Implementation of a conversational virtual assistant for open government data portal: Effects on citizens

Insufficient support services are one of the barriers for citizen’s open government data (OGD) utilisation. Considering the strengths and effectiveness of virtual assistants (VAs) in providing instant and user-friendly support services, this study focuses primarily on its implementation for OGD portals. A conversational VA prototype is specifically developed. A between-subjects experiment with one factor (VA/text-based support services) was carried out. Results show citizens’ positive attitudes towards VAs providing support services on OGD portals. No significant difference was found for citizens’ acceptance, trustworthiness and rapport for OGD portals with and without a VA. Accuracy rate of completing tasks with VAs is slightly higher. A correlation lies between trustworthiness and rapport with OGD portals. This study benefits the improvement of OGD portals’ online services to enhance citizens’ experiences and provides a research model both for investigating VAs’ effects and for comparing different designs of a same kind of service for an interface.