Real-time collaborative slider-swarm with deadbands for amplified collective intelligence

Abstract

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for computer-moderated collaborative estimation among a population of human participants using a plurality of networked computing devices. A query (e.g., estimation prompt) may be presented to participants for collecting collaborative responses. The population of users may each set an initial estimation response to the prompt during an initial estimation time period, which is then followed by a collaborative estimation time period (during which all users are asked to produce an updated estimation response to the same prompt). A forbidden deadband region defines an area around each participant's initial estimation that the participant must move their variable slider out of in order for their slider to register as part of the collaborative real-time process. In some embodiments, a participant is not shown initial estimation responses of other participants until the participant has moved their slider out of the forbidden deadband region.