Disco is my first true love. I constantly feel its pulsing beat invading my thoughts and seemingly perforating all aspects of my everyday life. Growing up in isolated Northern B.C., it provided a glimpse into a bright, splashy world so far removed from my small logging town. And nothing better encapsulated this world than the show, Soul Train.

I didn’t get to see it often, but when I did, oh boy! Everyday folks in their finest dancing freely to the best the disco world had to offer. Led by host, Don Cornelius, it showcased acts such as the O’Jays and Donna Summer. The iconic Soul Train Line Dance for me summed up all that was good in the world. Pure joy as folks eased on down the line strutting their best moves while being cheered on by a row of supportive bystanders.

Two and a half years ago, I discovered my second greatest love, professionally of course. I’ve been creating legal guided pathways to better help the public understand and more effectively resolve their disputes. My consumer disputes project will be launching this spring – I will be excited to share more closer to the launch date. To sum it up, we’ve created a series of questions that guide folks down a path to, in some cases, a self-help tool to help resolve the dispute with the business. For example, if they have an issue with a business not honouring a gift card because it has expired:

• The consumer is provided information that in Saskatchewan, gift cards can’t expire if purchased after November, 2008.
• The consumer is asked if they purchased after this date.
• If the answer is yes, the consumer is provided template communications to reach out to the business to explain the card can’t expire and request that it be honoured.
• If the business doesn’t comply, the consumer can file a dispute through a new slick online dispute resolution system.

For me, the system is a series of possibilities linked together in a logical progression. The option branches are mapped out in a ‘if this then that’ choose your own adventure style. It is a maze of information and questions leading to a resolution option.

For the user, it should seem like a clear, straight line. They should ease on down the path in as painless a progression as possible. In my ideal world, each tidbit of information and question they are asked will act as that row of supportive, clapping bystanders chanting “You can do this!. You can empowered yourself with information specific to your dispute and potentially resolve it yourself armed with a self-help tool.”

It might be a stretch to think my project will bring this level of joy and satisfaction to users. But a girl has to dream and keep that disco beat alive. When the project launches, let me know if you could feel the beat as you ease on down the path.