Make these potentially complicated and abstract technologies understandable for those targeted by engagement activities. Show how their use is relevant to people’s lives.
a. Provide examples, and stories, to make the topic real for people. Show real-world impacts that matter to people.
b. Focus on the opportunities these technologies open up, as well as the risks.
c. Meet people where they are in terms of their current knowledge and attitudes. Many people are distrusting of these technologies, and of public sector bodies.
d. Use plain English, and explain key terms from the outset.
e. Enable residents to question information and develop their understanding.
f. Use creative methods to help messages resonate.
g. Think carefully about how much participants need to know about how these systems work, including the data used and how tools are trained. Some forms of involvement will need more knowledge than others.