WEEK 7

How can we effectively tackle the complex challenges faced by urban residents in modern cities?To address the types of wicked problems that people who live in modern cities experience, we can follow a structured approach that involves problem definition, user persona creation, storyboarding, and proposing solutions. 

 Definition:

User Survey and Interviews:

By conducting user surveys and interviews, we uncover a variety of problems faced by city residents. These range from the annoyance of dealing with daily traffic jams, made worse by long commutes and limited public transport options, to worries about air pollution caused by congested roads and industrial activities. The rapid growth of cities makes matters worse, leading to fewer green areas, encroachment on wildlife habitats, and increased pressure on infrastructure. Social inequalities, like unequal access to important services and opportunities, also create tensions in communities. Furthermore, poor waste management systems harm the environment, underlining the need to tackle these linked issues urgently

User Persona:

Name: Aisha Demographics:

• Age: 30
• Occupation: Marketing Executive
• Location: Kuala Lumpur
• Lifestyle: Active, environmentally conscious, tech-savvy

Needs and Challenges: Aisha values her time and health, but the daily commute drains her energy due to traffic jams.She worries about the environmental impact of urbanization and wants to live in a sustainable city. Aisha seeks accessible recreational spaces where she can unwind and connect with nature amidst the urban hustle.

Storyboard:

1. Morning Commute: Aisha navigates through bumper-to-bumper traffic, frustrated by the delay and pollution.
2. Workplace Challenges: Despite her efforts to work efficiently, Aisha finds it hard to concentrate due to the lingering stress from her commute.
3. Environmental Concerns: During lunch break, Aisha reads about the deteriorating air quality and its health implications, feeling concerned about the future.
4. Community Engagement: Aisha attends a local environmental awareness event after work, connecting with like-minded individuals and discussing sustainable solutions.

Solution:

Integrated Smart City Solutions:

1. Smart Transportation: Implementing intelligent traffic management systems, expanding public transportation networks, and promoting eco-friendly modes of commuting like cycling and walking.
2. Environmental Monitoring: Deploying air quality sensors across the city to provide real-time data and raising awareness about pollution's health impacts.
3. Community Empowerment: Engaging residents through educational programs, citizen science projects, and participatory planning to foster a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for the city's well-being.
4. Waste Reduction Initiatives: Introducing waste segregation schemes, promoting recycling, and investing in advanced waste-to-energy technologies to minimize landfill waste and promote circular economy principles.

References 

Aftabuzzaman M. Measuring traffic congestion-a critical review //30th Australasian transport research forum. – ETM GROUP London UK, 2007. – Т. 1. [PDF] australasiantransportresearchforum.org.au

Stokols D. et al. Psychology in an age of ecological crisis: From personal angst to collective action //American Psychologist. – 2009. – Т. 64. – №. 3. – С. 181.[PDF] escholarship.org

Dartmann, G., Schmeink, A., Lücken, V., Song, H., Ziefle, M., & Prestiflippo, G. (2021). Smart Transportation. CRC Press. Retrieved from https://books.google.ie/books?id=JOJBEAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Smart+Transportation&hl=&cd=1&source=gbs_api#v=onepage&q=Smart%20Transportation&f=false