2c. Observers' Feedback [WATERVERSE Project Pilots-2]: Submission #15

Information and Observations
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*[WaterVerse Project Pilots] Observers' Feedback*
 

*Target responders: *WATERVERSE Pilot Observers

*Instructions to provide your feedback:*

Based on your observations, please, provide comments related to the 
following:

 * Functional effectiveness (difficulties or gaps you observed with regards
   to the functionality offered by the WDME to the users)
 * Accessibility and Usability (issues with understanding what to do next,
   issues with using the functionality, issues with understanding the content
   of a result from a tool, issues with the pilot methodology
 * Usefulness and acceptance (record any positive or negative comments and
   experience in the pilot sessions regarding motivation of participants)
 * Learning effectiveness (evidence of progress achieved regarding the use of
   the tool, evidence of group working, evidence of peer support)
 * Engagement and Enjoyment (possible distraction of participants,
   participants keep making questions, seem happy and motivated, etc.)
 * Innovation (comments by participants as to the innovative nature of the
   WDME)
 * Cultural adaptation (cases where the participants struggle due to
   non-appropriate instructions for the local culture)
 * Any other comments not covered in previous items

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Observer Comments::
At first glance, WDME is very easy to understand, which is an important prerequisite for widespread use.
The functionalities reflect the needs of the use cases and pilots very well and are targeted. 
With its functions, the WDME is extremely useful and capable of facilitating or automating various workflows that currently have to be done manually (data harmonisation and quality assurance). 
The tool used in the German pilot project to generate flood forecasts is important and central. However, it should be noted that such a tool requires a high degree of trust. This trust is particularly important in the case of flood warnings, as the warnings must be relied upon. There is a possibility that the tool will not be readily accepted, which is not currently a problem in the pilot project. 
In general, there is great enthusiasm for the use and demonstration of the WDME. All participants are motivated and willing to engage with it. Nevertheless, it is noticeable that the participants usually work with closed and older systems and find the first steps somewhat more difficult. Once the knot is untied, the WDME is well received.