Uploaded on 2016-07-18 by Jason B. Santos

Module 10 – Citizen Design Science: Citizen Design Science Project proposals Planning in the “Collaborative” era has taken participation and involvement to a distinguished level. The users become part of the solution instead of being only the receiver. The Citizen Design Project is a way of solution seeking through collaboration and then synthesizing by planning. The following are ideas for a CDS Project: 1. An Urban Tree tracking application (App) – This is an online platform to note the existing and newly planted trees in the urban area. The main objective is to store data of the tree as it is vital in the city and if it grows properly, needs special attention by horticulturists and if it is cut down illegally. Movement of trees by “balling” will be also monitored. It is like a digital and virtual “tree – tagging” application which can be linked to Google Earth for location and mapping purposes. This can also be used to compute the impact of trees and plants for temperature control and flood prevention through the leaf area index. The residents of the city can contribute by knowing where and what to plant by accessing the application. They too can monitor the health and condition of existing plants and trees and its effects. By this project people will see and monitor the results online and thus, be encouraged to participate in the “greening” of the city. With this, areas with high temperature can be monitored and areas for additional trees can be determined by the designers through the use of application. Data must be stored in a main “data-bank” so as to be used by the planners and designers. 2. Another application based project, the Mobility app. – The purpose of this online application is for collaboration and information sharing. It is an improved “Waze” application. This includes the option for commute, walking and biking. It filters the best and safest route possible for a destination. This is then linked to the city and transportation agency server so that data can be stored. This is then extracted to find out which routes are mostly used and evaluate commuter franchises given and pending application. The designers and transport planners can get real time data and then simulate at a more realistic manner. Based on my research and readings the following are the guidelines that are important in developing an effective Citizen Design Project: 1. Simplicity is key – This supports the saying “first impressions matter”. The project must be as simple as possible. Clarity and simplicity is of utmost importance, just like the mantra of Steve Jobs when developing a product. The idea must cut-through to all levels and classes. The purpose and end-goal of the project must be clear right from the start in order to deliver the project to its completion and full capacity. 2. Use attention-grabbers – In other words, captivate the audience. The users must be hooked to the idea of the project. Make it user friendly and easy to use as possible. Also “idiot-proofing” the instructions for project is encouraged. 3. Monitor the users, developers and all that are involved in the project – Monitoring is crucial. The participants must speak the same language and in the same “wave-length” while participating in the project. The key element here is constant communication and leveling. 4. Offer feedback and follow-thru system – For the project take-off and continue, the responses, reaction and comments must be filtered and synthesized for further improvement of the project. This will enable further development of the project. This is to determine what should be eliminated and included in the succeeding phases or steps. 5. Data storage, safe -keep and filling system – Numerous data will be produced and proper storage and an efficient file system must be in place in order to make the data available and ready to be used. The information that will be used and develop by the project should be in order and safely stored for proper use.