_City of Rotterdam
As a UX designer, I focused on creating a solution that helps young people with autism manage municipal matters independently and without stress. Our research revealed that this group struggles mainly with online appointment booking and physically collecting documents such as passports. Overstimulation, difficulty with direct communication, and unclear steps were the biggest stumbling blocks.
Therefore, our concept focused on predictability, clarity, and a low-stimulation environment. Ultimately, we developed a prototype in which Gem acts as a digital guest assistant. Through the website, users can schedule appointments with Gem’s support, after which they can pick up their documents at a touchscreen-enabled kiosk. This minimizes social contact while maintaining the user’s independence.
Within the project, I held two key roles: UX designer and team captain. In the research phase, I conducted a Day in the Life study to better understand the daily life and challenges of young people with autism. I also contributed to developing insight cards and design guidelines, which served as the foundation during the design sprint.
In the design phase, I worked on creating wireframes, developing variations of the digital application flow, and visually designing stylescapes. Together with my teammates, I tested multiple iterations of the prototype through co-creation sessions, preference tests, and usability tests.
As team captain, I was responsible for coordinating the process. Initially, this was challenging, especially when it came to task delegation. I found it difficult to decide who should do what and doubted whether I was being too directive or too passive. Through feedback sessions, including the use of the Vroemen Wheel and a SWOT analysis within the team, I learned to better understand each team member’s strengths and weaknesses. This helped me assign tasks more effectively and ensured smoother collaboration.
What I learned from this project is that clear guidelines are important not only for the user but also for team collaboration. The design guidelines we created helped us stay focused on the target group, while methods like the Vroemen Wheel made me realize how essential open communication and feedback sessions are within a multidisciplinary team. This insight did not come automatically but emerged as I, in my role as team captain, encountered the limits of my position when dividing tasks.
I also realized that iterative work – creating multiple design versions and continuously testing them with the target group – is crucial to developing a solution that truly meets their needs. Each test provided new insights that improved our prototype and also ensured that the target group felt heard and taken seriously.
The Hybrid World project revolves around multi- and interdisciplinary collaboration and addressing a societal challenge within the smart and social city, commissioned by the City of Rotterdam. The City of Rotterdam is currently working on a digital twin, a digital copy of the physical city, which is not yet widely accessible to citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders.
Het uiteindelijke resultaat is ZERO to ZERO. ZERO to ZERO geeft een inzichtelijk overzicht van alle houdbare producten en geeft het de mogelijkheid om gemakkelijk producten te delen en ruilen met andere mensen of organisaties. Het doel van dit product is, om voedselverspilling tegen te gaan.
The final result of Homecare is a user-friendly system that offers comfort and convenience to families, with the goal of helping reduce rising electricity, water, and gas costs. Homecare provides a solution by allowing users to control lighting, security, and temperature within one integrated system. Additionally, it gives users all the necessary information about their energy consumption, which is essential for making targeted savings.