Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has created Australia’s first digital
first digital service hub – the HiQ.
HiQ is an innov­ative platform that combines digital inter­action, service and infor­mation.
It is based on vir2cloud software as the techno­logical backbone. The special highlight is a modern, inter­active media wall that turns infor­mation and inter­action into an experience – a new benchmark for digital services in the education sector.

Digital fireplace of the future: innov­ative learning and exchange platform at QUT

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has been using the vir2store platform for 15 years now. Today, all 380 display systems, touch­screens, projec­tions and tablets across the entire campus and at all locations across the country are controlled, monitored and provided with content via one platform. All content is edited and enriched centrally and decen­trally by up to 50 editors.

The center­piece of the HiQ Service Hub at QUT is the impressive 15-meter-long and 3‑meter-high LED media wall. It serves as an inter­active meeting point for students. Known as the “digital fireplace”, this instal­lation is an innov­ative space that promotes both exchange and collab­o­ration. A completely new way of learning and inter­acting is made possible. Students can transfer content from their iPads or other mobile devices directly to the media wall (using our patented Swoosh technology). This includes both web content and personal media.

The media wall is equipped with 5 gesture cameras. These cameras enable students to control content on the entire canvas using natural hand movements. Functions such as zooming, moving, rotating or adjusting content are performed intuitively using gestures. For increased inter­ac­tivity and user-friendliness.

The instal­lation is not only a techno­logical highlight, but also a social meeting point. It promotes inter­action between new and experi­enced students, who can explore, share and discuss content together. It creates an atmos­phere that is modeled on the concept of a tradi­tional fireplace – a place for learning, story­telling and connecting, but in a state-of-the-art, digital form.

Functions and features of the HiQ media wall

• Digital touch­points: Inter­active kiosk systems and large digital signage displays serve as central points of contact for students. Students can use the touch­points to quickly and easily access infor­mation on courses, events, resources and admin­is­trative matters.
• Real-time inter­action: The platform makes it possible to commu­nicate with university employees in real time, whether through chat functions or video confer­ences, directly at the touch­points. This personal support is optimized through a mixture of virtual and physical presence.
• Self-service and automation: Students can complete many admin­is­trative tasks indepen­dently, such as regis­tering for courses, retrieving grades or managing payments. This reduces waiting times and increases the efficiency of university operations.
• Person­alized experience: vir2cloud software supports individual user profiles, so students receive person­alized content and sugges­tions based on their specific needs and activities.
• Integration of mobile devices: HiQ is not only acces­sible at fixed locations – students can also use many of the functions via their own devices, such as smart­phones or laptops. This seamless connection between stationary touch­points and mobile platforms ensures a consistent user experience.
• Experience-oriented design: The visual and intuitive design of the HiQ touch­points ensures a pleasant and modern user experience. The integration of videos, anima­tions and inter­active elements makes access to infor­mation exciting and appealing.

Benefits for students and the university

• Round-the-clock access: Students can access infor­mation or clarify concerns regardless of opening hours.
• More efficient support: The system relieves university staff of routine tasks so that they can concen­trate more on more complex issues.
• Improved commu­ni­cation: HiQ offers a central platform that bundles all relevant infor­mation and services. This improves commu­ni­cation between the university and its students.
• Innov­ative perception: With HiQ, QUT is positioning itself as a modern, future-oriented university that focuses on the needs of its students.

Conclusion

The HiQ service hub is a prime example of how technology can be used to make students’ everyday lives easier and at the same time increase the efficiency of university services. With vir2cloud as its techno­logical foundation, HiQ offers a modern, inter­active and user-friendly system that turns infor­mation and inter­action into a real experience.

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