Rijkswaterstaat manages and maintains thousands of structures, such as bridges, locks and tunnels, in the Netherlands. Regular inspections are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of these objects.
In view of the upcoming changes in inspection practices within the programme for maintenance of civil structures, “Instandhoudingsadvisering Kunstwerken” (IAK), Rijkswaterstaat has established a number of thematic development paths. Each development path represents an innovation trajectory to improve maintenance inspection and advice. One of these development paths focuses on the development of an inspection application that improves the quality, uniformity and efficiency of inspection findings. In this development path, we focused on exploring the potential of an inspection application for the inspector.
The aim was to explore and design an integral inspection application that can be seamlessly integrated into the inspectors’ work process and into Rijkswaterstaat’s IAK process. This application supports inspectors in efficiently and effectively performing inspections, and also enables Rijkswaterstaat to better guarantee the long-term maintenance of the structures.
In order to lay a solid foundation for the inspection application, we conducted a thorough user research among a broad pool of stakeholders within the current process. With in-depth interviews and even shadowing days, the entire inspection process was mapped out. This allowed us to really put ourselves in the role of the inspector.
The insights we gathered during the research phase were translated into a suitable solution that supports the entire process. In doing so, we took into account the different users and usage scenarios for the application. We investigated how innovative technologies, such as a 3D digital twin, an AI search engine and data-driven pattern recognition, can contribute to a more efficient and future-proof work process.
We further validated this concept with users in focus groups. Based on a program of requirements for the application, we developed a clickable prototype in close collaboration with the stakeholders.
A clear and complete picture of the current working process of inspection units and other parties involved in the IAK process. We have translated these insights into a complete program of requirements with valuable guidelines for developing a user-friendly, efficient, innovative and future-proof solution that perfectly matches the work processes of the inspectors and Rijkswaterstaat: an inspection application that reduces the administrative burden, offers uniformity and standardization and guarantees the safety and maintenance of the object!
The impact we can make; Making the work of inspectors easier and more efficient, so they can focus on what really matters! This project was a great opportunity to contribute to the maintenance of the infrastructure in the Netherlands. The combination of technology, human-centered design and a concrete social impact makes this a very valuable project for us!
Jeroen is ready to answer all your questions.
