13Decision support systems (DSSs) are important in decision making environments with 14 conflicting interests. Many DSSs developed have not been used in practice. Experts 15 argue that these tools do not respond to real user needs and that the inclusion of 16 stakeholders in the development process is the solution. However, it is not clear which 17 features of participatory development of DSSs result in improved uptake and better 18 outcomes. 19A review of papers, reporting on case studies where DSSs and other decision tools 20 (information systems, software and scenario tools) were developed with elements of 21 participation, was carried out. The cases were analysed according to a framework 22 2 created as part of this research; it includes criteria to evaluate the development 23 process and the outcomes. 24Relevant aspects to consider in the participatory development processes include: 25 establishing clear objectives, timing and location of the process; keeping discussions 26 on track; favouring participation and interaction of individuals and groups; and 27 challenging creative thinking of the tool and future scenarios. The case studies that 28 address these issues show better outcomes; however, there is a large degree of 29 uncertainty concerning them because developers have typically neither asked 30 participants about their perceptions of the processes and resultant tools, nor have they 31 monitored the use and legacy of the tools over the long-term. 32

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