User-centered design and agile programming methods in the process of creating a geoportal supporting public participation in urban planning

Marek Młodkowski
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
Faculty of Geographical and Geological Science
Poland

Dariusz Walczak
Poznań University of Economics and Business
Faculty of Informatics and Electronic Economy
Poland

Piotr Jankowski
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Geographical and Geological Science
San Diego State University, Department of Geography
Poland

Abstract

A dynamic development of technologies and applications such as Google Maps, Big Maps, Open Street Maps as well as an easy access to broadband Internet have led to the proliferation of map applications and their wide-spread use. Concurrently, a growing number of services provided by commercial entities and public administration use solutions based on interactive maps available through geoportals. This means that capabilities once available only to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists have become available to virtually every computer or mobile device user. Taking into account the diversity of Internet user skills we designed a geoportal enabling public participation in the land use development planning process, based on the methodology of user-centred design (UCD). In the development of the software we followed Agile set of principles (Agile Manifesto) which, thanks to an interactive approach, made it possible to quickly adjust the software functionalities in accordance with the user’s emerging needs. As a result of four usability tests, which have been conducted in accordance with the human-computer interaction research methods, a new, user-friendly geoportal was developed. The system provides functionalities that meet the needs of potential users in the context of online discussions with the use of interactive maps. The geoportal research reported herein was supported by a research project funded by the National Science Centre 2012/05/B/HS4/03850.

Keywords:

user-centred design; public participation GIS; agile programming; urban planning; human -computer interaction

Full Text:

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