Public Participation through Digital Storytelling in Transportation Planning

Abstract

In the dynamic realm of transportation engineering, there is a growing interest in innovative methodologies that have the potential to revolutionize how we monitor, influence, and control road-network users' behavior, thereby bringing about positive change. Digital storytelling (DST) emerges as a promising avenue in this progression, with the capacity to significantly impact human behavior by engaging emotions and addressing non-conscious levels. This paper explores the underutilization of DST in the transportation and road safety sectors, attributed to inherent conservatism and reliance on technical solutions. The research objectives aim to harness the potential of DST to positively influence road-network users' behavior, aligning technical approaches with holistic methodologies. The study area encompasses Bangladesh, leveraging the country's significant social media presence for data collection and impact measurement. Through the exploration of various forms of digital storytelling, including infographics, social media posts, photographs, and videos, targeted at pedestrians and drivers, the research seeks to understand their emotional impact and engagement across platforms. The findings aim to contribute to more informed policy-making in transportation engineering, envisioning a future where AI and GIS-based mapping accelerate the creation of narratives through digital storytelling. Additionally, the study sets the stage for future research on the integration of digital storytelling with emerging technologies like Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology, ultimately improving road safety and efficiency. The thesis structure encompasses seven chapters, delving into literature review, study area, methodology, analysis, and implications. By bridging the gap between planners and public expectations, this research strives to propel transportation engineering toward user-centric decision making processes that drive positive changes in road-network user behavior and system sustainability.