Communication and interaction sensors
Sensors are like the senses of a city. They capture data to make environments more efficient, safer and more comfortable. For example, they measure air pollution to improve air quality. Or they measure traffic flows to reduce congestion. But how do citizens experience the deployment of these sensors? Do citizens also recognize sensors when they are hanging somewhere? And do they also have a say in their use?
Unknown makes unloved
A national communication guideline
We started talking to citizens and expert about sensors. One of the findings from our research was that sensors are often invisible or not recognized as sensors. And hless you knowt about sensors, the more assumptions you make. Een verhaal krijgt een eigen leven. That is dangerous. To further clarify is a national communication guideline openned about sensors in public spaces. This guideline contains elements to communicate about sensors at different levels. You can do this using stickers, signs and municipal web page where you can find more information.
The impact
Increasing knowledge through citizen participation
With the communication guideline, you can see where sensors are, what they do, and for what purpose they are deployed. In this way, we increase knowledge about the systems and facilitate the conversation about them. Thus can citizens participate in democratic debate.
Uniformity provides clarity
The same communication throughout the Netherlands
In close cooperation with the Amsterdam Institute of Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS), the municipalities of Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam, the province of North Brabant and the VNG, we are working toward inclusive communication about sensors and associated systems in public space.
Simultaneously, a researcher at TU Delft conducted research to see if a more transparent government increases citizens’ trust.
This collaboration resulted in an unambiguous guideline that safeguards democratic values such as privacy and transparency, while promoting interaction, participation and voice.
