Geodesign and its application in the public sector or the public/private interface is more critical than realized by the clients and companies to whom it is providing a service. Think of Geodesign as an angel investor, anyone can see the benefit, but not everyone knows, or understands where the benefit comes from. Geodesign methods and theories, as well as supporting GIS technologies, are helping to broaden views, increase cross discipline collaboration, and enhance business development efforts. Geodesign frames out the components of decision making for both the client and the consultant supporting them. How is this accomplished? It is done buy utilizing the three-part Geodesign framework process and the associated components.
In my professional capacity, I frequently hear public sector clients speak about how they are offered “pie in the sky” solutions by consultants that have no real-world applicability. This is often due to the lack of engagement, management of stakeholder expectations, identification of conflict points, and holistic integration of planning factors including public funding requirements/limitations, as well as others. Additionally, clients seem reluctant to engage “stakeholders” because they fear that broad public input may prolong or complicate the “planning” process.
