbox is an input tool that runs on personal devices and is used to author comments and share them with the speaker and other members of the audience. The Soapbox system was evaluated in both the lab and the field. The evaluation demonstrated that users are positive about trying the platform, and can quickly grasp how to use it. Further, participants thought that Soapbox is very appropriate for its purpose, and can effectively attract more citizens to participate in civic engagement.