By Betsy Logan, AICP

Imagine residents walking through their neighborhood and using AR to view potential developments, parks, or revitalized areas. It is an excellent tool for community outreach and engagement, as it allows residents to visualize the impact of the proposed development on their surroundings. MR technology integrates VR and AR, enabling collaborative planning processes that ensure diverse voices and perspectives shape planning decisions. Using XR technologies, planners can create more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant communities that align with professionals’ visions and residents’ needs. Additionally, integrating XR technologies into planning improves communication, fosters community engagement and empowerment, and enables iterative design processes.