Engagement events do not have to be serious, boring exhibitions where plans and artist impressions are hung on a wall for people to see. Participants prefer to be hands on, having a say in what their place means to them and how the changes might affect them. it is always better to use a variety of tools to appeal to all different learning and expression styles, making the data collection process more accurate and relevant.
Writing on tables
Telling us through art work
2. Tools & strategies
Engaging with communities can come across as a time consuming process, which can be particularly demoralising when people appear disinterested and participation rates are low. However, a range of innovative tools is becoming available, offering simple ways to gather valuable local views and knowledge with limited resources. These strategies tend to be fun, low cost and easy to run, and they provide substantial relevant data to inform Place-making, also having long-term positive impact on community resilience. Applying these techniques not only can enrich the design process but it can also build up trust and open communication channels with stakeholders, consolidating long lasting relationships between all parties involved. See Appendix D for a list of engagement tools.
Very often, traditional community consultations involve an exhibition of plans and ideas where people have a good look, ask a few questions and make comments. Sometimes these comments are not adequately or accurately registered. Probably the most relevant part of an engagement process is knowing how to explain the scheme and how to listen, taking good notes of what people have to say. Here are some tips:
Be honest and clear regarding political, economic and technical constraints and explain if/how these can be overcome from the outset
Be honest and clear regarding your aims and motivations
Listen carefully and make good, accurate notes
Be prepared to challenge your ideas and opinions
Some data collection methods, tools and resources and engagement examples are available at the Co-PLACE website.
Engagement Criteria
2.1 Describe the tools and strategies that will be used to achieve community input and why these were considered appropriate for the case
2.2 Describe the questions asked and the answer options given, and why these questions were considered to be the most appropriate for the demographics of the area
2.3 Explain how special needs will be catered for during the events (e.g. access, interpretation, audio equipment, etc.)