A 12-month deliberative programme of insight was carried out to inform the development of an effective communications framework to drive public acceptance of increased drone usage in UK airspace. Connected Places Catapult, in partnership with Trinity McQueen set out to establish how communications can drive public acceptance of increased drone usage in the UK.
This was done by:
- Defining the current perception of drones to establish knowledge and acceptance levels, identify key barriers to address to drive positive perceptions
- Improving public understanding of drones to identify how best to improve public knowledge of drones so that misperceptions / concerns are allayed, benefits clearly communicated, helping to increase positive sentiment
- Optimise engagement and communications to create guidance for ways in which to engage the general public – e.g. what to say, how to say it and where to say it
The following use cases & applications were used and tested in the research:
- Security & law enforcement
- Commercial parcel delivery
- Keeping people safe
- Infrastructure / construction
- Filming for leisure
- Agriculture / mining
- Transport of medical supplies
- Traffic monitoring
The majority of use cases generated a positive sentiment, especially those where personal benefit is clear and obvious.
Overall, there is a great opportunity to build compelling communications to ease the roll-out of drone technology.
