Creative Technology
Visualisation of Future Scenarios for Schiphol Airport
Teaming up with the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) of the UvA to simulate and visualise future scenarios for Schiphol Airport
Schiphol Airport is a complex system where changes in one area ripple across others. From noise levels and emissions to passenger numbers and economic impact, decisions made today shape the airport’s future. To better understand these interactions, the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) and the Center for Mathematics and Computer Science (CWI) collaborated on the development of a simulation model, with a supporting dashboard to monitor flows of goods in three key areas: the airport, the seaport, and the greenport.
Engaging students in an online environment calls for new and innovative learning mechanisms. As we further develop a hybrid learning approach (some students are on-site, others online), we have to find ways to keep both engaged and connected.
Prototyping the Future of Decision Support
The Creative Technology team at the DSS was tasked with developing a tool that could give insight into the impact different decisions would have on different KPI’s. For example: “what happens to the noise levels around the Schiphol airport of the passenger numbers increase to 10.000?”. The goal here was to identify stakeholder needs for the kinds of questions that could be asked and to develop effective, interactive ways to visualize interrelated data in an accessible and intuitive way.
At the heart of the project was a mathematical model designed by researchers at CWI and HvA to simulate the impact of policy decisions. This model factors in variables such as noise pollution, emissions, passenger trends, GDP projections, and urban development. Since the model was still in its early phases, a prototype of the dashboard helped shape its structure and ensured that the visualization aligned with user needs.
Co-Creation and Iterative Development
We don’t only deliver a product – we help in assessing the needs and defining the requirements too. That is why this project began with a co-creation session where we invited the stakeholders to understanding expectations, challenging assumptions, and aligning on the tool’s core functionalities. Together, we explored user needs, desired features, and existing models for inspiration.
Once kicked off, the development process followed an agile approach, structured in three sprints. At the end of each sprint, DSS presented a working demo of the tool, allowing researchers to test features, provide feedback, and refine requirements.
we make it sustainable for the stakeholders. As a knowledge partner, we co-create the product and the tool, and make sure that our partners are able to make use their features to the maximum. For example, one of the reasons why we are working with Mozilla Hubs is to empower lecturers by enabling them to effectively update and test the content of the virtual environment. This makes it possible for the teachers to edit or add the content when necessary while not requiring previous developing skills. VR EER is a sustainable tool in education, where knowledge is not static. We want to build the future of education together with partners who can push knowledge forward for everybody.
Project outcome & Delivery
After three sprints, we delivered an interactive, data-driven dashboard designed to support decision-making. The tool allows users to simulate the impact of various policies based on factors such as passenger numbers, emissions, noise levels, and innovation adoption.
☕ Let’s talk about it over coffee
Do you want to know more about how we enable organisations to achieve meaningful, positive social change through the right tools and knowledge? Want to hear more about creative technology and rapid prototyping?
We are curious to hear what needs, challenges, and goals your organisation is working to address. Hit that button on the right column to reach out!
