Ideas and Inspirations – Page 2

Week 4, NUDC: Mentor Meeting

Hello again,

For week four we had a meeting with our academic mentor Sean. At this point we had already got a good outline of the mid-term presentation which allowed us to go through it with Sean making sure it was efficiently informative of our research. Specifically, we went through our goals for the project along with our prioritization and stakeholders. The meeting acted as a reassurance for us that we were on the correct path. With the conclusion of the meeting we decided that the main stakeholder as the target for the project would be students, tailored for the JRA rather than the council.

Furthermore, the seminar gave us some time to go through relative literature about different digital civics projects. For example, one of the inspirations that we had from said literature was the VoxBox, a playfully nostalgic booth that provided the user with a reward in the form of a simple ball. With the addition of an old phone set with a clunky aesthetic it stood out in public and tapped into the public’s curiosity. This led us to the importance of grabbing the user’s attention before they even become a user of the prototype, furthermore this example showed that there is a lot of freedom available for the design of the prototype that could make it eye-catching and intriguing.

Blog 4 – Energy Dashboard

After reviewing on our interviews with Tony and Steve, we have evaluated our goals again for initial development on our designs. We had ‘to support residents, organisations and businesses in Jesmond in adopting a more energy efficient approach to their current consumption patterns.’ as our initial ultimate goal, and this does not change.

With the details of what the client want in the energy dashboard we are going to developed, we tried to do some more in depth research on different dashboards as examples for us to get an idea on our initial design. Each of us brought in an example of an energy dashboard we found on the internet and indicate what is the pros and cons of every single detail of it, hoping to pull all the best things about each dashboard together to create the most suitable one for Jesmond. There were examples from America, Lincoln University and other companies, each has a different feature depending on the building it serves (eg. university campus, accommodation, commercial building etc)

However, we would still need different datas from the stakeholders in Jesmond in the future for further development. We would also need to decide on creating an app or a webpage for the Jesmond residents based on which one we think would allow more people to look at it constantly and conveniently.

Blog3 for Self-built housing

Blog 3 —Response of Interview

On the 21^st of October, our group met with Jerry Drake who is the member of West End Housing CO-OP. We asked a series of questions of her daily life and their organization, and then noted the key responses:

With her previous experiences she informed us that there is a lot of trouble regarding land and grants and she experienced many barriers during the process of self-built housing. She also struggled with finding available land that the government would provide to build on.
the West End Housing CO-OP are all equal members within their society and are all involved within their community as they all occupy the houses they own.
Before the housing co-op began to build, in the areas they were planning on doing so they vigorously asked the local community within that area. Finding out the local opinion and then questioning them how they felt it would affect them.
When the housing co-op began a regenerative project, Jerry said that the council were very helpful and supportive of projects like there’s. In addition, Newcastle council are interested in this form of project, along with Your Homes Newcastle owning the majority of the land available within the Newcastle.
Jerry made it clear that throughout the process that the West End Housing CO-OP went through to complete their self-build homes they had many issues along the way such as: time constraints on the planning side, financial issues for housing to rent, acquiring the land, the cost of self-build housing.
The housing co-op runs off a democratic model with every member as equal as the other. The co-op they run makes for a cheap living as they occupy their own properties they are their own landlords.

After this interview with Jerry, we found that the suitation of self- build housing is not as good as the other housings (like socail housing).Self-built housing is not the mainsteam housing in UK and most of the public are not familiar with this new type of housing. So we thought that engaging more people to have their own self-built housing can improve the current environment. In the next step, we try to create a new website for the West End Housing Co-op, because we found that the current website is not useful for the public to understand the process of self-built housing clearly. Therefore, in the new website we will provide more links for the public to contact with the Co-op. Also, we will try to create a bridge for both the experts and non-experts to join and cooperate in the design process of self-built housing.

Young People Engagement – Week 5

After a successful site visit, we came together as a group and discussed the different possibilities of creating a digital device. We were inspired by a number of non-digital and digital ideas. We came across ideas such as having a VR hologram projecting the user’s propositions of the development. We debated other potential ideas, like the use of chalk to make graffiti visualisations on a surface that could show the user’s proposals but chose to keep a more digital approach to our final project because we considered the non-digital ideas to be less suitable for our users.

At first, we thought of making a QR code. The idea was that the code would be scanned by the users which would lead them to a government related website with information about the current development site. We knew this idea would appear quite late during the planning process and thought it might have an affect on the user’s propositions. We were also worried that the website would provide too much information at once for the users which would not be easy to understand nor enjoyable to read.

The second concept we were trying to develop was an app. We thought the proposition of an app would allow the users to take part in the planning process at an earlier stage, therefore giving time to the Council and developers to consider the user’s propositions. The app would work like a visual interface. The app will allow for new topics and activities to be created. How does it work? Well, once the app is opened, a plot of land would show up on the screen. Through its tools, the app would support a large variety of subjects, like inserting different types of infrastructures or ponds onto the plot of land. A dragging feature would allow the plot of land to be filled with houses, schools, parks, roads, shops. These would be designed through Sketch Up (One of our design software’s) and then integrated into our app with the help of our technician. We want these animated features to reflect what the users want to see in the new development like leisure centres, open spaces and well linked roads. We also suggested that the app would have a share button indicating that the user designs can be commented on by other users, or shared with developers and the community and downloaded for future use. This is where we have got to so far, next week we’ll be looking into more detail about our concept while discussing it with our project mentor.

photo-on-10-11-2016-at-18-18

air quality group Week 5

Why:

Bus congestion a major concern towards air pollution levels
Targets pedestrians along the street, public transport users at the stop, users already on the buses when they stop, cyclists and general Traffic
Maximise user’s interaction with older less tech savvy still experience this on the street, simple and bite-size to engage the younger generations ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL
Limited space for installations along the street use existing structures (bus stops), more installations on street level can be a hazard to navigation of the street for the disabled community

Interactive Display:

Has options for display and information via pages as well as displaying scale of pollution and connects to the main screen

Logo:

Changes colour (traffic light system) depending on levels of air pollution or the trees health changes size (leaves lost)

AR Feature:

Large display double sided with camera fitted to allow AR view of the street (viewing portal) displaying live data along the street, controlled by the interactive display

Air Pollutants display:

Shows the main 6, displayed in a traffic light colour as indication of the levels (e.g. red being bad) display targets pedestrians (simple navigation for young and old) , public transport and general traffic with bite size information

Accessibility:

Braille like
QR codes positioned on side of the display for audio assistance for the blind
Hearing Aid Channel

Concept ideas:

In the first place, the app for phone or computer needs to be simple to use for everyone. For example, in our presentation pages, we can find only four possibilities. Those possibilities are reduced by type of users, and they can recognise themselves by logos or simple draw.

For the first possibility (1), for drivers, there is a map with traffic congestion, like that they can reflect on fact of traffic congestion. In this part, we can ask for what they need to use this road (for businesses, school, go to the city centre). We can put other solution like buses to go there.

The second logo concerned bicycles (2); they can see a map of areas of air pollution and see a map of bicycling lanes and ask for what they need to go through.

The third (3) it for people by foot, they can have a map for safe areas in term of air pollution, ask them for what they need to be there and have like a game with air pollution in reality augmented.

Finally, the part (4) concerning the associations, in this part we can have links of all association concerned by that and involve more people to be connected with society.

In each page, people can go back and like that a people who planned to go in his job by car and finally decided to go by bicycle, so find alternatives.

Weaknesses:

The most weakness of the app it’s it need to have people who use it to have the real statistics on the new data (for what they through this street). But the combination of the app and boards on street can allow us to reach everybody. Only blind persons cannot have a visual of the air quality.

What we learned about other presentations:

There is a group who considered the QR code on streets to have a direct access to information. For our project, we can consider putting QR codes on boards to have a direct link to download the app or view a web page.

interview schedule for air quality 2

Week 2

Interview Questions – Duncan

Introduction

Thank you for your time Duncan, we are second-year students at Newcastle University who are currently looking at air pollution on Gosforth high street. We understand you are the managing director of Sanderson young estate agents which has a branch on Gosforth High St.

1. What is your Role within Gosforth high street?

-How do businesses and shops currently talk to each other? (Is there a traders association?)

– Do businesses and shops (or trader’s association) currently talk to any other groups in Gosforth e.g. Space ?

2. What challenges do you feel Gosforth high street faces?

-How do you personally think these issues should be solved?

3. Do you know how most of customers currently travel to the Gosforth high st?

-Do you feel that is reprehensive for most businesses on the high street?

4. How do local shops on the high street feel about the Air pollution?

-How would local shops feel about a reduction the car traffic to achieve lower air pollution?

5. Do the businesses have an existing plan concerning the high street in general?

– If yes, does this plan mention air pollution?

6. Are you aware of the Urban observatory data available online at http://uoweb1.ncl.ac.uk/ that shows real-time data from the 10 air pollution sensors on Gosforth high street?

– If yes, do you ever look at these sensors ?

7. Given the choice of a Smartphone App, Interactive Display on the high street, Emails, Website, Newspaper or any ideas of your own. Which would most likely engage you with air pollution is Gosforth High St ?

Young Planners Engagement – Week 3

After the first two weeks of setting our goals, meeting our client for the first time, working out the links between stakeholders and getting prepared for an interview, it was time to get the project really moving in a direction which we were all happy and comfortable with.

On the 19th October, the group went to meet 3 members of the Youth Council alongside their mentor. We had taken aboard comments and advice about the questions we were going to ask so we were confident with what we had prepared. We opened the meeting by asking if it was ok to audio record to make sure we had all the information we needed and didn’t miss anything if we wanted to go back and check details. Each member of the group introduced ourselves and we started off by talking to the members of the Youth Council about the plot of land in Murton and what they felt was needed in the future for the area to strive, looking at a map showing North Tyneside and the existing services. The user representatives were very aware on the matter of green space and keeping it protected as much as possible. They also commented on the existing road systems and how they thought some new roads connecting Murton to Monkseaton would be beneficial as the new houses that the developers are planning to build will need road links to help tie together the new built homes and services. Leisure centres and swimming pools were talked about briefly to give the community some recreational use as there are no existing establishments in close proximity. The other topic mentioned was ‘allotments’ and the high demand in North Tyneside for the spaces. As it was commented that the community members wanting an allotment would have to wait several years on the waiting list, so looking to include these would be a massive positive for the community.

The meeting progressed really well and it flowed naturally, we tried to work from our question structure and linked it making it more personal to the clients. The user representatives started telling us about their roles and how they got into it. It was really beneficial as we learnt how it was all voluntary and due to an interest in helping their community and the rewarding feeling they all got. Something we felt was an important issue, was that the Youth Council felt unheard and didn’t have a voice when involved with the developers. We asked about their communication and were informed about the lack of it and how they never engaged with the youth council. The interview then naturally developed through talking about communication to how the use of modern technology affects our lives and how they used it and what did they use it for. It was the turning point in the interview as we started talking about how reliant on phones and technology people are nowadays. It was a key comment about how each of the user representatives all agreed that young people would be more involved in planning and the process it goes through if it was communicated easily through technology and smartphones. It was the confirmation we needed to know that the clients were on the same page as us.

After discussing various ways to get young people more involved with the use of technology, a couple of ideas arose. For example, it was mentioned about QR codes and how it would be easier for someone to just scan in the code to read the information later in their own time rather than stand on a street in the cold trying to read a piece of paper, in which we all agreed it was a much more efficient way to deliver information. This followed on with discussions about the engagement levels and making a product that was quick and easy to use, that could be visually pleasing and straightforward to make choices and voice your opinions.

We were really happy with what we had learnt in the interview and just how aware these young planners were. It was very beneficial and each of us took a lot away from the meeting with multiple ideas about how we are going to move forward and start to think about possibilities of technological products to make the young people of North Tyneside more involved in the planning process.

Second log entry: User interview schedule – Cycling Group

To improve our understanding of what users of our product will want, we have arranged an interview on Wednesday 26th with Tim Parsons. We know little information about Tim apart from that he is a cyclist in the Newcastle area. Interviewing him will provide us with first hand data about cycling habits around Newcastle and what tools and devices will appeal to that community.

Please find below a brief interview schedule:

Introducing ourselves:

Thank you for arranging to meet up with us. We are second year students at Newcastle University and we are currently collaborating with Robert Snowball who is a senior transport planner at Newcastle City Council. Our aim is to make cycle routes around the city more accessible and well known, as well as attempting to increase the popularity of cycling with help from the council.

What is your preferred method of travelling around the city on a day by day basis?

– Why is this your preferred method?

– Why do you not choose to travel by other means (e.g. car, walk, bus, cycle)

Is the transport infrastructure in the city adequate for this method of travel?

– Do you think that other methods of travel are better provided for within the city?

– How do you think the council could improve existing travel infrastructure?

How would you describe your position as a cyclist in Newcastle?

– Do you feel like your needs (either as a single cyclist or as part of a community) are met by the council?

Can you describe the ways in which technology helps your everyday life?

– Is technology involved in your commute or travel?

– Do you use mobile technology to aid you this way?

Do you frequently use any mobile apps? If so, why those specifically?

– Would you/have you used apps to improve your cycling mobility in particular?

There are already apps that cyclists can use, could you detail any that you use, if at all?

– Why do you prefer these apps to other apps that you have mentioned? (e.g. are they simpler to understand? More accessible?)

When looking at the design and functionality of a map, what would you say is most important to focus on?

– How do you use maps when cycling? (e.g. Planning ahead? Whilst on route?)

– What would you suggest to simplify reading maps and using apps for cyclists?

In your opinion, what would encourage more engagement with cycling?

– Should there be more incentives for the cycling demographic?

– How about incentives from apps, the council and community groups?

Should there be more improvements to current apps offered to cyclists? If so, could you suggest any?

– What stops people from using apps? Why is this?

From the cyclists you know, would apps be their preferred choice of route planning and engagement?

– Why is this the case? Is this because the app itself is difficult to use? Are there issues with the way a cyclist can use a phone whilst out?

Blog 2 – Interview Schedule with Steve and Tony

Blog 2 – Interview Schedule

JEPP Interview with Steve Emsley and Tony Waterson

We’re meeting Steve Emsley and Tony Waterson today in Cafe 1901, West Jesmond. Attendance from the team: Entire group

We know a little bit about yourself would you be able to expand more on what you do and the previous roles you have played?

a. How do you relate to renewable energy projects?

b. We did a little bit of research and know you were in Transition Initiative Newcastle before? Can you tell us the experience during that time?

Why would you invest in renewable energy?

Have you ever engaged people with renewable energy before?

a,How you engaged people in Jesmond?

b. How would you engage people?

c. What worked well and what didn’t work so well?

What is complicated to understand about renewable energy in your opinion and how could understanding of renewable energy be made easier?

a. Have you used any techniques in the past to do this?

b. What might raise awareness to renewable energy in Jesmond?

What do you do with your energy data?

a.Have you shared your data before?

b. With your experience do you think it would be helpful?

c. What do you think of sharing your data?

d. Would you share your data digitally for other users to see what savings they could be making?

Has anything changed since you installed solar panels yourselves?

a. Are there any negatives?

What do you think about the people in Jesmond not using solar panels and do you know the reason behind them?

a, What will you do in order to change their mind?

b. Do you know how much energy in jesmond is produced from renewables; and how could this be found out?

When do you reckon ‘peak oil’ reaches and what kind of changes will happen? (peak oil – time when oil production peaks and then falls, never rises back up again
Do you think sending out messages of ‘peak oil’ incidence will change people’s mind on renewable energy?
Have you ever used an energy dashboard before? What was it like?

a. What was your experience using one? Did you find it helpful?

b. If not, what can be improved on the energy dashboard you’ve used?

c. If one was available to you, would you use it to benefit for you?

11. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us if you haven’t before?

Interview template for Walker

Our interview based research we have focused on talking with local pro-community organisations leaders, as they know the realities of local community and troubles that organisations face.

(Welcome), we are 2nd Stage students at Newcastle University. We are currently working on a project named ‘Walker Creative Neighbourhood’. Our aim is to gather the Walker community together and encourage pro-community organisations
co-operation. We would like to develop a set of tools for the community that will help them to organise and support themselves. We assume that after short time after the project has been implemented the people, who are interested in actively participating in their community’s life will be content creators as well, most likely under supervision of moderators (who would also be part of the community). Initiative will help promoting events, education and volounteering opportunities. The project could also include promoting local businesses, entrepreneurship, and also potentially recruitment and freelance opportunities. This project is meant to help community in Walker, thus we would like to ask you a few questions to better understand the community itself.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Can you tell us what is the role of your organisation for the people in Walker?
What is your role in the organisation? (unless covered in point 1.)
Which kinds of people do commonly get involved in volunteering for your organisation?
Can you tell us, as far as you are concerned, what is the profile of current volounteers in Walker?
What is current ‘volounteering atmosphere’ in Walker (how people think and feel like about volounteering)?
What challenges does your organisation face to reach out to local individuals, who could volunteer?
How do you think is the best way to inspire people to develop themselves, participate in various activities and volounteer in Walker?
What do you think is the best way to bring up connection between communities in Walker?
How do you think is the best way to encourage cooperation between various organisations present in walker?
What do you think would be the best way to promote/advertise volounteering and other activities?
What could be the best way to reach people with our initiative in walker?

A)if digital, what about the people who don’t have access to computers/smartphones, what is the best way to reach to them?
B) if digital, how can we also engage people who lack IT skills, i.e. the elderly?

Are there any education projects that you are aware of in Walker?

if yes, how do they benefit local communites, how they should be promoted?

How do you think our initiative should be funded?
What do you think the role of local buisnesses should be in this project?

how could we encourage them for social reinvestment?

Alice drew our attention to the mapping of organisations and buisnesses in Walker. How do you imagine a map like that should look like, and what features for the users should it include?

A)Also, how users should be able to interact with it?
B)Should mapping be more stiff – limited to the Walker only, or more relaxed, allowing users to see map’ content beyond Walker, which could be helpful to them?

What do you think the role of local authorities should be in the initiative (or perhaps they shouldn’t participate at all)?
Do you have any other propositions or comments?