BoX-R
BoX-R is an interactive XR learning experience that lets residents find out what a prolonged power outage really means for daily life. In a guided simulation for multiple users, they practise dealing with situations such as lifts breaking down, phones running out of battery, being unable to pay by card, limited access to information, and helping vulnerable neighbours. BoX-R addresses the problem that traditional communication about emergencies is often too text-heavy, abstract or complicated. The experience is designed for residents, with particular attention to people with low literacy, non-native speakers, older people and those in vulnerable situations. Key figures from organisations such as libraries, the Red Cross and housing associations can use the experience to make crisis preparedness and self-reliance concrete, local and accessible. Source: public phase 1 summaries, RVO
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De Blikopener
A crisis reveals just how important a neighbourhood's social infrastructure really is. De Blikopener is a hybrid method that helps municipalities, safety regions and civil society organisations work with residents to strengthen local community resilience. The method uses digital tools, physical interventions and community activation to make residents, key figures, resources, safe spaces and informal networks visible. This helps residents and professionals find each other more quickly before, during and after an emergency, even when formal aid is limited. De Blikopener helps build stronger neighbourhoods, because a neighbourhood is stronger when you already know your neighbours before a crisis hits. Source: public phase 1 summaries, RVO
The Key
The Key is a mobile immersive simulation game in which key figures and partner organisations practise handling realistic support requests within a neighbourhood. Players gather around a shared dashboard, discuss their approach as the game unfolds, choose routes and see immediately how their choices affect trust, progress, workload and collaboration. In phase 1, Hub Creations is investigating the content-related, technical, usability and market feasibility. They are developing a proof of concept featuring a pilot storyline, a dashboard mock-up and a focus group test with key figures, the municipality and chain partners. Source: public phase 1 summaries, RVO
LifeSwap XR: ervaar de wereld achter de voordeur
LifeSwap XR is an immersive learning and reflection experience for key figures and professionals in the social domain. Users work through realistic XR scenarios covering topics such as debt assistance and financial security, experience different perspectives, and make choices. Guided reflection then translates the experience into concrete action points and working agreements. The innovation is not a standalone VR experience, but a scalable learning and reflection approach that can be deployed locally and later expanded to other municipal domains, such as the Social Support Act (Wmo), participation, youth care and civic integration. The solution is aimed at, among others, neighbourhood team professionals, social workers, and customer contact and policy staff. LifeSwap XR helps professionals better understand residents' everyday reality, communicate more thoughtfully, and make more suitable referrals. In doing so, it aims to help build trust and reduce drop-out in public services. Source: public phase 1 summaries, RVO
In Their World: neurodivergentie ervaren met Immersive Technology
In Their World is an immersive technology that lets key contacts and government staff experience what contact with the government can feel like for neurodivergent residents, such as people with autism or ADHD. Through realistic VR scenarios, users experience the impact of sensory stimuli, language, time pressure and social situations. They then practise communication and adjustments that make these interactions more accessible. The solution helps professionals recognise neurodivergent needs earlier and connect better with residents. In doing so, In Their World strengthens empathy and inclusive communication, and contributes to a stronger connection between government and citizens. Source: public phase 1 summaries, RVO
Intergenerationeel en spelenderwijs naar een weerbare samenleving
HackShield is exploring an immersive game experience in which children practise crisis situations — such as cyber incidents, disinformation and power outages — together with parents and grandparents. Game-based learning, board game elements and escape-room mechanics are being explored as ways to encourage conversation, collaboration and mutual resilience across generations. The contribution to social cohesion starts small: with the cross-generational conversation that so often doesn't happen today. The experience can build on the existing HackShield programme, so these themes carry through at school and at home. Delivered through schools, municipalities and libraries, the approach has the potential to reach multiple generations. Practising together doesn't just build resilience — it also strengthens the bond between families, neighbours and communities. Source: public phase 1 summaries, RVO
Onzichtbare Helden: immersive buurttraining voor collectief handelen in crises
Invisible Heroes is a mixed reality neighbourhood training in which residents experience a crisis in their own area together. Using a VR headset, they see digital crisis information about their own street, for example during a prolonged power outage, flooding or a heatwave. Together, they practise the role they and their neighbours can play. The training is designed for municipalities and safety regions to prepare residents for situations where emergency services cannot be everywhere at once. Its contribution to social inclusion and cohesion lies here: neighbours who barely knew each other experience something meaningful together and discover each other's strengths, regardless of language, background or education. Everyone has something to offer. This builds trust in the street, even outside crisis situations. The first customers are municipalities and safety regions. In phase 1, Inner Group is researching feasibility in 2 pilot sites, together with the fire service, Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region, immersive designers (Framespace) and welfare organisations. Source: public phase 1 summaries, RVO