Digitalization of public services with a focus on the user

(V.D.02) New Technologies

The service digitization initiative is promoted by SMIT with the purpose of supporting the execution of public policies through digital platforms in the customer service channels SP156 and expanding citizens’ access to their rights. The focus on the citizen integrates the digitalization methodology that has been followed since 2019, seeking to include the point of view of end users in the development of digital services.

The journey of service digitization methodology has 6 macro steps:
1. Map potential services. A census of public services and their delivery channels should be carried out, in addition to mapping the service charts. This includes a quick analysis of the redesign potential of services and alignment between the parties involved to assign responsibilities, discussion of methodology and definition of deadlines.
2. Explore the problem. At this stage, the service is mapped considering the perspective of the citizens and the city hall. Ideally, interviews should be conducted with service users to visualize their journey and understand how their demands are met. Furthermore, the internal flow of the service is mapped identifying all stages, and can be represented through a service plan or blueprint.
3. Define the solution. The problems identified in the exploration of the previous step are translated into a summary worksheet and a results prioritization matrix. It is important to organize a visual form of what was collected and indicate ideas and actions to mitigate possible barriers in carrying out the service.
4. Build and test the solution Unlabeled. The construction of a prototype of the solution is important for carrying out the tests with users. The prototype allows the simulation of a real situation of requesting a service without the costs of a final development, bearing in mind that it will probably be necessary to make changes and adjustments to the products developed after carrying out the tests.
5. Deliver the new service With the prototype validated, it is time for the complete development of the solution. In addition, the servers responsible for the execution of the service must be trained in the use of the tool and the new service flow. After publication, there is a period of assisted operation, which can last between a week and a month.
6. Scale the solution. This is a step of engaging as many people as possible in digitalization with a focus on the citizen. It is important to encourage public servants to adhere to collaborative innovation and understand the importance of centralizing services in the citizen

Official Name of Signatory

City of Sao Paulo

Delegation

Brazil

Website of the Signatory

Name of the person presenting the Good Practice

Lucas Roberto Paredes Santos

Position/Job Title of person presenting the Good Practice

Assessor International Relations

Aim of the Good Practice

Expand access to citizens' rights and increase the range of services available to be requested through digital channels, saving time and resources for citizens and the city hall.

Target Group of the Good Practice

Citizens of the city of São Paulo

Implementation period

2019 - Currently

Consistency over time

In 2021 there was a change of 90% of the team members, who were all trained within the digitization methodology that places the user as the focus of the process, thus, we managed to maintain the pattern of the digitization cycle in all the services that have been digitized since then.

Evaluation of the Good Practice

The services that are on the SP156 portal can be evaluated and monitored by 5 indicators many different: 1. Evaluation of the service letter: At the end of the service letter, citizens can assess whether or not the information on the portal was good; 2. After requesting a service: When a citizen fills in an application form service request and sends it, he can manifest himself evaluating how much he liked or not the process of ordering that service; 3. After the service is completed: When the server closes a call, that is, when the service is attended to, the citizen receives a form by email to evaluate the fulfillment of the service requested by him; 4. TMA – Average service time: Every service has a deadline to be performed, the hour system counts this time from the moment a request is opened and a countdown begins. A panel is set up monthly with this time of response by service and by body, thus being able to assess whether, on average, the service is running within the allotted time. 5. Resource Savings Calculator: The project “Economic Benefits of Digital Transformation of Public Services”, carried out in partnership with the IDB (Banco Internacional do Desenvolvimento), aimed at developing public resource savings calculator resulting from the digitization of services in the Sao Paulo City. This calculator allows you to quantify the savings for the City Hall and for the citizen generated by the digitization of services.

Key stakeholders and partnerships

The main stakeholders are citizens, call center operators 156 (telephone and chat) and service stations. They have daily contact with the letters of services and the forms that were created in the scanning process. With regard to partnerships, the following can be mentioned: • Public bodies responsible for digitized services. • International research bodies: BID (International Bank of Development), CAF (Development Bank of Latin America). • Gov.br, from the federal government.

Link for more information