Activating Survey

Clearly determine:

• Why is the survey being conducted?
• What information is needed?
• How will the results be used?
• Which topics should be discussed?
• Which people should be reached?
• Which groups are often underrepresented in participation processes?
• Which potential conflicts or sensitive topics exist?

It is helpful to decide in advance:

• Which questions can be openly discussed
• Which conditions, regulations, or limitations already exist

These aspects should be communicated transparently.

Determine where the survey will take place.

The selected area should:

• remain manageable from an organizational perspective
• reflect a variety of perspectives
• include relevant places and affected groups

Consider:

• Where do people spend their time?
• Which locations are suitable for conversations?
• Which groups are difficult to reach?

Common approaches include:

• door-to-door conversations
• surveys in public spaces
• conversations near schools, supermarkets, or public transport stops

Before conducting the survey, it is useful to gain an initial understanding of the area.

Possible sources include:

• neighborhood walks
• conversations with local initiatives or community organizations
• existing data or planning documents

Pay particular attention to:

• meeting places
• conflict areas
• barriers
• different uses of public space
• social structures

Conversations should remain open and encourage people to share their experiences.

Suitable opening questions:

• “How do you experience this neighborhood today?”
• “What works well here?”
• “What challenges do you face in your daily life?”
• “What changes would you like to see?”
• “Are there places you avoid? Why?”
• “What should definitely be preserved?”

Avoid:

• leading questions (“Don’t you agree that...?”)
• technical jargon
• complicated wording
• yes/no questions as the main conversation format

Also prepare:

• a short explanation of the project
• answers to potential questions
• strategies for dealing with criticism or frustration

As part of the district festival in Herberhausen, the custom-developed card game "From A to B" was used to engage citizens in conversations about their everyday mobility. The aim was to explore participants' daily travel behaviour, experiences, routines, and challenges. Rather than asking abstract questions about mobility, the method was based on participants' personal everyday experiences.

Participants were invited to reconstruct the previous day's journey using a set of illustrated cards. They placed cards representing different locations, activities, and modes of transport in chronological order to map out their individual travel routes. Throughout the process, the facilitator asked open-ended follow-up questions about topics such as the reasons for choosing particular modes of transport, challenges encountered along certain routes, or wishes for future improvements.

As the cards were arranged together, a visual representation of each participant's daily mobility emerged step by step, making their travel behaviour easy to understand. The completed card layouts were photographed for documentation and later analysed and compared.

The active interview was designed not only to collect answers to predefined questions but also to encourage participants to reflect on and share their own experiences in detail. Recounting a typical day provided a familiar and accessible starting point, making it easier to discuss the complex topic of mobility. At the same time, the visual representation created a shared point of reference that encouraged follow-up questions and helped reveal connections between different aspects of participants' daily routines.

Participants found it much easier to talk about concrete everyday situations than to answer general questions about their mobility behaviour. The cards encouraged natural conversations, during which additional challenges and needs often emerged that had not been anticipated beforehand. The implementation also showed that the method requires sufficient time, as each participant's daily routine is explored individually. In particular, the follow-up questions proved highly valuable, providing deeper insights into participants' motivations, habits, and decision-making.

Create a calm and comfortable setting where participants can concentrate on reflecting on their daily routine. The cards should be intuitive, easy to understand, and logically organised so they can be used without difficulty. As the method relies on personal interaction, it is recommended to work with one participant or a small group at a time. Sufficient time should also be allocated for follow-up questions, as these often generate the most meaningful insights.

Inform residents about the survey in advance.

Important information includes:

• Who is conducting the survey?
• Why is it being conducted?
• How will the results be used?
• How long does a conversation take?
• Is participation voluntary?

Possible communication channels:

• letters
• posters
• social media
• local institutions

Conversations usually take place directly within the participants’ living environment.

A respectful and open introduction is essential.

Example:

“Hello, we are currently speaking with residents about their experiences and wishes for the neighborhood. Would you have about 20–30 minutes for a conversation?”

Important considerations:

• be friendly and approachable
• do not pressure anyone into participating
• respect refusals
• communicate clearly and understandably

Conversations follow the interview guide but should feel natural and conversational.

Interviewers should listen actively and allow space for personal experiences and additional topics.

Important principles:

• do not interrupt
• do not judge responses
• ask follow-up questions
• take uncertainties and concerns seriously

Helpful follow-up questions:

• “Could you describe that in more detail?”
• “How does this affect your daily life?”
• “How long have you experienced this situation?”
• “What would be a good solution from your perspective?”

Conversations typically last around 20–30 minutes.

Ideally, two people work together:

• one person leads the conversation
• one person documents the responses

At the end of the conversation, participants should be invited to follow-up activities or future participation opportunities.

Important:

• explain clearly what happens next
• avoid creating unrealistic expectations
• communicate future participation options transparently

Example:

“The results will be collected and presented at a public event where the topics can be discussed further.”

After the conversations, statements and observations are collected and structured.

Possible categories include:

• mobility and transport
• safety
• quality of public spaces
• green spaces
• social issues
• accessibility and barriers

Important considerations:

• identify recurring themes
• preserve differing perspectives
• acknowledge conflicts and contradictions

Consider:

• Which topics were mentioned most frequently?
• Which needs or conflicts became visible?
• Which ideas and suggestions emerged?
• Which groups or perspectives may still be missing?

The results should be presented publicly.

It should become clear:

• what was heard
• which topics will be addressed further
• what the next steps are

The event should encourage dialogue rather than simply presenting findings.

Source: https://mobilitaetsplanung-hessen.de/methodenkoffer-partizipative-planung/