The platform was inspired in the traditional face-to-face focus groups from social research methodology, being particularly useful when public debates take place among participants who live far away from each other. The aim is to enhance eParticipation processes, hence providing the means for active involvement of society in public policy making.

Each venue has at least one moderator and several participants, who meet in a virtual environment that offers the means for an informed debate online. The main features of the platform are:

• Participants Table
• Discussion Chat
• Presentation Viewer
• Whiteboard
• Virtual Library
• Video
• Private Chat

Currently the b-involved team is looking for organizations or individuals who are interested in using the platform and providing feedback on their experience and in how to improve it.