Building UX direction for the CU Project
Helping shape an inclusive digital twin experience through research, accessibility, and early product thinking
UX
Accessibility
Research
Facilitation
This case is currently being documented
The CU Project explores how digital twins, immersive technologies, and stakeholder collaboration can support more inclusive urban environments. A more comprehensive case study will be published as the work is prepared for public release.
Image by Lindholmen Science Park
Client | Co-funded by the European Union, under the Digital Europe Programme |
Industry | Smart Cities, Accessibility, AI & XR |
Timeline | 2024 - 2025 |
My Role | Lead UX Designer & Accessibility Researcher |
Establishing the foundation
The CU Project is an EU-funded initiative exploring how AI-powered digital twins and immersive technologies can support more inclusive urban environments.
I led the early UX foundation of the project, defining how accessibility and universal design principles should translate into digital twin and XR-based experiences. Working closely with municipalities, researchers, accessibility experts, and stakeholders, I helped shape the initial product direction, interaction concepts, and accessibility framework for the platform.
This work established how users could explore, evaluate, and understand urban accessibility through digital environments — a foundation that continues to guide the project today.
“Hannah brought structure and direction to a highly complex and exploratory project. Through research, workshops, user journeys and concept development, she helped create a shared understanding across the team and translated user needs into tangible digital experiences. Her contribution to accessibility, universal design and strategic UX thinking was invaluable throughout the project.”
Jenny Lindström Beijar
Founder Our Normal
Early impact
The UX foundation was presented to the wider consortium, helping structure a complex project across accessibility, digital twins, AI, and urban systems. By translating research and stakeholder input into user journeys, conceptual directions, and UX artifacts, the work helped researchers, municipalities, and industry partners align around a shared direction for inclusive digital city experiences.
"Beautiful format, authentic content, systematic approach; you are setting the bar quite high."
Assistant Professor
Digital Design & Urban Systems, University of Twente
Further Reading
Project Website:
The CU Project ↗
Article, May 12, 2026:
“I want to go there now!” How digital twins can support accessibility and participation in cities ↗
Article, October 22, 2024:
Groundbreaking project promotes accessibility and inclusiveness in European cities ↗
