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Moo-hyun JUNG; Yong-Ki LEE

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Living Labs provide participatory environments for collaborative problem-solving in real-world settings. This study explores a methodological adaptation that arose naturally during the implementation of a Living Lab for a safe school route project. Initially, standardized quantitative assessment tools, such as Likert-scale surveys, were used to evaluate candidate solutions. However, participants found it challenging to reach consensus and make practical decisions based solely on numerical rankings. In response, facilitators transformed the quantitative outcomes into a spatial model, allowing participants to hold collaborative discussions and rearrange solutions in line with shared priorities. This participatory adaptation led to the development of a reorganized evaluation framework that better captured relationships, implementation strategies, and group priorities. The two-phase process from individual numerical analysis to collaborative re-mapping demonstrates the capacity of Living Lab methodology for dynamic and recursive adaptation beyond expert-led planning. Key findings are: (1) stakeholder-driven adaptation of tools can emerge organically; (2) participant-led restructuring of evaluation frameworks fosters more meaningful group decision-making; and (3) methodological flexibility is essential for enabling iterative improvements in Living Lab settings. The results suggest that supporting real-time co-creation among stakeholders enhances both the quality of participation and the practical impact of Living Lab projects.

Keywords:

Living lab, Tool adaptation, Emergent methodology, Participatory evaluation, Citizen participation, School route safety