Colloquia

Samenvatting

For the past three years, a small, dedicated team within the DTA has researched how to better connect to society as a governmental organisation. This thesis aimed to support the ‘Connecting to Society’ team by developing a tool to enhance their knowledge foundation, making it more comprehensible and accessible to diverse stakeholders both internally and externally. Additionally, the thesis explored how such a tool can facilitate knowledge dissemination across various disciplinary fields.

The approach to this design challenge (A) is primarily based on the philosophy of Phenomenology and Systemic Design. This provided a structured yet flexible methodology that guided the exploration of the research question. The exploration phase provided valuable insights (B1-B4) on how knowledge travels through the organisation, explored through the lens of the experience of involved stakeholders. In combination with relevant literature, these insights were translated into five practical design criteria (C1-C5). These criteria formed the foundation for the final design: the Harmonica (D).

The Harmonica is a compact and portable tool that combines visual and tangible elements to translate the team's knowledge into structured, yet flexible, formats. Its design fosters interactive discussions with stakeholders and is adaptable for future use. Grounded in the 5 C’s—embodiment of process and outcomes, improved packaging, imagination stimulation, stakeholder interconnection, and embracing disciplinary diversity—the Harmonica addresses the challenges of knowledge dissemination within complex organisational settings.

This project not only demonstrates the potential of Industrial Design Engineering to tackle sociotechnical challenges but also highlights the field's adaptability to dynamic and interdisciplinary contexts, further expanding on the notions of Industrial Design as we know it. The insights and practical outcomes presented in this thesis offer valuable guidance for similar initiatives in organisations alike.