PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Summary
As part of the UK Government’s £100 million Intelligent Mobility Fund, Oxa spearheaded a project to expedite the integration of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on public roads. As the Marketing & PR Manager, I was tasked with overseeing all marketing and communication activity for this 30-month consortium-driven project on behalf of all parties.
Objectives
(1) Branding & Online Presence: Create a cohesive brand identity and maintain an informative and web presence
(2) Engage & Educate: Conduct on-road pilots, offer virtual reality experiences, and gather public feedback on AVs
(3) Press & PR: Maximise exposure, maintain brand consistency, and manage any arising crises
Execution
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Crafted a unique brand identity and designed vehicle livery for a fleet
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Developed a project website, managed a blog, and handled project-specific content creation
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Orchestrated three on-road pilots across Oxford, Birmingham, and London, including a public trial in London
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Launched a detailed survey to gauge AV service demand, promoted extensively online and in local newspapers
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Organised educational events, including town hall gatherings and educational talks at research institutions
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Produced two VR video demonstrations addressing Covid-19 constraints - one in person and one virtual
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Managed all press and PR efforts, ensuring consistent messaging and brand adherence
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Designed a crisis management and communication strategy and aided in the drafting of the project's final report
Outcomes
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Achieved a 16% boost in public trust towards AVs post-trials
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Broadened outreach via VR demonstrations to include elderly and disabled communities
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Highlighted the significance of public engagement in future technology service design
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The project success led to Oxa being appointed to lead another funded project exploring AVs