Introduction
The Professorship of Disruption, Innovation and New Phenomena at Hotel Management School Leeuwarden (HMSL) is dedicated to pioneering new ways to research and teaching, with a focus on using sophisticated technology to understand the future. Our Design Based Education (DBE) methodology is key to this objective, promoting hands-on learning and real-world experimentation to educate students for the ever-changing demands of the hospitality and the service industries.
At Hotel Management School of NHL Stenden, we believe technology is not just a tool, but a catalyst for constructive learning and real-world innovation. By integrating advanced solutions like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and robotics into our curriculum, we empower students to experiment, collaborate, and develop the 21st century skills they need to shape the future.
Marco ten Hoor
Director Academy Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality Management
Technology’s Part in Learning and Research
At HMSL, technology is central to the DBE method, connecting theory and practice through immersive, data-driven experiences. Tools like VR, AI, biometric sensors, and robotics are integrated into curricula, design challenges, and projects to foster active participation, hands-on experimentation, and measurable results in both research and student learning.
Our Learning and Research Laboratories
Practice and Research: Shaping Future Hospitality Professionals
At HMSL, practice departments like Notiz Hotel, Restaurant Wannee, and on-campus outlets create a dynamic space where theory, practice, and innovation merge for future hospitality professionals. Students gain hands-on experience managing real hotel operations, serving in a top restaurant, and running daily outlets with expert guidance. Notiz Hotel serves as a living lab for global students to develop management and service skills. Restaurant Wannee emphasizes local, sustainable cuisine, allowing students to explore Dutch culinary traditions and modern trends. The canteen and coffee corners offer further opportunities for innovation in food service and operations.
Integrating Research for Real-World Impact
HMSL stands out for integrating research directly into its practice environments. Students and staff tackle real hospitality challenges through applied research in Notiz Hotel, Restaurant Wannee, and campus outlets, turning daily operations into opportunities for discovery.
- Students engage in research on guest experience, sustainability, digitalization, and efficiency using real-world data.
- Industry partnerships ensure research is relevant and impactful.
- Design-Based Education enables rapid implementation and testing of research outcomes, accelerating learning and innovation.
This unique integration of practice, theory, and research ensures that graduates are not only well-versed in hospitality fundamentals but are also equipped to lead, innovate, and drive evidence-based improvements in a rapidly evolving industry.
Types of Technologies and Research Applications
| Tech & Innovation Tool | Description (what is it) | Relevancy to Academy LTH & NHG (why) |
| VR Housekeeping Scenario | VR learning scenario about cleaning a Notiz hotelroom (looking for more rooms). | Essential for hospitality students to learn housekeeping standards and procedures in a realistic, immersive way. |
| VR Cocktail Game | VR game about making cocktails for customers. | Ideal for training in bartending and beverage service, helping them practice cocktail-making skills. |
| VR Safety & Security | VR training scenario about safety and security in the kitchen simulating a fire | Important for kitchen and hotel safety training, providing students with practical fire safety knowledge. |
| Dialogue Trainer | Application for training different scenarios in communication, HRM, customer interactions. Scenarios can be created. | Highly valuable for training in customer service, HRM, and hospitality communication scenarios. |
| VR Bodyswaps | VR learning tool about different scenarios in handling people interactions. Scenarios are fixed. | Provides a unique perspective on handling customer interactions |
| Servicerobot Waitron XL | Delivery robot for food service operations. | Demonstrates automation in service delivery. |
| Servicerobot BEAM+ | Robot which can be controlled on distance with a screen, audio and camera. | Can be used for remote concierge services or management scenarios |
| Scent Machine | Machine which produces different kinds of smells/scents. | Useful for marketing and sensory experience e.g., sleep research. |
| Eyetracking Headset | Headset which can track where the wearer is looking. | Provides insights into customer interactions and service optimization but is more research oriented. Useful in retail environments. |
| ‘Shimmers’ Sensors | Biometric sensors for the hand. | More applicable to biometric research and guest experience analysis. |
| AI Review Tools | AI software to load, answer and analyse reviews from Booking, Google and Revinate. | Useful for revenue management and guest experience analysis |
| VR Kitchen | VR learning tool for learning the kitchen appliances, herbs, fruits and vegetables. | Useful for culinary projects for training for familiarize with kitchen equipment, ingredients, and operations. |
| Robot Arm | A robotic arm stationed on the floor which is fully programmable. | To be used in coffee corners and kitchen for repetitive tasks. |
Each technology is linked to different types of training, simulations, education experiments and research.
The Research Team
Ian Yeoman
Disruptive futurist who believes in science fiction, transformational change and random things. Fellow of the World Futures Studies Federation. Licentiate of the Photography Society of New Zealand.
Frederik Jan van der Meulen
Frederik supercharges the hospitality industry with cutting-edge AI, smart software, and big data dashboards – think ’ChatGPT’-powered solutions and PowerBI insights that help hotels and restaurants run at warp speed. Whether it’s custom apps or interactive workshops, he transforms tech trends into your secret weapon for next-level efficiency and business brilliance.
Marit de Vries
Marit is shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders by fusing education with innovation – delivering expert workshops, simulation games, and consultancy projects that equip students with future-ready skills in Rooms Division, Revenue Management, and Responsible Global Citizenship. She drives forward-thinking research, while she explores creative intersections of technology and education.
How can we help you?
We support students and professionals with innovative technology tools, expert guidance, and hands-on research opportunities for projects, research, or practical solutions. Our team collaborates to harness hospitality technology for learning, innovation, and impact.
Explore VR, AI, and robotics solutions. Connect with us to experiment, improve operations, or partner on research. Let’s collaborate to turn ideas into industry breakthroughs—reach out to make a difference!
For more information, please contact:
Frederik Jan van der Meulen: Frederik.van.der.meulen@nhlstenden.com
Lecturer, Technology Whizz Kid and Facilitator, Hotel Management School Leeuwarden