User experience based participatory urban design practices: case of İzmir

This thesis aims to analyze how participatory processes increase community engagement and enhance the role of the user in urban design processes. In this context, a mixed approach is used, blending qualitative and quantitative methods including spatial analysis, surveys, interviews and participatory design workshops. The research explores the effectiveness of participatory approaches and co-design tools in urban design, focusing on two case studies from İzmir, Turkey. The research is organized around three main questions: Which participatory design approaches effectively involve community members in urban planning? How do different co-design tools affect the effectiveness of participatory design processes? How do toolkit techniques shape user experiences in urban design? Key findings show that participatory design enables the creation of more inclusive, innovative and sustainable urban spaces by incorporating the knowledge and experience of community members. The study highlights the importance of user experience in co-design processes and reveals that well-designed interfaces and tools can increase the overall effectiveness of urban design projects by facilitating the active participation of citizens. The findings highlight the potential of participatory design to strengthen the social fabric of communities and increase individuals' sense of belonging to urban life. Through extensive analysis, this study provides valuable insights into the role of community engagement in creating livable and resilient urban environments. By examining the effects of different toolkit techniques on user experiences, the thesis aims to contribute to the development of more effective and userfriendly design processes. This research provides recommendations for developing more inclusive and innovative urban design practices and advocates for the wider application of participatory approaches in urban planning.