ABSTRACT
This chapter reflects on how digital technologies can create opportunities for the public to engage in place-based discussions. It engages with the overall design of the piloted technologies, and discusses the trade-offs with technologies when particular design decisions are taken. The research pilots demonstrate that digital technologies can elicit comments on different topics, and that through using different types of planning technologies, responses can be better aligned to the different requirements of that particular engagement. Rather than digital technologies having a neutral role in planning participation, they take on an active role in shaping the responses they facilitate. Through the combination of digital and non-digital, JigsAudio aided understanding of how the two might be used to encourage and enhance participation in planning. It created a way for people to use familiar methods in putting their thoughts across whilst not being required to use something that they would consider a computer.
