Mobile Apps in Planning Processes: Case study research into the implementation of mobile participation in infrastructure projects in the Netherlands

Abstract

This research explores the role and impact of contemporary mobile planning support applications in infrastructural interventions in Dutch cities. By examining the implementation of these apps in three local case studies, insight is gained into their key features, how effective they are and how they impact broader planning processes. The findings show that these apps, which include features for communication and stakeholder interaction, may significantly improve the quality and quantity of feedback from residents. Planning professionals use this to achieve detailed and well-informed planning processes as well as increased stakeholder satisfaction. The study contributes to the relatively new field of Planning Support Science (PSScience) by integrating the findings within existing models of conceptualizing digital tools in planning and participation. The main addition that emerges from the results and analysis, is the new conceptualization of ‘Designing users’. These users play a significant role in bridging the implementation gap between technical capabilities and practical implementation. They achieve this by existing at a central node between governments, contractors and stakeholders. This gives them an important role that has not been explicitly described in literature. In conclusion, mobile planning support applications are shown to offer significant benefits for improving communication and engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways. However, they are not a panacea that may solve all communicative and participatory challenges in the near future. Future research may address limitations and expand on the findings presented in the current research to achieve a more complete, user-focused, digital integration in planning.