Can Gamification Bring New Voices to the Planning Process?

A new Internet-based game hopes to expand the allure of civic engagement by making planning playful. Trial runs in Detroit and Salem, Massachusetts have already shown promise in attracting new voices to the planning process.

1 minute read

March 29, 2013, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"The goal of PlanIt--a game built around local issues that’s now been played in several cities--is to engage people more, challenge them for their thoughts, and bring new residents into the process," writes Ben Schiller.

"It works like this: A group--say, a planning commission or small business--puts up a few hundred dollars for community investment. Players register on the PlanIt platform, and take part in three 'missions.' To win pledgeable 'coins,' they complete 'challenges' within each mission. Then the projects with the most pledged coins get real cash to spend," he explains.

With games completed in Philadelphia, Detroit and Salem, Massachusetts, PlanIt has already proven adept at luring new voices to the planning process. "58% of the 4,000 players in Salem, and 70% of the players in Detroit, had never participated formally before."

"But the point isn’t just engagement: [Eric Gordon, who leads Emerson’s Engagement Game Lab], says the games are also a way to educate about local issues, gain feedback from people who actually experience them on a daily basis (PlanIt produces comprehensive post-game reports), and to encourage dialogue."

Thursday, March 28, 2013 in Fast Company Co.Exist

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

View from back of classroom of elementary school children at desks with raised hands engaged in class.

Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs

Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.

7 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Anchorage Public Transportation

Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen

After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.

December 9 - Anchorage Daily News

Tall mature green trees lining a concrete walkway next to a street with multistory apartment buildings on other side and sun filtering through the leaves.

Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges

Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.

December 9 - Cal Poly News