Research on visitor dynamics by BUas and LCB

With cameras and innovative crowd management software, the daily visitor flows are being recorded for 1.5 years. In addition, experiments and interventions will take place to provide insights into behaviour and behavioural change. The results will contribute to increased safety at places where people consciously or unconsciously congregate in both public and private environments.

Research has shown that managing behaviour and organising processes safely and thoughtfully have a major impact on the safety of public groups at locations where crowds gather. Think of logistics hubs such as: tourist locations, events, airports, stations and other public locations.
 
Wishful thinking
Predicting behaviour seems simple but has so far proved to be 'wishful thinking'. The desire to manage this better in the future is supported by both public and private parties. This is why BUas and LCB have started the Crowd Science Research Lab (CSR lab). Here, experimental research is conducted into the dynamics of visitor flows. In addition, behaviour is analysed and predicted where possible. Besides predicting, the CSR lab also provides the opportunity to conduct experimental research into, for instance, 'nudging', a technique to guide behaviour in an unconstrained way. The focus of the lab is on collecting data and defining key figures that support the field of 'Crowd Safety'. Crowd Safety aims to be able to define risky situations at an early stage and then intervene appropriately.

Predicting behaviour

'Our central goal is to gain insight into the dynamics behind and within audience groups' says Justin van de Pas - Event Logistics lecturer and theme manager. 'With the insights gained, we try to predict short-term behaviour in order to intervene in time to prevent risky situations. The dynamics behind visitor flows are mapped on the basis of three key variables: density, throughput and mood. Interventions take place based on adjustments in design, information provision and management. The ultimate goal, of course, is to improve the safety of audience groups, thus contributing to a safer future'.

Read the full artice on the website of LCB.