Why is it useful?
Crowdsourcing harnesses the collective intelligence and creativity of online users to generate concepts and ideas that address specific transportation (or other planning) related issues. It allows for a much deeper level of involvement by providing an opportunity for the public to develop solutions as well as comment and vote to determine which one best meets the needs of the overall project.
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has experimented with crowdsourcing to solicit ideas and designs from the public for better bus stop, as a way to encourage public transit ridership. In a 2009 contest, UTA used crowdsourcing to help design a bus stop for the University of Utah campus’ business loop. The transit agency received 260 submissions and more than 11,000 votes.
How is it organized?
A sponsoring agency will identify a specific problem or issue that needs to be addressed, provide guidelines (explain constraints) for developing potential solutions, set up a web-based platform to receive public ideas and comments, and publicize the effort to the public.
Who participates and how?
Participation is open to anyone with an Internet connection. There are typically no restrictions (other than appropriateness) on submitting designs.
What are the costs?
Financial costs are minimal. There will be labor resources needed to monitor the effort.
What are the challenges?
Dominance of professional-quality 3D renderings may deter amateur designers from the process. In addition, building a vibrant online community can be difficult, and once people start visiting a site, retaining their interest is a continuing challenge.
