Crossing divides: co‐designing ‘tech‐tools’ for enabling intergenerational exchange and youth engagement in neighbourhood planning

This paper will present findings of a funded research project, which explores how co-designed accessible technologies can cross-intergenerational borders between young and older people in the context of determining the future of their neighbourhood. This sits within the context of radical changes in the UK National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF 2011) and the Localism Bill (DCLG 2011), which demand new levels of democratic participation in local decision-making and the collaborative design of place. It also tends to issues and theories of how communities (civic and academic) consider the use of technology in helping to cure the disengagement of youth in the local politic and establishing open channels of dialogue and understanding between age groups when designing their future cities and villages (Bachen, Raphael, Lynn, McKee & Philippi 2008 and Carpini 2000, Gant, Duggan 2013). Research Questions; What is the role and value of co-designed, accessible and hybrid physical / digital technologies in enhancing the participation and citizenship of young people in the co-design of statutory neighbourhood plans? How might it help in the elicitation, ideation and intergenerational exchange and communication of their opinions and ‘visions’ with ‘older stakeholders’? We will present new hybrid digital / physical objects and media utilised as part of the constructive design methodology of the project. This will include ‘augmented-reality, community tapestry’, animated storytelling and virtual game environments that model young people’s visions for their neighbourhood all co-developed with young people.