What are some of the tools and platforms that urban planners use to support participation?

1 Online surveys

One of the most common and simple tools that urban planners use to support participation is online surveys. Online surveys can help planners collect quantitative and qualitative data from a large and diverse sample of respondents, as well as measure their satisfaction, preferences, and opinions on various topics. Online surveys can be designed and distributed using various platforms, such as SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Typeform, that offer features such as multiple question types, logic branching, data analysis, and visualization. Online surveys can be useful for gathering baseline information, testing hypotheses, or evaluating outcomes, but they also have some limitations, such as low response rates, self-selection bias, and lack of interaction.

2 Interactive maps

Another tool that urban planners use to support participation is interactive maps. Interactive maps can help planners visualize and communicate spatial information, such as land use, zoning, infrastructure, or environmental conditions, as well as invite participants to contribute their own data, such as locations, comments, photos, or ratings. Interactive maps can be created and shared using various platforms, such as ArcGIS Online, Mapbox, or Maptionnaire, that offer features such as data layers, geo-referencing, customization, and collaboration. Interactive maps can be useful for identifying issues, exploring alternatives, or generating feedback, but they also have some challenges, such as data quality, accessibility, and moderation.

3 Online forums

A third tool that urban planners use to support participation is online forums. Online forums can help planners facilitate and moderate online discussions among participants, as well as provide information, resources, and updates on the planning process. Online forums can be hosted and managed using various platforms, such as Discourse, Slack, or Facebook Groups, that offer features such as threaded conversations, notifications, polls, and analytics. Online forums can be useful for building relationships, exchanging ideas, or resolving conflicts, but they also have some risks, such as trolling, spamming, or polarization.

4 Digital games

A fourth tool that urban planners use to support participation is digital games. Digital games can help planners engage and motivate participants, as well as simulate and experiment with different scenarios, strategies, and outcomes. Digital games can be designed and played using various platforms, such as Minecraft, SimCity, or Block by Block, that offer features such as 3D modeling, gameplay mechanics, and multiplayer modes. Digital games can be useful for fostering creativity, learning, or collaboration, but they also have some drawbacks, such as technical requirements, ethical issues, or representation gaps.

5 Co-creation platforms

A fifth tool that urban planners use to support participation is co-creation platforms. Co-creation platforms can help planners involve and empower participants, as well as co-produce and co-deliver solutions, services, or policies. Co-creation platforms can be developed and operated using various platforms, such as OpenIDEO, CivicLab, or Consul, that offer features such as challenges, workshops, prototypes, and votes. Co-creation platforms can be useful for generating innovation, diversity, or ownership, but they also have some barriers, such as participation fatigue, power dynamics, or scalability.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?