“Let’s Talk Tech Hough” is a community based demonstration project under the auspices of the Internet Of Things Collaborative (IOTC) between Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University.
Let’s Talk Tech Hough is an authentic, people-driven community engagement process in which residents are at the center of innovation in their neighborhoods. Rather than impose technology and digital-based solutions from expert research onto a community, we seek to invert the traditional research-to-community adoption process by first engaging and empowering the community to determine and drive the types of digital solutions, devices and applications they need to improve their lives.
In the community
In partnership with DigitalC and the Ward 7 Councilman’s Office, the IOTC formed a core team to recruit and train ten community residents (Ambassadors) to find resident hosts for “kitchen table talks” where groups of 5-15 residents could gather to share and discuss. These group conversations were held in the Hough area over a 6 month period, involving over 300 residents and including meetings at schools and senior housing locations. The basic structure of each conversation was adapted from a change theory and method called Appreciative Inquiry. Residents discussed their fondest memories of living in Hough, the core strengths or assets that help Hough be at its best, their dream images of a flourishing Hough in the future and then how they technology or digital-based devices or solutions could help make that ideal future a reality. Written comments and drawings by residents during the table talks and facilitator notes were summarized by the core team into six opportunity areas:
- Ensure Safe Neighborhoods
- Live in a Green and Energy Efficient Community
- Make Technology Most Useful
- Enjoy Walkable Neighborhoods
- Thrive through Good Health & Well-Being
- Prosper through Economic Growth
Come together to make positive change
These six opportunity areas were then the focus of a Let’s Talk Tech Hough Community Day held on September 7, 2019 from 8:30 am to 2 pm. Approximately 40 residents convened with the IOTC project core team and the Ward 7 Coucilman to brainstorm ideas for change initiatives in each opportunity area. A follow-up meeting with representatives from all six working groups will occur in November where concrete next steps will be determined to link these resident groups with civic, private and university resources to further the applications of digital-based solutions for a better Hough community. At least one more community day is also being planned to engage more senior residents who were unable to attend the first session due to last minute transportation problems.
Click here to a see a highlight video from the Let’s Talk Tech Hough Community Day.