Visual Ethnography in Policy Design : Mapping Lived Experiences for Place-Based Policies

Newton, Radka and Rindt, Jekaterina and Calvo, Mirian (2025) Visual Ethnography in Policy Design : Mapping Lived Experiences for Place-Based Policies. In: Imagining Sustainable Developments, Discussing Education Futures, 2025-06-11 - 2025-06-13, Lancaster University.

Abstract

This presentation introduces the potential of visual ethnography as a transformative tool for evidence-based policy design, showcasing insights from the Lancaster University I-Connect team’s mapping of the Lancaster Greenway. Addressing the limitations of conventional structural and technical assessments, the project employs lived experience mapping to centre human-centric, participatory approaches in transport and urban planning. By integrating sensory and visual data, policymakers can gain a holistic understanding of user journeys, fostering inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven development. Through methods such as walkshops and rideshops, participants captured sensory-rich data using photo-elicitation, digital applications like Komoot, and analogue tools. This data was synthesised into interactive maps, offering both policymakers and citizens accessible, immersive visualisations of current issues. Participants’ experiences highlighted challenges of neglect, accessibility, inclusivity, and user satisfaction in active transport infrastructure, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and human-centred redesign. The Eden Morecambe project—a major sustainable tourism initiative—provided a case study emphasising the importance of addressing the “last mile” of travel. Insights revealed gaps in accessibility, infrastructure, and user experience, demonstrating the value of integrating lived experience data into policy-making processes. The session will explore cross-cutting themes, including the power of visual ethnography to shift policy discourse, enhance citizen engagement, and promote actionable, inclusive reforms. By prioritising people over infrastructure, this approach offers a replicable framework for creating policies that resonate with lived realities and ensure holistic regional development. Attendees will learn to apply visual ethnographic techniques to engage communities, elevate marginalised voices, and design policies with real-world impact.