An online virtual 3-D world, Second Life allows users to create their own “sims” (virtual characters), explore the virtual world, meet and interact with others, buy or rent land, build objects and offer services, and develop relationships.
Design Charrettes are intensive workshops aimed at solving a specific design or planning challenge. These workshops often bring together design professionals, officials, landowners and community members to consider the issue and create a plan.
MindMixer is a “virtual town hall,” providing a forum for communities to share ideas, discuss, and create plans for the future. Without the time and place constraints, citizens can share ideas online, and leaders can gain input from their communities
Big Box Evaluator is a web-based, interactive resource for citizens and government officials who want to know more about the potential positive and negative impacts of “big box” retail stores on local communities.
Digital storytelling tools make traditional stories available in digital form, or using computer-based tools - whether photographs, video, audio recordings, online postings, or mixed media.
Priority Spend is web-based software to help groups of people prioritize decisions about proposed actions, spending, or other choices. It allows participants to assign weighted values to multiple choices, for more nuanced decisions than simple polls.
Modeled after traditional storytelling gatherings, Story Circles allow people to come together to share experiences and stories. This process can help communities explore and identify unifying values, which can inform the planning process.