Human dimension in digital public services

  • ResearchComponents.ProjectLabel
  • October 2025 – October 2027

After the Dutch ‘toeslagenaffaire’ (benefits scandal), it became clear that the ‘Human Dimension’ is often lacking in public services. Digital solutions are seen as a barrier, yet they also offer opportunities. This research seeks, in collaboration with public service providers, scalable, digital, and human-centered solutions for public service delivery.

Objective

The research objective is to develop actionable perspectives for providing scalable, digital, and human-centered services in collaboration with public service providers. This is achieved through co-creation with consortium partners, where interventions and interaction designs are iteratively developed and tested. The project will result in a practical guide with design guidelines for professionals, enabling them to implement innovative digital solutions that ensure the human dimension in regular work processes.

Results

The project delivers a practical guide with design principles and processes, enabling professionals to develop digital solutions for scalable, human-centered public services within their organizational context.

researchcomponents.projectcontent.duration

01 October 2025 - 01 October 2027

Approach

The project is implemented through design-oriented research with public service providers, in which digital solutions are co-created, tested, and translated into practical design guidelines for scalable, human-centered public services.

Educational impact

The delivery of content and case studies for educational curricula contributes to two strategic educational programs: 

1. The Strategic Agenda for Higher Education ‘Sustainable for the Future’ (2019) focuses on improving the alignment of education and research with society and the labor market, fostering innovation through collaboration. 

2. The HEO Sector Exploration 2021 emphasizes that digital and technological changes require new skills from HBO/HEO professionals to meet the needs of public and private employers.

researchcomponents.publicationcontent.personslist.projectresearchers

  • Emiel Eijdenberg
    • Researcher
    • researchcomponents.publicationcontent.authorlectoratelabelsingle: Marketing & Customer Experience
  • Dies Weijschede
    • Researcher
    • researchcomponents.publicationcontent.authorlectoratelabelsingle: Marketing & Customer Experience
  • Professor Tijs Timmerman
    Tijs Timmerman
    • Professor
    • researchcomponents.publicationcontent.authorlectoratelabelsingle: Marketing & Customer Experience
  • Jeroen van Grondelle
    Jeroen van Grondelle
    • Researcher
    • researchcomponents.publicationcontent.authorlectoratelabelsingle: Digital Ethics
  • Koen Smit | Researcher | Research group Digital Smart Services
    Koen Smit
    • Professor
    • researchcomponents.publicationcontent.authorlectoratelabelsingle: Digital Ethics
  • Carolijn Schrijver | Researcher
    Carolijn Schrijver
    • Lecturer-researcher
    • researchcomponents.publicationcontent.authorlectoratelabelsingle: Process Innovation and Information Systems
  • Guido Ongena | Researcher | Process Innovation and Information Systems
    Guido Ongena
    • Professor
    • researchcomponents.publicationcontent.authorlectoratelabelsingle: Process Innovation and Information Systems

Collaborationpartner

Cofinancing

This project is co-financed by the Municipality of The Hague, Social Services Drechtsteden, RDW, Municipality of Breda, Municipality of Utrecht, DUO, Municipality of Zwolle.

Emiel Eijdenberg

  • Researcher
  • ResearchComponents.ResearcherContactBlock.LectorateMarketing & Customer Experience