CrownShy

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PolisFlow

Polis, created and stewarded by the Computational Democracy Project, is a groundbreaking open-source platform for collective intelligence. It allows groups to contribute statements, vote agree/pass/disagree on others’ contributions, and visualise where consensus and differences lie. At CrownShy, we’ve developed PolisFlow, a way of structuring elements around Polis to make them more accessible for participants and more insightful for organisers.

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Why PolisFlow?

Polis is already a powerful open-source platform for collective intelligence, revealing hidden areas of agreement on divisive and complex issues. PolisFlow adds two key elements:

Context before deliberation

Participants can first explore a knowledge base, short videos, background materials, or live expert contributions, that bring everyone onto the same page. This ensures the deliberation begins from a place of shared understanding and exposure to multiple perspectives.

Richer data after deliberation

A short survey step, using open-source tools like HeyForm, gathers demographics and baseline attitudes before participants move into Polis. Linking this data with the Polis conversation allows organisers to see not only where agreement and disagreement exist, but also how opinions differ across specific categories and how they evolve over time.

In short, PolisFlow strengthens both ends of the engagement:

  • Preparing participants to contribute more meaningfully, and
  • Giving organisers insights that are deeper, more nuanced, and more actionable.

What PolisFlow adds

  • Connects survey and deliberation data

    See how perspectives differ across sectors or demographics.

  • Inclusive

    Ensures that even participants without prior expertise can participate meaningfully.

  • Interoperable

    Shows what’s possible when open-source tools are combined in new ways.

  • Hybrid by design

    Works for in-person events, online-only consultations, or both at once.

How It Works

A simple four-step process to gather, explore, and understand diverse perspectives. PolisFlow combines survey data and Polis conversations to uncover deeper insights.

  • Participants access curated materials, from short videos and audio content to briefing notes, to get oriented before deliberation.

Proven in Practice

PolisFlow is a tried and tested product. At the Paris AI Action Summit in February 2025, PolisFlow powered a hybrid deliberation on AI at work. Participants began with short survey questions on their sector and views on AI regulation, then moved into a live Polis debate informed by panel discussions. CrownShy has also delivered PolisFlow engagements for the Scottish AI Alliance and The University of California, Berkeley’s Possibility Lab.

Case Study