5. Monitoring: making impact visible

Monitoring means documenting progress and impact so that an initiative can learn, communicate and make political arguments. It does not need to be complicated – and it doesn’t have to be left to experts. Self-initiated research has its own validity: it shows decision-makers where to look and lets them see a street through a different lens.

Connect data and storytelling.
— Zala, Prostorož

Screenshot of the LTN tool showing a low-traffic neighbourhood scenario for Vienna. — The LTN tool helps test traffic filters and diversions in a neighbourhood scenario. Source: A/B Street LTN Tool.

Four ways to collect data

Prostorož in Ljubljana combines different methods depending on the question – and on the people it wants to reach.

1. Surveying

Ask people directly how they use a place. When Prostorož surveyed visitors to a health care clinic about how they got there, the answer was clear: 64% came by car – a strong starting point for a discussion about access and mobility.

2. Mapping

Let people mark places on a map: where it is too hot, too dangerous, too loud – or where they like to spend time. Free apps such as Canvis or Mapperoni make hot spot mapping easy. Timing matters: if you are mapping urban heat, launch the survey on days above 30 °C, when people feel the problem most.

3. Collective mind maps

Collecting ideas together on a large sheet is fun and brings out a wide range of views. Keep in mind that the results are harder to translate into formal data.

4. Combining physical and digital

Put something into the street and ask for feedback at the same time. In Ljubljana, test benches were set up and passers-by could submit feedback on them – the intervention itself became the survey.

Observing life on the street

Counting and observing show what actually happens in a street – not just what people say.

What can be measured

Simple indicators work well for superblocks, tactical urbanism and street design:

Traffic volumes: How many cars, bicycles and pedestrians use a section?
Speed and conflicts: Where do people drive too fast, and where do dangerous situations arise?
Use for spending time: Do people stop or sit down, do children play, do conversations emerge?
Parking: Which spaces are actually used, and when?
Climate and comfort: Is there shade, urban heat, greenery, drinking water or noise reduction?
Support: How many people sign, attend meetings, share content or offer help?
Political progress: What motions, discussions, commitments or administrative reviews are taking place?

Indicator	Simple method	Good result format
Through traffic	Count at two fixed time windows	Figure, photo, map
Pedestrian flows	Counts in 15-minute intervals, incl. direction	Flow map
Quality of stay	On-site observation, mapping where people stay	Short notes, quotes, map
Parking	Occupancy counts at different times	Occupancy chart
Heat and comfort	Hot spot mapping, shade map, photo points	Heat map, before-and-after photo pair
Support	Conversations, signatures, meetings	List with roles and contacts

From data to change

Data alone rarely convinces anyone. Prostorož’s approach combines three steps: activating, envisioning and patiently waiting. In one action, kayak stands, a red fabric roof and a few folding chairs turned five parking spaces into a place to stay. Paint can rezone a street for a day. And visualisations that respond directly to what the research revealed make the case far better than a table of numbers.

Four lessons from Ljubljana

Connect data and storytelling. Numbers become powerful when they are part of a story people recognise.
Combine physical interventions with long-term visions. A temporary action shows what is possible; the vision explains where it leads.
Steal from the “bad side”. Use the tools of marketing: strong images, simple messages, good timing.
Take a lot of photos. You will need them – for reports, social media, press and political talks.

A minimal monitoring plan

Document the baseline: photos, a map, a short problem note and an initial count.
Define a target: for example, less through traffic, more safe crossings or more supporters.
Choose a method: survey, mapping, traffic or pedestrian count, observation, street radar or before-and-after photos.
Pick the right moment: heat on hot days, traffic at rush hour, play after school.
Assign responsibilities: one person coordinates data, one photos, and one quotes and contacts.
Present results: One page is often enough – problem, method, key figures, photos and demand.
Learn: What needs adjusting in your demand, action or alliance-building?

Monitoring as mobilisation

Monitoring can itself be an action. A street traffic count gets people talking. Test benches with a feedback form invite passers-by to have their say. A map of hot or dangerous spots can attract new supporters – and every person who joins a count is a potential new active ally.

Tools from the series

Surveys and hot spot mapping following the Prostorož approach
Pedestrian flow counts and parking occupancy observations
Public Life app for observing life on the street
Traffic counts following the Changing Cities approach
Conversation guides for businesses and local actors
Leiwander Straßen Radar for quick on-site assessment
Superblock base map and LTN tool for spatial scenarios
Before-and-after documentation for tactical urbanism actions

Bookmarks