Scenario-based collaboration: An approach to refinement of plans through Public Engagement

Design is a knowledge intensive activity, which depends on information to be undertaken. Previous designs, recent innovations, new techniques and materials must be taken into account when working on a new project, whatever its nature. Designing a plan is no different from designing a physical artifact, in that several constraints and requirements must be taken into account. Therefore, a collaborative approach that enables the refinement of plans through Public Engagement is of paramount importance to the design process. Many studies have been undertaken regarding the promotion of public participation in the planning process. In this situation, the population can be seen as an important source of information, because they experience the environments addressed by the proposed plan on a daily basis. However, the interaction between government and population presents cultural, political and technological challenges. In this paper, we present the Scenario-Based Collaboration Process (SBCP), which aims to Refine Plans through Public Engagement.