Roundabout simulation software is a powerful tool for highway design, but how do you share your results with stakeholders and clients? In this article, you will learn some tips and best practices for communicating and presenting roundabout simulation results effectively and persuasively.
The first step in communicating and presenting roundabout simulation results is to know your audience. Who are they, what are their goals, concerns, and expectations, and how familiar are they with roundabout design and simulation? Depending on your audience, you may need to adjust the level of detail, technicality, and terminology you use, as well as the format and style of your presentation. For example, a technical report may be suitable for engineers and planners, while a visual summary may be more appealing for politicians and the public.
I guess you need to define “simulation”. Is it a visual model of the roundabout, showing a 3D rendering of the entire intersection improvement? Or is it a model used for traffic capacity analysis showing traffic queues and congestion? Show the former and avoid the latter. Visual model is very good showing the size and possible impacts but if you show anything beyond that it might be a view of one or two cars larger showing how to navigate it. Showing a visual with the “dancing ants” which would be the output from a Vissim model won’t look appealing and can show some poor operations depending on when you clip the model in time.
Understanding who you're speaking to is crucial. Tailor your language, tone, and detail level based on their background and needs. For example, if you're presenting to a city council that includes non-engineers, avoid technical jargon and focus on how the roundabout will benefit the community. You might say, "This roundabout will make your daily commute smoother and safer.
The second step in communicating and presenting roundabout simulation results is to define the problem and the solution. What is the current situation, what are the challenges and opportunities, and how does your roundabout design address them? How does your design compare to other alternatives, and what are the benefits and trade-offs? You should provide a clear and concise overview of the project background, objectives, and scope, as well as the key features and performance indicators of your roundabout design. You should also highlight how your design meets the standards and criteria of roundabout design, such as safety, capacity, efficiency, and aesthetics.
Go back to your first point….know your audience. If talking to the client, I agree with this section. Show the performance metrics and how the roundabout meets the design criteria. If this is for the general public, most would likely not understand the jargon or the technical speak you would say to them. Keep it simple. Even showing benefit of reduced crashes can be tricky because you may show Y crashes for signalized intersection and smaller X crashes for roundabout but people will hone in on the crashes you show for the roundabout. Talk higher level. “Roundabouts will reduce the high-severity crashes….meaning you can survive a crash easier here than at a signalized intersection.” Something like that.
Start by clearly explaining the issue at hand and how your simulation addresses it. For instance, "We're all aware that the intersection at Main Street. and 2nd Avenue. has become a headache with frequent congestion and accidents. Our simulation shows that a roundabout can significantly reduce these problems, making it safer and quicker for everyone."
The third step in communicating and presenting roundabout simulation results is to show and tell. This means using both visual and verbal elements to convey your results and support your arguments. Visual elements include graphs, charts, tables, maps, diagrams, photos, and videos that illustrate your roundabout design and simulation results. Verbal elements include explanations, interpretations, comparisons, and recommendations that provide context and meaning to your visual elements. You should use both visual and verbal elements to tell a coherent and compelling story that engages your audience and answers their questions.
Think about who you are speaking to and what likely would they be concerned with. For roundabouts, we usually hear about how they accommodate large trucks and how people drive them. How to reduce approach speeds effectively is another critical point to convey. Charts and graphs likely will be lost on the public and often many clients. Keep it simple. Can’t say that enough.
The fourth step in communicating and presenting roundabout simulation results is to use appropriate software and tools. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may use different software and tools to create, analyze, and present your roundabout simulation results. For example, you may use software such as VISSIM, SIDRA, or RODEL to model and simulate your roundabout design, software such as Excel, PowerPoint, or Tableau to visualize and summarize your results, and software such as Zoom, Teams, or Webex to deliver your presentation online or offline. You should use software and tools that are reliable, compatible, and user-friendly, and that allow you to customize and enhance your presentation.
Agreed. I would also say to use a good truck turning template software to show truck tracking through the roundabouts. Again, be careful not to rely on the output of capacity software to make your points. Boil it down to more layman terms. This intersection operates better than the signalized intersection by reducing the average delay by 64 seconds. That is something tangible that public and client can understand. “Oh….I can shave one minute off my commute home? Sign me up!”
The fifth step in communicating and presenting roundabout simulation results is to practice and prepare. Before you deliver your presentation, you should practice it several times, preferably with feedback from colleagues or peers. You should check your presentation for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and completeness, and make sure it fits the time limit and the format of the event. You should also prepare for possible questions, comments, or objections from your audience, and have supporting evidence or examples ready. You should also test your equipment, software, and internet connection, and have a backup plan in case of technical issues.
I agree with this section but I caution you to be careful about practicing. Don’t make it sound scripted and you are speaking from memory. Keep it relaxed and show emotion as you present it. A poor presenter with great content will be remembered as a poor presenter rather than having great content
Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure you’re comfortable and can deliver it smoothly. For example, "I’ve gone through this presentation several times with my team to ensure we address all potential questions and concerns. We're prepared to discuss the details and next steps."
The sixth and final step in communicating and presenting roundabout simulation results is to follow up and follow through. After you deliver your presentation, you should thank your audience for their attention and interest, and provide them with a copy of your presentation or a summary of your key points. You should also invite them to contact you for further information or discussion, and respond to their inquiries promptly and professionally. You should also follow through on any commitments or actions you made during your presentation, such as providing additional data, reports, or references, or updating your design or simulation based on feedback or changes.
Walking through a case study showing a roundabout as a preferred alternative is better served around an exhibit showing the concept rather than a presentation. Allows folks to visually see and point to areas of concern they have. Then you can react proactively to their questions.
Use visual tools where possible. Matchbox cars on a roundabout mat is a fun way for the public to “drive” a roundabout during a meeting. Also gives you an opportunity to show some best practices and common mistakes. Be creative on how to message the benefits.