POS Design 101

We have developed the Good Design-led Framework based on an extensive literature review, observations, and inspiration from the participatory driven POS field studies and workshops. This framework serves as a set of guidelines for designing a desirable POS within the local context, specifically focusing on the 6 common POS types in Hong Kong, including Sitting-Out Area, Public Play Space, Plaza, Public Park, Waterfront Promenade, and Country Park.

With references to the Quality Public Open Space Dimensions defined by UN-Habitat Dimensions for Quality Public Open Space Assessment, Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, as well as other emerging trends in POS design, the framework provides comprehensive guidance across the important aspects of POS design: Design for People, Design for Environment and Design for Future Planning. Under these 3 Aspects, we have further defined 10 Good Design-led Values.

Designing a POS takes time and requires the collective effort of many people. We understand that different needs arise at each stage of a project. The POSsible! Design Guide will facilitate your POS design needs along the way with the POSsible! Design Thinking Toolkit. Refer to the table below to locate your current and upcoming work stages and identify which tools can help!

There are 6 main categories of Personas related to POS. All these Personas are needed to co-create a desirable POS. Understanding their motivations, roles and responsibilities, and superpowers will help you communicate and coordinate the design, construction, and maintenance of a POS.

All Personas have their own superpowers that resolve user needs and overcome technical difficulties in different aspects. The superpowers are their strengths and functions that you can rely on whenever you experience any challenges in a POS project. When you encounter any Persona, refer to this Chapter to make the best use of their superpowers, align interests and create synergy.

6 Personas

The Magnet

The Conductor

The Regular

The Mediator

The Genie

The Sage

Spectrum of POS in Hong Kong

The concept of POS is broad and complex. While it commonly refers to a variety of open areas within the urban environment that are essentially free for the general public to access, use, and enjoy, it also has different interpretations depending on the context. Dimensions such as scale, ownership, facilities provisions, functions and activities permitted in the space are often used to frame the definitions of POS. On some occasions, there could be overlapping or even conflicting interpretations of POS, each with different stipulations on POS design, provision and management.