We are pleased to share our latest report, “Taking IoT for a Walk: Public Attitudes regarding Sensors and IoT in Public Spaces.” This report explores public perceptions of IoT technologies in urban environments.

Our project aimed to use design fiction and walking workshops to understand public perceptions of Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor-based technology. We walked with people around the places they live to learn their views on IoT technologies in their towns and cities. Regularly encountering, or ‘spotting’, real and fictional IoT in situ. We wanted to hear what the public knew and/or imagined about how these technologies, both real and fictional, worked, who was responsible for them and the data they created, and how they wanted to talk about associated hopes and concerns regarding privacy and security. We hoped to contribute to the understanding of public acceptance of IoT, and to explore whether members of the public believed IoT could improve urban living. The project, and resulting report also aimed to provide actionable recommendations for local authorities to ensure ethical and effective IoT deployment.

The report reveals that while many people see the potential benefits of IoT technologies in urban spaces, concerns about privacy, security, and transparency remain significant barriers to acceptance. To address these issues, we recommend that local authorities enhance communication about data usage, ensure robust privacy protections, and focus on deploying IoT solutions that offer clear societal benefits.

For a detailed exploration of our findings and actionable recommendations, please download the full report. IoT Walk Report.