Transparent communication around environmental enforcement

Department of Environment

In collaboration with the Flemish Department of Environment, we worked on a participatory process to streamline communication around environmental enforcement. With a co-creative approach and a focus on usability, we developed a central platform concept that makes complex legal information accessible to various target groups such as citizens, companies and enforcement actors. The result: a clear information architecture and concrete content recommendations that promote transparency and efficiency.

design

facilitate

Environmental enforcement communications were fragmented, making it difficult for citizens, businesses and enforcement actors to find the right information quickly and easily. The challenge was to develop a central online platform that:

Making legal and technical content understandable and accessible.
Promoting transparency for different audiences.
Optimizes the user experience with a clear structure and navigation.

The Flemish Environment Department sought an approach that put users at the center and provided a framework for effective information sharing and awareness raising.

The project was implemented in several phases with a strong focus on participation and user insights:

Stakeholder mapping and needs analysis: We mapped the needs of users through workshops, digital surveys and interviews. This made it clear where current communication falls short and which target groups are priorities.
Content mapping: We analyzed existing content for relevance, accessibility and usability, leading to an initial inventory and optimization guidelines.
Information architecture design: Based on the input, we created personas and user journeys that mapped the different user groups and their interactions with the platform.
User Validation: Using cardsorting and tree testing, we refined the navigation structure and ensured that the information is easy to find and understand.
Prototype and feedback: We developed a conceptual mockup of the platform that was tested with users. Based on their feedback, the structure and content were further refined.

This co-creative and iterative approach ensured that the final result was supported by both the clients and the end users.

The project resulted in a framework that enables the Flemish Department of Environment to realize transparent and target group-oriented communication around environmental enforcement. Specifically, we delivered:

An elaborate information architecture: A clear structure that intuitively guides users to relevant information.
Personas and user journeys: insights into the needs and interactions of citizens, businesses and enforcement actors with the platform.
Content Strategy and Recommendations: Guidelines for optimizing existing content, including the integration of practical examples, diagrams and storytelling to make complex information more accessible.
User validation: The navigation structure and mockup were tested and refined based on feedback, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

With this project, we created a strong foundation for a central platform that effectively supports users in their search for information around environmental enforcement.

With this track, the Flemish Environment Department demonstrated its ambition to make complex regulations accessible to citizens, businesses and enforcement actors. By investing in a user-friendly information architecture and co-creation with end users, the department laid a foundation for transparency and efficiency in environmental enforcement.

This project was realized in close collaboration with MONDEA and supervised by Witse Beyers and Carley Hamaway of The Argonauts.

Why is action being taken?

How do you make complex regulations understandable and accessible?

Environmental enforcement communications were fragmented, making it difficult for citizens, businesses and enforcement actors to find the right information quickly and easily. The challenge was to develop a central online platform that:

Making legal and technical content understandable and accessible.
Promoting transparency for different audiences.
Optimizes the user experience with a clear structure and navigation.

The Flemish Environment Department sought an approach that put users at the center and provided a framework for effective information sharing and awareness raising.

A participatory process with co-creation and validation

The project was implemented in several phases with a strong focus on participation and user insights:

Stakeholder mapping and needs analysis: We mapped the needs of users through workshops, digital surveys and interviews. This made it clear where current communication falls short and which target groups are priorities.
Content mapping: We analyzed existing content for relevance, accessibility and usability, leading to an initial inventory and optimization guidelines.
Information architecture design: Based on the input, we created personas and user journeys that mapped the different user groups and their interactions with the platform.
User Validation: Using cardsorting and tree testing, we refined the navigation structure and ensured that the information is easy to find and understand.
Prototype and feedback: We developed a conceptual mockup of the platform that was tested with users. Based on their feedback, the structure and content were further refined.

This co-creative and iterative approach ensured that the final result was supported by both the clients and the end users.

A clear platform concept with concrete recommendations

The project resulted in a framework that enables the Flemish Department of Environment to realize transparent and target group-oriented communication around environmental enforcement. Specifically, we delivered:

An elaborate information architecture: A clear structure that intuitively guides users to relevant information.
Personas and user journeys: insights into the needs and interactions of citizens, businesses and enforcement actors with the platform.
Content Strategy and Recommendations: Guidelines for optimizing existing content, including the integration of practical examples, diagrams and storytelling to make complex information more accessible.
User validation: The navigation structure and mockup were tested and refined based on feedback, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

With this project, we created a strong foundation for a central platform that effectively supports users in their search for information around environmental enforcement.

Flemish Environment Department: towards transparent and efficient communication

With this track, the Flemish Environment Department demonstrated its ambition to make complex regulations accessible to citizens, businesses and enforcement actors. By investing in a user-friendly information architecture and co-creation with end users, the department laid a foundation for transparency and efficiency in environmental enforcement.

This project was realized in close collaboration with MONDEA and supervised by Witse Beyers and Carley Hamaway of The Argonauts.

Witse Beyers

Facilitator and designer

witse.beyers@theargonauts.eu

"Through co-creation with users and targeted validation, we translated complex regulations into an accessible and user-friendly structure. This project proves that transparency and customer-centric thinking can go hand in hand. "