University of Twente Student Theses
From abstract to accessible : developing a tool to aid knowledge dissemination within the Dutch tax administration
Storm, M.B. (2025) From abstract to accessible : developing a tool to aid knowledge dissemination within the Dutch tax administration.
|
PDF
29MB |
| Abstract: | For the past three years, a small, dedicated team within the Dutch Tax Administration has researched ways to improve connections with society as a governmental organisation. This thesis aims to support the ‘Connecting to Society’ team by developing a tool that enhances their knowledge base, making it more comprehensible and accessible to diverse stakeholders both internally and externally. Additionally, the thesis explores how such a tool can facilitate knowledge dissemination across various disciplinary fields. The approach to this design challenge is primarily rooted in 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 yielded valuable insights on how knowledge travels through the organisation, explored through the lens of the experiences of involved stakeholders. In conjunction with relevant literature, these insights were translated into five practical design criteria. These criteria formed the foundation for the final design: the Harmonica. 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 five criteria—embodiment of process and outcomes, improved packaging, imagination stimulation, stakeholder interconnection, and embracing disciplinary diversity—the Harmonica effectively addresses the challenges of knowledge dissemination within complex organisational settings. This project not only demonstrates the potential of industrial design engineering in addressing sociotechnical challenges but also highlights the field’s adaptability to dynamic and interdisciplinary contexts, further developing the concepts of industrial design as we understand them. The insights and practical outcomes presented in this thesis provide valuable guidance for similar initiatives in organisations alike. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Industrial Design Engineering MSc (66955) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106239 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page