How technology can improve placemaking
We use digital tools for everything from socializing to working, so it’s no surprise that digitization is also having a major impact on the way we plan, maintain, and foster our communities. From urban planning to community development, the way we create communities both digitally and locally is shifting. So how can local leaders harness technology to ensure it’s creating better outcomes rather than increasing inequities?
What does digitization refer to and what is placemaking?
Digitization refers to the process of converting analog into digital. It can be applied to various parts of community engagement, from processing data using artificial intelligence (AI) to using a digital platform to generate community feedback for a local improvement plan.
Placemaking, a method of community engagement, has traditionally been done through analog methods. Placemaking is the process of creating - through participatory methods - places that meet the needs of the people who use them. This could include improving a city’s walking and biking infrastructure, or building nature preservation into a town’s development projects. Today, there are many opportunities to utilize emerging technologies to improve placemaking initiatives.
The impact of digitization on placemaking
Thanks to technology, local governments, community organizations, and foundations now have an unprecedented level of access to real-time data about their communities. This information can help them make better decisions about how best to use public resources in order to improve the quality of life for residents. For example, a city planner looking to improve pedestrian safety in a busy downtown area could use data from pedestrian counts, accident reports, and traffic cameras to identify problem areas. They could then use technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to help community members visualize proposed changes so they can share direct feedback on those options. Even better, they could ask community members to share their own ideas on the area, providing a valuable perspective from the very people who use it the most.
While technology can be used to enhance placemaking initiatives, it should not completely replace traditional engagement methods. With technology, some community engagement elements can be done more efficiently - or even with less subjectivity. By utilizing resources like AI to more efficiently tackle data processing, feedback analysis, or trend mapping, local leaders can gain precious time. Equipped with a less subjective read of community data and more time for human connection, they can then invest in the face-to-face interactions that might be needed to further develop a placemaking initiative.
How local community leaders can prepare for digitization
Digital tools have had a significant effect on placemaking already, and these changes are only going to accelerate as technology continues its rapid development cycle. It is therefore essential that local leaders:
Stay informed about emerging technologies, especially by connecting with peers to build on their good practices and lessons learned,
Embrace hybrid community engagement initiatives to increase efficiencies through technology while deepening community connections,
Take advantage of data analysis opportunities to remove subjectivity, opening the door for creating more equitable services and programs based on real community needs, and
Work with tech providers who understand the unique needs of local governments and organizations working with communities on social change.
Technology can play a vital role in enhancing placemaking initiatives
Technology should not replace the in-person elements of community engagement that are inherent to placemaking, but it can create efficiencies that result in more time for meaningful participation. By staying on top of current trends in digitization, local leaders and their communities will be well-positioned to make informed decisions that help create vibrant places where everyone can live, work, and play together.