Quantitative methods of measuring reformative components in urban public parks

Technology allows for a more nuanced approach to public green space design

Advancements in qualitative testing methods are providing valuable insight into how individuals respond to green space design elements. This study utilized three of these techniques in evaluating the response of university students to pictures of small parks. Study participants received overall instruction to consider how likely they would be to relax in the displayed environments. The initial strategy called for participants to rate each photo, which varied on in vegetation show, on a 0-10 scale. A second method described as ‘eye tracking’ which measured participant viewing patterns and specifically which environmental features garnered the most attention. A third method was choice-based conjoint (CISC) analysis through participant response to an electronic questionnaire which called for park features to be prioritized.