Behind the scenes: Ben Robaeyst, researcher University of Ghent
Many partners are involved in Collections of Ghent. Ben Robaeyst, junior researcher at MICT (Research Group Media, Innovation and Media Technology) explains more about their work on the project.
What role do you play in the Collections of Ghent?
Ben: We guide the different steps of the project. For example, we give advice on the design of the CoGent box. On the basis of desk research, we have also made an overview of 'good practices' abroad from which the Ghent Collection can learn. By using scientifically founded theoretical models, processes and methodologies, we can systematically involve the perspective of local residents in the project. To accomplish this we conducted a large-scale survey and are organizing walking interviews and user tests with local residents in the neighbourhoods. In this way, the activities and the CoGent box can be attuned to the needs and expectations of local residents. In addition, we are developing an instrument that will measure the social cohesion in the neighbourhoods where the CoGent box will be placed. We will measure the social cohesion in the neighbourhood before and after the arrival of the CoGent-box in order to analyse it’s impact.
What is your biggest challenge in the project?
Ben: There are several challenges in this project.
In developing the CoGent box, the worlds of technology, cultural heritage and the neighbourhoods of Ghent come together. We want to use technology to present cultural heritage in an innovative way. The technology should trigger citizens to tell their stories about the neighbourhood heritage. That’s why the design of the CoGent-box and the technologies we use in it are crucial to arouse interest and engage local residents. That is also the reason we want to involve them as much as possible in the development.
A second challenge is to measure the impact that the project will have on social cohesion in the neighbourhoods. We will develop the instrument to measure this in the next few months. This way, in 2022, when the CoGent box is placed in the neighbourhoods, we will be able to scientifically measure it’s impact.
What are you looking forward to?
Ben: Several things. I am very curious about the design of the CoGent box, what it will look like. And, of course, I am very much looking forward to the moment when the box will actually travel in the neighbourhoods.
On the other hand, as a researcher I am also very curious about the impact of the project on social cohesion. How will the local residents use the CoGent box? Will there be unexpected outcomes when citizens engage with the content in the box? Will it create new contacts between the local residents? In short, I have many questions and am very curious about the answers.