Building a flexible learning journey

Building a flexible learning journey: City of Utrecht and HKU have been trying it out

The City of Utrecht, together with the University of the Arts Utrecht, has taken the next step in trying out how to build a comprehensive training program for the Local Digital Twin (LDT). One key question guided the entire process:

How do we design a learning tool that can be easily adopted by a wide variety of target groups?

Urban planner Casper van Calsteren: “To find the answer, we began by identifying the different user groups who will eventually work with the Digital Twin. Each of these groups interacts with the LDT in different ways and therefore doesn’t require the same level of training.” More on that later.

Defining the skills required for working with an LDT

To effectively use a Digital Twin, participants need a set of foundational skills. For Utrecht’s training program, five core skill areas were identified:

1. Basics – Understanding what an LDT is
2. Communication – Being able to interact with an LDT
3. Tools – Using the specific tools associated with the LDT
4. Simulation – Running and interpreting simulations
5. Import & Export – Sharing information within an LDT environment

Each skill area is associated with one or more proficiency levels: starter, intermediate, or expert.
Not every skill requires all levels. For example, Basics includes only starter skills, while Simulation begins at the intermediate level.

Matching skill levels to target groups

Once the skills were defined, they were mapped to the various target groups. “We assumed that everyone must complete the basic training, but beyond that, the needs vary significantly.”

• Residents and politicians require only minimal training.
• Urban designers, on the other hand, need a more extensive set of skills in order to work effectively with the Digital Twin.

In Utrecht’s training scheme, colored blocks represent mandatory elements, while striped blocks represent optional ones. This visual structure makes it easy to see at a glance which audience needs what.

Draft training scheme of City of Utrecht

Creating tailored learning paths

With the framework in place, the Utrecht team can now build personalized learning paths for each target group.

For example, the learning path for an urban designer may include a broad mix of skills across communication, tools, simulation, and import/export. Optional modules can be added based on personal interests or project needs.

Example of a possible learning path for an urban designer

Van Calsteren: “This approach allows us to design individual learning experiences, while still maintaining a consistent foundation.”

The building blocks of these learning paths are the MLUs (Modular Learning Units) developed by K8.
A learning path may consist of several MLUs. For instance, ‘Communication 1’ might include:

• EDU‑201: Focusing on Public Value
• GOV‑302: The Role of Digital Technology in Citizen Participation and Public Engagement

Each component of the learning path can be assembled in this modular way, making the path both flexible and scalable. Together, these MLUs form the full training program.

By structuring skills, levels, and target groups in this modular system, HKU and City of Utrecht are experimenting with a Digital Twin training framework that is accessible, customizable, and ready to evolve. Whether someone is a curious resident or a seasoned urban designer, there’s a clear, tailored path that helps them confidently engage with the Digital Twin.