Using a 3D virtual exhibition for local plan consultations can offer several advantages for both local governments and the community. Here are some key reasons why it might be beneficial:
1. Increased Accessibility
- Convenience: Residents can participate from their homes, making it easier for people with mobility issues, tight schedules, or those living far from the consultation venue to engage.
- 24/7 Access: A virtual exhibition can be available at any time, allowing participants to review materials and provide feedback at their convenience, not just during scheduled hours.
2. Wider Engagement
- Broader Audience: Virtual exhibitions can reach a larger demographic, including younger generations who are more accustomed to digital interaction. This can also encourage participation from people who might not attend in-person events.
- Inclusivity: Those who may feel intimidated by formal consultation settings or public speaking may be more comfortable engaging in a virtual environment.
3. Cost and Time Efficiency
- Reduced Costs: Setting up a physical exhibition space, printing materials, and staffing consultations can be expensive. A virtual exhibition reduces these overheads.
- Easier Updates: If there are changes to the plan during the consultation period, digital materials can be quickly updated, whereas printed materials would need to be reprinted, saving time and money.
4. Interactive Feedback and Data Collection
- Real-time Feedback: Attendees can provide feedback through polls, surveys, and comment forms integrated directly into the exhibition. This allows for real-time data collection and analysis.
- Analytics: Embedding tools such as Google Analytics into virtual exhibitions can enable tracking of engagement metrics, such as how long users spend on different sections, which can offer insights into the most important issues to the community.
5. Sustainability
- Environmentally Friendly: Virtual consultations reduce the need for printed materials and travel to in-person events, contributing to a lower carbon footprint, aligning with sustainability goals often highlighted in local plans.
6. Adaptation to Modern Needs
- Post-Pandemic Flexibility: After COVID-19, there is greater acceptance of virtual meetings and events. A virtual 3D exhibition aligns with the shift toward remote participation in civic processes.
- Tech-Savvy Populations: With increasing digital literacy and the availability of high-speed internet, virtual consultations can cater to a tech-savvy population.
7. More Engaging Experiences
- Immersive Environments: 3D virtual environments can replicate the look and feel of real places, making the consultation process more engaging. This can encourage participation and ensure that residents stay engaged for longer periods.
- Customisation: Exhibitions can be tailored to the individual, offering personalised navigation options based on interests or geographical location.
8. Global Expertise
- Consult with Experts: Local plans often involve input from urban planners, environmental experts, and consultants. Virtual exhibitions can facilitate participation from international experts who may not be able to attend in person, bringing in diverse perspectives.
9. Pandemic and Future-Proofing
- Resilience: A virtual format ensures that consultations can continue uninterrupted by unexpected events like pandemics, extreme weather, or other crises that may disrupt in-person gatherings.
Summary
In summary, a virtual 3D exhibition for local plan consultations allows for broader and more effective engagement, enhances understanding through interactive visuals, and reduces costs, making it a highly practical option in today's increasingly digital world.
Brand-New Local Plan Virtual Exhibition Product
The team at JDi Solutions have been hard at work in recent months developing our own transformative Local Plan Virtual Exhibition Room product.
The digital solution is ideal for showcasing Local Development Plans in an engaging and accessible format, and the customised 3D virtual exhibition room product fully integrates with our time saving local plan-making consultation software OpusConsult.
The set-up of the council branded virtual exhibition room can be customised to showcase consultation materials through pop up banners, table plans and videos, adding to the users experience whilst providing the opportunity to access all the materials and documentation required to ensure a robust consultation.
Our USP: The interactive comment tool throughout documents displayed in the virtual exhibition, allows consultation feedback to be captured and saved within OpusConsult for efficient analysis and accurate reporting.
Want to uncover more about our customisable Local Plan Exhibition Room product? Get in touch to schedule a demo.