We would very much like you to help us with our research for a project-based at Northumbria University. This will be a set of one-on-one experiments and two interviews. The first interview will involve discussing your experiences with public consultations as a member of the public and your understanding of the construction industry. The one-on-one experiment, the comparative method experiment will have participants test a digital method used for public engagement, and have those participants explain their actions and understanding of the method in a think-aloud activity. Finally, the participant will finish off the experiment with an interview about how they found the method, and what information was understood and how it might be improved.

Why do we want to talk to you?

This project is interested in investigating how digital consultations can be improved for the public, as a stakeholder of the design and planning process. We have identified concerns with the lack of knowledge that the public has with planning decisions and the built environment as a whole. Usually relying on information given by planners at a consultation, or information discussed in the media. This comparative method experiment will look at various methods that this can be tackled.

What will you be asked to do?

This activity will be split into several stages, with the cross comparative method alongside the interview(s) will being a combined 60 minutes.
If during our conversation we touch on something you don't want to talk about, please say so and we will respect your wishes.

Will the information you give be confidential?

Yes, everything discussed will be confidential. We would like to record notes from the interview to make sure that we remember the vital points of the interview. All information will be stored anonymously and securely at Northumbria University. No one apart from the researcher will know what has been said.

Will you be able to change your mind about taking part?

Yes, you can withdraw at any point. If you feel that you no longer wish to take part at any time just say so and we will stop and destroy all records of what you have said. If after the interview has taken place you change your mind and would like to withdraw, you can do so within 15 days of the interview. Simply contact the researchers using the information provided at the end of this document, and we will destroy all records of what you have said.

If you have any questions about the interview or the research project please contact:

Megan Doherty

PhD student in Computing and Information Sciences,

Northumbria Social Computing

Room 310

Rutherford Building

Northumbria University

NE1 8ST

megan.m.doherty@northumbria.ac.uk