However, in reality, a lot of these projects are at best, not achieving their potential, or worse (and more commonly) failing, simply because of the approach to technology implementation. Simply put, we are implementing technology and then asking what can we do with it, rather than exploring what people who live in, or visit, the town in question, what then want and need. Therefore the team have developed a Methodology, based on our experiences, about how a SMART Town Plan can be developed that delivers what is needed by the people.
Our Methodology - POST - People Oriented Smart Towns - is a two phase process that can take a SMART Town project from origination, defining the requirements and baselining through to Smart Plan development, and then the iterative technology implementation, assessment and review of impact, refreshing the requirements and updating the plan.
Phase One - Research Phase - is where we develop a baseline understanding of the town, its history, its people, its pulse, and what it wants. Through four steps, we conduct background research, engage with Stakeholders, talk to residents, businesses and visitors and understand what makes that town unique. This results in a comprehensive list of people oriented requirements.
Phase Two - Action Phase - is where the technology solutions are identified, developed and prioritised. These are then developed into a Smart Plan which is communicated widely and used as the basis to implement the plan. This phase is iterative, where the implementation is constantly assessed against the anticipated improvements for the people within the town. The plan can then be reviewed and amended on a regular basis.
To read more about how POST can be applied to you project - view our guide here
This work is based on the huge amount of experience that K Sharp has in putting people at the forefront of technological development.
