Visitor flows
Goal
During phase 1 and 2 of the Fieldlab initiatives, it appeared that the number of contacts can be limited with the help of interventions. This is one of the factors that is part of the risk assessment model, with which TU Delft can determine the chance of infection with COVID-19. Fewer contacts can lead to a reduced risk of virus transmission.
In phase 1 and 2, the reduction of contacts has been achieved by imposing certain interventions during the event, which can have a negative impact on the overall experience of the event. Maintaining the visitor's total experience is the main condition for the way of influencing the 'Continuous flow' research.
By improving throughput, reducing waiting times and decreasing density, this work package can provide additional support for keeping the industry open during a pandemic, precisely because it pays attention to the 'bottlenecks' that are so typified.
This work package may also contribute to tackling the staff shortage. Improving throughput and reducing waiting times will mean that fewer staff can be deployed.
Knowledge objective
The aim of this research is to gain insight into the effects of influencing possibilities (design and nudges) on the flow rate and density at service points of events, in order to shorten the lead time and thus reduce contact moments.
Research setup
Various alternatives at service points are compared against each other in this research step. This includes existing designs and nudges as applied by different organizers at various events. For example, at one event there is cashless payment with a debit card, and at the other event with coins. By means of measurements, the differences between these will be mapped out with regard to the waiting time, the flow rate and density of visitors.
Possible designs and nudges to apply:
- Information provision (signing)
- Order & payment systems (online/offline, cash/cashless, coins/cards/bands)
- Design, layout & spreading (zones)
Ultimately, best practices in existing concepts will be analyzed on the basis of various variables such as waiting time, flow rate and density.
Step 1) Get designs and nudges from different organizers
Step 2) Take measurements at events of different organizers
Step 3) Analyze data regarding the waiting time, the flow rate and density of visitors
Step 4) Comparison of designs and nudges
Collaborating partners
The research is based on a set-up as was previously the case in the first and second phases of Fieldlab Events. A collaboration between scientific partners and the event industry, supplemented by relevant parties that can contribute knowledge.
Scientific partners
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
Other partners
- Breda University Experience Lab; discussing and validating research design with a view to cross-fertilization between behavioral science and process optimization
- SKILLS Crowd Management; for the purpose of conducting industry research and input and expertise on feasibility
- Technology supplier to be determined; for the optimal use of measuring instruments