A research project of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Every moment matters
Share your safety perceptions in Brussels.
Download the Moment app, sign up, and start creating moments to share your perspective on different locations in Brussels.
A safer city, you will take a moment for that, won’t you?
What is Moment?
Moment is an innovative citizen science project launched by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, designed to understand and improve how people experience safety in public spaces. Using real-time data collection through a smartphone app, the project focuses on gendered safety perceptions and empowers citizens to actively contribute to safer, more inclusive urban environments in Brussels.
By gathering real-world data from daily experiences, Moment provides valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and community organisations to make informed decisions that enhance public safety.
- Purpose: Map safety perceptions in public spaces in real-time
- Focus: Focused on gendered safety perceptions
- Impact: Inform urban policy and promote a safer, more inclusive Brussels
- Participation: Open to all citizens to participate in shaping Brussels
How does Moment work?
Moment uses a smartphone app that gathers real-time data on how safe users feel in various public spaces. The app sends location-based prompts to ask users about their experiences and perceptions of safety. You can register how you feel in specific locations at specific times and provide additional context about your surroundings.
In addition to location-based prompts, Moment also allows users to share their experiences by scanning QR codes placed in designated public areas. This feature makes it quick and easy to record your safety perceptions.
- Download the app: Available for both Android and iOS devices
- Receive location-based prompts: Share how safe you feel in specific areas
- Scan QR codes: Instantly record your safety perceptions in designated areas
- Track and analyse: View your contributions and see how they help shape Brussels
Why should I participate?
Your voice matters. By participating in Moment, you contribute directly to improving the safety in Brussels. The data you share helps highlight areas that need attention and informs the development of safer public spaces, not just for you but for everyone. Moment is a simple and impactful way to ensure that your experiences shape urban policies and create more welcoming environments for all citizens, especially those who may feel vulnerable in certain public spaces. By participating, you will be part of a collective effort to improve public safety and contribute to data that has the potential to influence real change.
- Make a difference: Your input helps create safer, more inclusive public spaces in Brussels
- Influence policy: Contribute to data that is used by policymakers and urban planners
- Be part of change: Help reduce spatial injustice and support gender equality in public spaces
What about my privacy?
Moment places your privacy and security as a top priority. The app only collects data necessary for the project, such as your location and your safety perceptions, all of which is anonymised to protect your identity. Participation is entirely voluntary, and data is only collected with your explicit consent. You are always in control of when and how you share your data, and no personal information will ever be linked to the safety perceptions you submit.
If you prefer not to share your location, you can still contribute by scanning QR codes in designated public areas to record your safety perceptions. This allows you to fully participate in the study without sharing your geolocation data, ensuring that your privacy remains protected.
- Anonymised data: Your identity is never linked to your submissions
- Privacy-first approach: Moment only collects essential data with your consent
- GDPR compliant: All data collection follows European and Belgian privacy regulations
- Control: You choose when and how to participate, with the option to use QR codes instead of location-based tracking
