The BMW IT Hub (also known as the “ZA Hub”) recently partnered with the University of Pretoria on an exciting collaboration project. As part of the project, a team from the Department of Information Science was granted an opportunity to visit the BMW Headquarters in Munich 24-28 July to showcase their innovative work.

This team included two talented students (Andrea Blignaut and Ayla Inggs) and one supervisor (Kwan Sui Dave Ka) who designed and developed a data visualisation in virtual reality (VR). The aim of the project was to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance data analysis and decision-making processes. Equipped with a working prototype, the team embarked on their journey, ready to present their creation to experts.

Their data visualisation in VR was met with enthusiasm by the experts, who were eager to explore its potential applications. During the visit, the team participated in ideation workshops, collaborating with experts to brainstorm and discuss possible enhancements and applications for the VR visualisation. Feedback sessions were also conducted during the visit, giving experts the chance to interact with the prototype and provide valuable insights. Beyond the immediate impact of the project, the feedback collected from experts during these sessions served a broader purpose. The insights gathered during the visit would be used as part of ongoing research efforts to understand the use of data visualisation in VR for motor vehicle professionals.

The trip to Munich not only provided a valuable platform for showcasing the team's hard work, but also opened doors to future collaborations and potential partnerships between the Department of Information Science and BMW ZA Hub. The exchange of ideas and expertise during the visit proved to be mutually beneficial, fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration.

Overall, the trip to Munich offered an invaluable opportunity to receive feedback, collaborate, and strengthen ties with BMW. The journey left the university team inspired and motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of data visualisation, while the relationship established with BMW promises exciting prospects for future endeavours.