METHODOLOGY

The overall process will follow a design thinking methodology, including participatory methods from a bottom up approach throughout. Design thinking methodology is used primarily by designers to solve complex problems and find appropriate solutions drawing from logic, imagination, intuition and systematic reasoning and testing to ensure that the outcome is suitable for the holistic needs of the end user(s). This process requires cross disciplinary discussion and encourages people to work outside of the silos of their discipline when undertaken correctly.  The process consists of six stages, which do not occur linearly, and are continually being developed throughout the project with many overlaps, which, for the clarity of the report has been simplified and grouped in to the six stages. The six stages are:

1. Understand - Questionnaires / Interviews and SWOT analysis 

2. Observe - Site visits and photos

3. Define - Analyse all of the data gathered to come up with a brief

4. Ideate - Design workshop

5. Prototype - Make models

6. Test - Public consultation, but also use this to generate more ideas