His findings reveal that even subtle changes in public consultations can foster empathy, improve collaboration, and ultimately create more livable cities.
“When residents are confronted with technical details or legal constraints, they often feel excluded or not knowledgeable enough to contribute,” says Swiderski. “But if you ask them about their fondest memories of a place, they open up immediately. They start sharing experiences and looking at their neighborhood in a new light.”
From data to dialogue
Swiderski conducted fieldwork in a mass housing neighborhood in Warsaw, Poland. Residents first shared their memories online, mapping them onto their local area. Later, he designed a playful game in which residents, officials, and activists walked through the neighborhood, read each other’s memories, and added their own stories.
“Sharing memories creates empathy,” he explains. “It increases people’s willingness to listen and collaborate. Even the most ordinary spaces turn out to be full of hidden meaning, becoming part of our shared heritage.”
Towards better decision-making
The study highlights how city authorities can use playful and memory-based approaches to strengthen citizen participation. “When the process is enjoyable, people feel welcome and capable of contributing,” says Swiderski. “This shift can help foster social cohesion and more inclusive decision-making.”
His findings suggest that traditional, often complex public consultations may soon be replaced by participatory models that resonate with more community members. This, in turn, could lead to more harmonious cities and significantly improved quality of life.