September 201919 Vetaphone The Pioneers in Surface Treatment TechnologyEngineers have traditionally played the role of Project Designer, engaging the community for feedback and endorsement only. What would happen if we put the power of design in the hands of the end-user ­ The Community? Who better to craft their local spaces than the ones who live, work and play there?Authorities can commission a road , a rail line , a gas or water pipeline ,but, in the absence of community feedback, they can't hope to properly understand the effects of that infrastructure unless they consult the people who will actually use it i.e. drive the road, take the train, use the gas or the water. Rewind even further, and authorities may discover that these `local experts' could have provided vital inputs into the challenges and intricacies of the need for, and design of, such infrastructure , including the landscape and local user issues. This way of thinking recognises that the most powerful resources in the room are not always the engineers. Truth be known, engineers have a tendency to focus on the technical outcomes at the expense of the human experiences.The reality is that the community understands the needs and nuances of their city spaces best. They not only understand the city's culture and build environment; they define it. Their daily experiences and observations as parents, professionals, students and artisans together tell a story of what the city needs to thrive. Who best then to engage in its formation than the citizens who make it come to life?"Engineers have traditionally played the role of Project Designer, engaging the community for feedback and endorsement only." Although our heads are important, have we forgotten to also think with our hearts? All too often, engineers and their designs consider only the obvious: safety and build ability. But what might it be like to use that same infrastructure, particularly if you are frail or elderly; have a child in tow; use a wheelchair or don't speak the language?This way of thinking recognises that the most powerful resources in the room are not always the engineers.Truth be known, engineers have a tendency to focus on the technical outcomes at the expense of the human experiences.Powerful Examples of Forgetting the End-user AboundThe Myki system in Melbourne, which was originally an innovative move to create a paperless ticketing system, BY KYLIE COCHRANE, GLOBAL LEAD, COMMUNICATION & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, AURECON GROUP BRAND (PTE) LTDSHOULD WE TRUSTCXO NSIGHTSENGINEERS TO DESIGN INFRASTRUCTURE?
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