Mettina Veenstra

Case-Based Reasoning as a Prediction Strategy for Hybrid Recommender Systems

Hybrid recommender systems are capable of providing better recommendations than non-hybrid ones. Our approach to hybrid recommenders is the use of prediction strategies that determine which prediction technique(s) should be used at the moment an actual prediction is required. In this paper, we determine whether case-based reasoning can provide more accurate prediction strategies than rule-based predictions strategies created manually by experts. Experiments show that case-based reasoning can indeed be used to create prediction strategies; it can even increase the accuracy of the recommender in systems where the accuracy of the used prediction techniques is highly spread.

Creating smart information services for tourists by means of dynamic open data

This paper explores the creation of smart information services for tourists using dynamic open data. Research is described, which uses physical sensors at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam to retrieve data about queueing time at that location. This data is added to an open data framework called CitySDK and combined with other open data in the framework.

Living Labs as Educational Tool for Ambient Intelligence

The way that innovation is currently done requires a new research methodology that enables co-creation and frequent, iterative evaluation in real-world settings. This paper describes the employment of the living lab methodology that corresponds to this need. Particularly, this paper presents the way that the Amsterdam University of Applies Sciences (HvA) incorporates living labs in its educational program with a particular focus on ambient intelligence. A number of examples are given to illustrate its place in the university’s curriculum. Drawing on from this, problems and solutions are highlighted in a ‘lessons learned’ section.

BiebBeep: an interactive screen for supporting public Library 2.0 information and social services

This video presents BiebBeep, an interactive touchscreen system that has been developed with the aim to support information and social services for the New Library in Almere, The Netherlands. The constantly updated information displayed on the interactive screen concerns not only the library itself, but also features happenings in the local area. The systems distinctive feature is that people can add information to the screen themselves, such as tweets, photos, local and cultural news announcements, so that the library and its visitors can inform and connect with each other. Over the course of almost one year, several studies were conducted, including focus group, interview- and observation-based studies that have motivated the functionality, and particularly the user-generated and localized content the system supports. Consequently, the services and functionality the system offers are aimed towards supporting Library 2.0, the next generation library.