Research projects

It is well-known that the use of XR leads to better student outcomes and that the technology can better support the learning process. Thanks to XR, students can safely practice situations that would otherwise be difficult or impossible due to financial or safety reasons.         

There is a high unemployment rate among young people in Uganda (83%, UBOS 2018). This is due to a significant skills gap and school dropouts. Many graduates (bachelors and masters) also struggle to find jobs due to limited skills.                                                  

The D4E1 Lab (Design for Everyone) within the Industrial Design Center (IDC) is one of the pioneers in human-centered and participatory healthcare innovation in Flanders, with successful projects like Makerhealth and Makeability.                                                   

From conversations with partners in the construction sector, it became evident that there is untapped potential for integrating STEM into the construction industry.                                                                                                                    

Schools are increasingly engaging in sustainable initiatives. To showcase these efforts and provide schools with guidance in navigating the multitude of sustainability aspects, the North-South department of Bruges aims to support them through the SDGeneration platform.           

A group of young people aged 14 and above will collaborate on spotlighting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through an artistic-technological intervention in their city/town. A program will be established in collaboration with local youth organizations.                   

COVID-19 has demonstrated that utilizing digital communication tools, whether alone or in combination with face-to-face interactions, can greatly enhance the experiences of citizens, clients, and patients in their interactions with service providers, helpers, and healthcare profs

Many schools have the ambition to implement Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), or overarching eXtended Reality (XR) in their offerings. Especially for students for whom skill training is a core task, XR applications can add value.                                       

Research and Expertise Center Vital Cities identifies the principles of child and youth-friendly heritage through appreciative inquiry.