The Wizard of Oz method is a way to create and test interactive systems using human operators when computers or mobile phones would normally play that role in a fully-developed solution. The approach is used a lot for digital products and services, or even for the marketing of new services and products, that have not yet been created.

The Wizard of Oz method can be used to a/b test different aspects of a solution such as the number of a product that someone wants, or the time of day that a service would be useful to somebody. It is also a way of assessing demand from potential users, but it involves some level of deception if the user is not aware that the actual product or service does not exist. You will need to make a judgement regarding what type of Wizard of Oz (if any) is ethically appropriate when engaging with communities affected by crises.