Digital Participation Models as Public Engagement Tools in Planning: A Concept Exploration

Abstract

This paper critically and empirically explores how planning professionals understand a digital engagement tool and its use in effective and meaningful public participation. Through a series of focus groups where planners engaged with a Digital Participation Model (DPM), the research studied the functionality of this digital tool in relation to key communicative principles such as communication, comprehension and transparency. In doing so, this paper contributes to critical literature on the implications and politics of generalised technology developments for planning participation. Additionally, it offers a conceptual lens to critically guide application of digital engagement tools with the aim of reducing the risk that new technology dictates how we understand participatory engagement.

Keywords:

• Digital Participation Model
• planning
• public participation

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the focus group participants for their participation in this research and the reviewers for their suggestions to improve the article

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexa Gower

Alexa Gower is post-doctoral research at Monash University. Her research explores the opportunities and challenges for the digital transformation in design and planning to lead to better decision making and design outcomes. Email: [email protected]

Mette Hotker

Mette Hotker has a special interest in resilient communities, social justice and ethics of care. Her doctoral thesis examined the institutional framework (law and procedures) for licensing of Poker Machines in Victoria and the lived experience thereof by communities. Email: [email protected]

Carl Grodach

Carl Grodach is Foundation Professor of Urban Planning & Design at Monash University. His research areas include community and economic development, cultural planning, and precinct-level urban revitalisation. Email: [email protected]