Facilitating Civic Design through CommunityCrit

While urban planning affects the public, most people do not have the time or expertise to participate in the process. CommunityCrit in an online platform that offers “micro-activities” to help community members make meaningful contributions without significant time commitment. In order to lower the barrier for the public, CommunityCrit reduces urban planning documentation into quickly consumable excerpts, and works on a variety of devices. Many online tools solicit public input, yet typically limit interaction to collecting complaints or early-stage ideas. CommunityCrit extends status quo by offering activities that engage community members in elaborating and evaluating urban design ideas. The system provides a window into the planning process for the public, empowers them to contribute, and supports diverse levels of skills and availability. If interested in this research, email Narges Mahyar.