A Design-Principle-Friendly Conceptual Model of Observational Crowdsourcing

This paper introduces a novel conceptual model of observational crowdsourcing (OC), a participatory tool that engages the crowd to generate data by sharing their ideas, observations, or knowledge. Existing conceptual frameworks do not reflect all the actors in an OC project and their goals. In addition, they do not consider the dual role of the platform as being a technology provider and also dependent on users for success. We used the structure of design principles to conceptualize the observational crowdsourcing problem domain in terms of actors, contribution, platform, and outcome dimensions. Grounded in design science research, this conceptual model contributes a nuanced understanding of observational crowdsourcing, offering a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners. The study addresses the gap in seeing OC through the problem-solving lens of design science research by delineating the interconnected nature of actors, contributions, platforms, and outcomes. It provides a foundation for developing design principles in the evolving landscape of observational crowdsourcing.