Applying UX principles to innovate citizen Science platform development: an integrative approach

The development of digital platforms is critical for the success of Citizen Science initiatives, as it facilitates the effective engagement of diverse participant profiles. To ensure these platforms are effective, efficient, and satisfactory for users, a strategic development approach is necessary. This research proposes a design and development model for a Citizen Science platform at the European level, grounded in User Experience (UX) principles. The methodology involved benchmarking existing platforms, developing user stories to identify necessary functionalities, and assessing user engagement and satisfaction through focus groups, UX research using Hotjar, and web analytics via Matomo. The findings reveal a set of principles—such as the STP model, user-centered design, content marketing, and digital analytics—that are instrumental in optimizing the development of Citizen Science platforms.