Selecting Participatory Tools for Street Transformation: An Information-Based Framework Using the StreetForum Toolkit

Abstract

Selecting appropriate participatory tools for street transformation requires attention to the people involved, the characteristics of the place and the decisions under consideration. This study develops an information-based decision framework for selecting and combining tools from the StreetForum toolkit. Eight contextual categories structure the assessment, covering demographic and socioeconomic conditions, sociocultural characteristics, physical and environmental conditions, street functions and mobility, participation accessibility, governance, decision objectives and implementation capacity. The framework connects these categories with the documented purposes, interaction formats, participant requirements, and outputs of the tools. A qualitative matching procedure identifies relevant tools and examines their feasibility under local conditions. The assessment distinguishes a tool’s relevance to the decision from the practical conditions required for its use, including communication support, participant availability, facilitation, and access to suitable spaces or digital services. The analysis indicates that suitability depends on the configuration and purpose of an activity, while combinations can address complementary information needs and participation barriers. Implementation requires sufficient resources, trained facilitators, and clear arrangements for incorporating public input into decisions. The framework provides a structured basis for explaining tool choices and adapting participatory processes to local circumstances, with residents actively involved in shaping, implementing and reviewing proposed street transformation activities.