Viewfinder: Bristol’s YouTube – The Future of Consultation?

Viewfinder Using the principles of popular websites that encourage user generated content Allows two way communication Humanises the consultation process Using contemporary methods of communication

Engaging young people Traditional methods of participation not appealing to young people We involved young people in the development of the site Formed an advisory group from members of the Bristol Young People’s forum Website built and hosted by Public-I Uses open source technology so low cost

Objectives Can some of the popularity of UG websites be transferred to council consultations? Are people comfortable using video technology to engage with the council and each other? Encourage participation from those who don’t get involved in traditional methods Humanise the consultation process

Influencing decisions Included in reports, but decision makers can also view the feedback Outcomes can then be fed back on the site in an easily accessible way Viewers absorb information without having to read lots of text

Evaluation Evaluation questionnaire on the website Young People’s forum evaluated it It is a Beta site, so able to continually change it in response to feedback

Has it worked? Many people have chosen the ‘text’ route Good way to feed out information Improvements to design and user friendliness Potential for lots more publicity – looking for a catchy topic Has encouraged people who don’t normally participate

What next? Has potential to grow Incorporating it with other consultation tools – one website for people to feed in to decision makers in the way THEY choose Not intended to replace traditional methods

Contacts