Electronically assisted dialogues for urban planning

Previous research describes phases in the design of electronically supported meetings from a temporal perspective. Yet the epistemological status of each phase has not been identified. It is proposed that the pre-meeting phase should be evaluated from a positivist orientation while the meeting itself should be evaluated from an interpretive orientation. Results are reported from a case study in urban planning that provides empirical support for these propositions. Data was gathered during the design and implementation of a strategic evaluation meeting. The goal of this meeting is seen as building consensus via ´rational communication´ (Habermas, 1987). Participants´ performance and perceptions are reported. Observational evidence suggests that participants´ prior life experiences biased their interpretations.