Socio-technical interactions in a complex system

Urban planning decision-makers face wicked problems and are required to make complex decisions regarding the functioning of cities. Spatial decision-support tools (SDST) have the potential to change the way decisions are being made and play an important role in shaping future cities. Yet, decision-makers experience challenges around SDST. This project analyses which lessons can be drawn for the wider community from New Zealand’s urban planning context and SDST developed for New Zealand’s cities on i) how SDST might influence decision-making, ii) what are the challenges toward the appropriate adoption of spatial tools, and iii) how data, technical and procedural issues may influence the adoption of SDST in planning practices. It contributes an integrated view drawing from literature on complex systems, theories of socio-technical interactions and synoptic planning practices based on engagement, and a survey of urban planning stakeholders. The key challenges identified are around technological and user subjectivity and bespoke recognition of local contexts. These can be addressed through flexible SDST developed with stakeholder engagement and by viewing SDST in a wider, spatial socio-technical system to fully leverage their potential and ensure improved urban outcomes accounting for the local context.

Related publication
Schindler, M., Dionisio, R. and Kingham, S. (2020): Challenges of Spatial Decision-Support Tools in Urban Planning: Lessons from New Zealand’s Cities Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 146(2). DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)UP.1943-5444.0000575.