The Use of Situated Visualized Data to Nudge Visitor’s Paths: a Case Study at the Detmold Design Week 2023

In light of the rising importance of data transparency and open data guidelines (e.g. OGP Local1), Open Data Portals became standard in Smart City strategies (Van Oosterhout et al. 2020). While it is clear that these tools can serve as a valuable way for internal administration processes, at the same time it is critical that data is not only openly available following standard formats limited to computer-readability but above all also largely understandable for average citizens. For this reason, it is researched how open data can not only be made available but also visualized in an accessible way to all citizens. Moreover, the aim is to simultaneously boost private behavior changes which are inevitable to achieve locally-set goals in sustainability (Barr et al. 2011, TWI 2050 2018). To do so, we draw on the principle of nudging. Following the tradition of behavioral economics, nudging is defined as a positive intervention that induces a voluntary change in behavior without resulting in external (negative) consequences (Thaler & Sunstein 2008) and thus contrasting interventions like commands or bans because freedom of choice is maintained (Mongin & Cozic 2020, Ranchordás 2020). This paper discusses an installation that explored the potential of combining nudging and situated visualization to improve data transparency and support individual decision-making in urban public spaces. During the Detmold Design Week 2023, an event showcasing creative works in various locations, the visitor numbers at nine locations were captured using computer vision. Visitors then received on-site suggestions in real-time for the next place to visit based on the occupancy. A survey was conducted to evaluate visitors’ willingness to follow these data-informed suggestions. Findings highlight the importance of balancing between simplicity, relevance and privacy in data visualization. The results of the field test provide the foundation for the installation of interactive interfaces in Detmold's public spaces in the next years, in particular for communicating smart city topics focusing on mobility and urban climate protection.