A view at eye level
What users feel, where they are
“Feeling hot in the city? Let us know!” In summer 2023, Bordeaux Métropole put the question directly to users, on 11 sites, through QR codes stuck on the spot. A study carried out with Verdi had already modelled an Urban Thermal Comfort Indicator (ICTU) from weather data readings, and it was following on from it that we were commissioned to bring a view at eye level.
For this preliminary study, we chose on-site, asynchronous and quick measurements: users answer on the spot, by QR code, whenever they choose, and the system stays at a controlled cost.
Linking perception and place
Mobile questionnaire reached by QR code
We started with a literature review, to identify the dimensions to cross-reference with perceived temperature. We quickly settled on a multi-site system where users who wish to can share how they perceive the temperature, and how they rate the place where they are.
The protocol led to a mobile-friendly questionnaire reached by QR code, paired with a prize draw to motivate respondents. The welcome screen announced two minutes to answer. The place was rated on several scales, including air circulation, presence of water, accessible shade and comfort of the facilities.
Choosing the sites with the Métropole's experts
A site-by-site feasibility study
We carried out the feasibility study with Bordeaux Métropole’s experts. With them, we looked for contrasting sites, for example: close to the Garonne, heavily shaded or in full sun, green or heavily paved.
Then, for each site, we worked out where to install the QR codes and identified the people who could grant the permissions.
QR codes stuck to the ground
The Métropole's teams designed, installed and publicised the system
Bordeaux Métropole’s communication teams designed the visual, the tagline and the QR code, printed on resin-coated stickers. The Métropole’s technical teams install more than 45 stickers on the 11 sites. In one morning.
A campaign across Bordeaux Métropole’s communication channels made the initiative known. Data collection was open from 7 August to 15 September 2023.
Does the system hold up?
Descriptive and inferential statistics
We tracked the responses coming in from the different sites every week, and by the end of data collection we had around 500 usable responses.
For the analysis, we mixed descriptive and inferential statistics to look for the confounding factors in perceived temperature, site by site and then across sites. The overall analysis of the responses served first to assess the quality of the system. The preliminary study asked a question of method: can perceptions collected on the spot, by QR code, inform urban planning projects?
