The validation framework for the four Urban Living Labs (ULLs) planned under PS-U-GO includes criteria, indicators, and procedures for assessing their progress, activities, learning outcomes, research results, and overall impact. It emphasizes reflective and participatory evaluation, prioritizing learning processes over fixed outputs. Grounded in iterative cycles of action and feedback, the framework integrates constructive alignment and Bloom’s taxonomy to ensure adaptable and context-specific assessment, fostering inclusivity, scalability, and meaningful innovation.

The validation framework is designed for two distinct learning formats

• for training activities (for participatory approaches to public space)
•  for the ULLs (implemented in four cities: Cottbus, Naples, Nicosia, Palermo)

Key points:

• Purpose and scope:  Ensures comprehensive evaluation of ULL activities, outcomes, and impacts and lays the groundwork for replicating methodologies and integrating them into academic curricula.

• Validation strategies:
  • Self-assessment: Enables ULL core teams and participants to reflect on progress iteratively.
  • Review: Event-based and external peer reviews provide validation and accountability.
• Core procedures:
  • Defining and negotiating learning outcomes, objectives, and values upfront.
  • Documenting every stage of ULLs, from co-exploration to co-evaluation, ensuring transparency and transfer of knowledge.
  • Assessing both individual (self-assessments) and collective achievements to identify strengths and improvement areas.
• Focus on educational outcomes: Evaluates soft skills development, participatory competencies, and non-academic exchanges and also provides tailored validation matrices align with specific activities, ensuring clear, measurable outcomes.
• Participatory and iterative feedback: Integrates user feedback and co-created analysis at all stages for inclusive and responsive validation, aiming to enhance outcomes while addressing challenges (e.g., conflicts, collaboration disruptions).
• Constructive alignment framework: Aligns learning outcomes, teaching methods, and assessment strategies to foster deep learning (Biggs & Tang, 2011) wile promoting hands-on engagement with urban challenges through transdisciplinary approaches.

• CTS integration for transferability: Ensures compatibility with European academic standards, facilitating mobility and recognition and provides clear documentation of learning outcomes and workload for formal accreditation.
• Quality assurance: Monitoring team ensures adherence to validation criteria and oversees documentation. Regular feedback from participants (via surveys and informal methods) informs continuous improvement.
• Key Outputs:
  • Tangible tools or deliverables (e.g., toolkits, strategies, installations).
  • Knowledge-sharing events.
  • Development of soft skills, participatory methods, and advanced competencies.