Cool Xi’an: Gamified Surveys to Empower Resident Engagement in Urban Heat Adaptation

Extreme heat disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, which often lack awareness of adaptation options and face barriers to meaningful transformation due to top-down governance. Limited financial resources, restricted community capital, and insufficient integration of local perspectives into policymaking further hinder progress. To address these challenges, innovative and inclusive methods are needed to engage residents and incorporate their voices into adaptation solutions.

This study introduces “Cool Xi’an,” a gamified survey approach designed to empower residents in Xi’an, China, to explore, evaluate, and provide feedback on urban heat adaptation options. Over 500 surveys were collected, incorporating gamified mechanisms such as scoring systems, scenario simulations, and financial constraints. The survey enabled participants to simulate decision-making processes, weigh trade-offs, and rank preferences, while also capturing qualitative insights as residents shared reasoning and localized knowledge.

Preliminary findings indicate that gamification enhances participant engagement and understanding of adaptation options. This approach fosters acceptance and confidence in adaptation options and provides policymakers with actionable, context-specific data to guide inclusive decision-making.

By bridging the gap between vulnerable communities and urban governance, “Cool Xi’an” offers a scalable framework for strengthening cities’ capacity to address extreme heat challenges. This study demonstrates how integrating public input into adaptation planning can deliver more effective and equitable urban climate governance.