After months of engaging stakeholders and developing prototypes, Ports de Lille kicked off an exciting experiment at the end of July. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the Connected River project.
A Dual Experiment to Address Key Challenges
The experiment tackles the main issues identified by local stakeholders in the pilot area.
Goal: to reach a wide audience both on the riverbanks and on the waterway itself.
Key details:
- Duration: July 31st to October 7th, 2025
- Total signs installed: 13
- Target group: Both waterway and riverbank users (professionals and non-professionals)
"The Right Maneuver" Signs: Safety First on the Water
Ports of Lille installed 4 clear visual signs specifically designed for waterway users. These signs deliver following simple messages:
- Crossing area: Be vigilant, you do not have priority
- Priority to barges: Stay to the side
- Shared area: Adjust your speed
- No access for small boats
Crossing area - be vigilant, you do not have priority
Priority to barges - stay to the side
Shared area - adjust your speed
No access for small boats
These signs target both professional operators and recreational users.
The objective: to promote safe coexistence for everyone on the waterways. By using simple visuals and straightforward language, we ensure that safety messages are understood by all.
"The City Through the Water Rhythm" Signs: Discovering Hidden Gems
Along the riverbanks, an engaging sign has been installed, showcasing five key points of interest for visitors to explore:
- The water station – your nautical stop
- Ports of Lille – the heart of river activity
- The river and Bois-Blancs island – connection to nature
- The Colysée esplanade – urban and cultural riverside
- The lock – engineering in action
The sign includes a helpful map showing distances between each location, making it easy for walkers, tourists, residents, and families to plan their walk.
The goal: to encourage people to explore and discover areas they might otherwise miss.
Learning from Experience: A User-Centered Approach
The project methodology is based on innovation through user learning. That's why a feedback protocol has been developed to evaluate the experiment. Input from both users and partners will be gathered through:
- Field surveys conducted directly with users
- Online questionnaires accessible via QR codes on the signs
- Online questionnaire for stakeholders
This approach ensures capturing diverse perspectives and experiences. Partners play a crucial role during this phase, helping to reach the users and communities. This collaborative effort reflects on the Connected River project and the Flow Forward methodology.
What's Next?
The next steps include:
- Analyzing all feedback and experiences gathered
- Organizing feedback meetings with local partners
- Working toward permanent signage installation based on lessons learned
This experiment and the Connected River project allows to combine safety improvements with discovery opportunities, to make rivers more accessible, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.
Source & Pictures: Ports de Lille