DesignLab at Zwarte Cross

On Friday, DesignLab represented the UT at the biggest paid music festival in the Netherlands: Zwarte Cross. This year, a record breaking number of 265.000 people visited this festival known for it’s motor cross, music line-up, and theater.

This weekend, the University of Twente was at the ‘Universitent’, where professionals from different universities shared their research results, demonstrated the societal relevance of their work, and even gave a glimpse into the future. Zwarte Cross calls the Universitent ‘the place to grow your brain cells back after sacrificing a few during the festivities’. Sounds like the best of both worlds!

Our very own moderator Maartje Huinink took the stage Friday and represented DesignLab by giving a talk about different future scenario’s: Developing your Future Muscle. It was an interactive talk, as the audience thought about the future of Zwarte Cross and put it on paper. The audience came up with dozens of scenarios. Here are a few: 

"In 2040, Zwarte Cross will be the leading festival of sustainability, and will be run by AI and green technology. The festival will use renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind energy. Waste management will be handled by AI-driven recycling and composting systems. Plastic will be replaced by bio-degradable alternatives."

"In 2040, Zwarte Cross will display shows that integrate AI and human creativity. AI will work together with musicians, artists, and performers to create dynamic, interactive shows that evolve in real time based on the actions of the audience."

"In 2040, Zwarte Cross will use unmanned vehicles for their motor cross stunts, getting rid of possible accidents. The festival wristbands will be replaced by chip implants, and people will use them as an entry ticket and a form of payment. People will wear AR glasses and choose the artist or activity they want to see, creating a personalised experience."

Maartje also talked about Ability Tech, started by father and son Arie and Andrei Fokkink. Together with a team of students and researchers, they are working on a self-driving wheelchair for Andrei. Maartje explained the importance of technology for people like Andrei. 

The future has so many different outcomes. The way you act today can help to shape it. So, think about the future scenarios and act accordingly to achieve it. Ask yourself: 'What steps can I take to shape the future I want to live in?'

Develop your future muscle - Maartje Huinink

Develop your future muscle - Maartje Huinink

The Universitent - Zwarte Cross

Arie and Andrei Fokkink - Ability Tech

Arie and Andrei Fokkink - Ability Tech

Andrei Fokkink - Ability Tech