NUDGe-CITy: An experimental method to co-design sustainable local development

The challenges associated with urbanization and other global issues, such as increasing hinterland depopulation, social and economic inequalities, climate change, and infrastructure deficiencies, require comprehensive strategies and approaches to sustainable development that go beyond traditional urban planning methods. Based on this principle, the significance of this research lies in the development of an experimental method for urban planning by developing a comprehensive and transdisciplinary approach that prioritizes sustainable local development strategies and the green economy paradigm. Therefore, the study aims to develop an experimental strategic method that integrates design thinking, behavioral economics and sciences to nudge cities towards implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating livable and healthy cities for current and future generations. Specific objectives include conducting a comprehensive literature review, developing a pilot project, and developing a scalable experimental method that can be associated with urban planning tactics for different urban contexts. The research methodology is qualitative and exploratory and includes data collection through focus groups and workshops with experts in environmental economics, behavioral economics and sciences, design, architecture, and urbanism. The research methodology includes four phases: Diagnosis, Development, Test, and Design. Specific research activities were conducted in each phase, including a literature review, development of a prototype methodological framework, testing it by organizing and moderating pilot research activities, and refining the approach until the outcome was achieved. The outcome is IDEAL, an experimental method that combines urbanism, design thinking, behavioral economics and sciences approaches to develop evidence-based interventions tailored to specific local contexts that support sustainable urban development. The IDEAL method includes five distinct phases: Identify, Define, Elaborate, Act, and Launch. It differs from traditional urban planning methods in that it places a greater emphasis on understanding and nudging citizen behavior to address urban challenges. Furthermore, the design thinking tools included in the method contribute to urban planning by providing a more human-centered approach to problem-finding, problem-setting and problem-solving, emphasizing collaboration and creativity. The IDEAL method can be used by urban planners, architects, and designers in offices, workshops, and teaching laboratories at universities. Guidelines for applying the method include conducting a stakeholder analysis, defining the urban challenge and target citizen behavior, designing behavior change and urban intervention strategies, and monitoring and scaling the solution. Finally, the study provides a valuable framework for urban planners and presents a roadmap for future research in this area.