Contemporary societal and business projects increasingly involve complex networks of stakeholders with diverse professional backgrounds, knowledge bases, and interests. In such multi-stakeholder environments, effective communication becomes a significant challenge. Differences in expertise, terminology, and perspectives often create barriers that hinder collaboration and shared understanding. Visualization has long been recognized as a promising approach to bridging communication gaps by translating complex ideas into accessible visual representations. However, despite its recognized potential, the practical application of visualization in multi-stakeholder communication remains underdeveloped. Both theoretical fragmentation within visualization research and practical challenges in stakeholder engagement limit the effectiveness of visual communication strategies.

This research investigates how visualization can be systematically applied to facilitate communication and collaboration in multi-stakeholder projects. The study addresses both theoretical and practical challenges. From a theoretical perspective, the field of visualization spans multiple disciplines, including design, information science, communication studies, and cognitive science. As a result, the field lacks a unified theoretical framework and even a commonly accepted definition of visualization. To address this issue, the research begins with a literature review aimed at redefining visualization in a way that supports its application as a communication tool within multi-stakeholder design contexts. This conceptual clarification provides the foundation for the development of practical visualization methods.

From a practical perspective, the research was conducted through a series of visualization sub-projects within the context of the LIFE project. These projects provided opportunities to test visualization methods in real-world stakeholder settings. Despite the acknowledged potential of visualization, the implementation process revealed several barriers. One significant challenge was the widespread perception that visualization is primarily a skill reserved for designers or artists. This perception discouraged non-design stakeholders from expressing their ideas visually and led many participants to rely heavily on graphic designers rather than actively engaging in visual thinking themselves. As a result, stakeholders often underestimated their ability to contribute to visual communication processes.

To address these challenges, two visualization tools were developed: the Empowering Visual Tool (EVT) and the Visualization Strategy Tool (VST). The EVT was designed to encourage stakeholders—particularly non-designers—to express their ideas visually and participate more actively in co-creation processes. The tool was initially tested in workshops with residents of Amsterdam Southeast, where it helped participants visualize their ideas about the future of their city. Through iterative development, the EVT evolved into the Strategic Empowering Visual Tool (SEVT), which supports the visualization of more complex information within multi-stakeholder contexts. SEVT was successfully applied in workshops to promote inclusive participation and facilitate the collection of structured visual feedback.

The Visualization Strategy Tool (VST) was developed to support the strategic planning of visual communication materials. It helps project stakeholders collaboratively define key elements such as the target audience, core message, and interpretation strategies for complex visual outputs. The tool was applied in two projects involving the creation of promotional visual materials, where it successfully engaged stakeholders in the development of visual communication strategies.

Overall, the findings demonstrate that visualization tools can significantly improve communication and participation in multi-stakeholder projects when stakeholders are empowered to use visualization themselves. However, further testing is required to validate the tools across different project contexts. The research concludes with general guidelines for adapting the SEVT and VST to other multi-stakeholder environments, offering a foundation for future research and practical implementation of visualization-based communication strategies. ... Read more

Local energy cooperatives are pivotal in decentralizing and democratizing the energy system. This research aims to provide a roadmap for creating energy cooperatives that address energy poverty in the Netherlands, emphasizing the potential for a just energy transition.

This project bridges the realms of theory and empirical research in energy justice, business model innovation, and cooperative design. It unveils the inherent injustices that reside within traditional energy cooperative business models by utilizing a novel business model analysis tool. Furthermore, it integrates the principles of energy justice with the methodologies of business model innovation to facilitate the development of a just business model. To enable practical action, it provides a comprehensive handbook tailored for energy cooperatives, serving as a versatile guide for igniting changes. In the end, it proposes a conceptual pathway that serves as a guide for embarking on the journey of business model redesign. ... Read more

The Energy transition is driving systemic changes in energy systems to reduce CO₂ emissions. The Local Inclusive Future Energy (LIFE) Project, a 'Living Lab' consortium, seeks to accelerate this transition in Amsterdam Zuidoost, by preventing energy congestion inclusively (LIFE project, 2022). The complexity of the challenge requires multi-sector collaboration to develop urban innovations (Energielab Zuidoost, 2023, Parsons DESIS Lab, 2022).

Multi-actor collaboration is essential to develop and integrate new energy systems, evident in actors' interconnection in value networks and complex value propositions for integrating these product services (Weiller, C., & Neely, A., 2013). However, ecosystem collaboration comes with challenges, as each actor operates under different principles and seeks different benefits (Bos-de Vos, 2020). In this context, service designers face the challenge of developing methods and approaches to improve actors' capabilities in navigating systemic complexity, and translating abstract values into concrete actions (Sangiorgi, 2009, Vink, J., 2021, Bos-de Vos, 2020).

To address these issues, this thesis examines the LIFE project, employing both theoretical research and empirical data. One significant theoretical gap is the lack of tools for value modeling from an ecosystem perspective. Within the LIFE project, complex conversations regarding values emerge due to differing perceptions, leading to value misalignment, siloed ways of working, and intricate decision-making processes. The prevailing view of value focuses on unidirectional exchanges, lacking an ecosystem or systemic perspective of the project. Thus, a need arises for a tool that provides an ecosystem view and allows multiple stakeholders to engage in explicit value conversations.

To bridge this gap, this thesis introduces the 'value ecosystem canvas,' supporting collaborative networks in value ecosystem modeling. This 'project-centric' tool is designed for co-creation sessions, enabling actors to visually model value exchanges iteratively with the aid of a clear value guide (Bos-de Vos, 2020), exploring potential links between actors and concretizing value exchanges. Additionally, it facilitates an ecosystem understanding of how product-services add value to other actors and what value could be potentially exchanged (created and captured).

In conclusion, the value ecosystem canvas aims to foster effective collaboration, align values, and promote a shared understanding of value exchanges within the LIFE Project consortium and other urban innovation initiatives. By enabling a systemic view, the tool empowers collaborative networks to navigate complexity and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing systemic transitions. ... Read more

The urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels due to their contribution to climate change and environmental degradation has become increasingly evident. The global emissions must be reduced to zero within the next few decades to avoid severe consequences. The recent invasion of Ukraine has further highlighted the importance of clean and affordable energy technologies to address economic, climate, social, and security priorities.
While the energy transition is often approached from a technical standpoint, this thesis recognizes the significance of social dimensions in shaping behaviors, attitudes, and governance structures. By adopting a cultural perspective of energy consumption behavior, the study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the transition process.
This thesis investigates the shift from a passive to a proactive energy relationship, taking into account the influence of changing context factors. It begins by framing energy relations through extensive literature research and research methods, resulting in the development of an energy relation framework. This framework emphasizes the role of individual autonomy and integration in shaping energy relationships. Historical research and trend analysis are conducted to examine the evolution of energy relations and identify potential future scenarios.
Building upon the understanding of energy relations, the thesis proposes the design of an intervention that enables individuals to experience a proactive energy relationship. The Forekast is based on a redesign of a transformer box into an interactive intervention that increases energy awareness and highlights the interconnectedness of energy, weather conditions, and consumption patterns.
The effectiveness and desirability of the intervention are evaluated through tests conducted at Energie Lab Zuid-Oost and a street test in ArenApoort. The evaluation assesses the impact of the intervention on residents’ engagement, knowledge-sharing, and adoption of sustainable energy practices. The thesis concludes by discussing the implications and value of fostering a proactive energy relationship, contributing to the acceleration of the overall energy transition.
In conclusion, this thesis sheds light on the relational aspects of energy in the context of the energy transition. By examining the shift from a passive to a proactive energy relationship and proposing an intervention that serves as a catalyst for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and empowering residents to actively engage in sustainable energy practices.
Keywords: energy relationship, context factors, intervention design, proactive approach, energy transition.
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The Dutch Government has set an ambitious goal for Amsterdam Zuidoost to become energy neutral by 2040. While technological advancements and infrastructure developments are progressing, the current transition risks widening social inequalities and leaving vulnerable groups behind. Thus, an inclusive transition, which recognises that not everyone can afford to invest in an energy-sustainable future, is crucial. In a bid to accelerate the transition, the Local Inclusive Future Energy (LIFE) Project is, amongst others, working on utilising local and sustainable energy to ensure the inclusion of local residents in the low-income district of Amsterdam Zuidoost.

In the context of the energy transition, inclusion typically refers to participation in energy exchange. Energy exchange is taking shape through the development of local, decentralised energy systems. Emerging in neighbourhoods and based on Peer-to-Peer and Transactive Energy models, these Local Energy Market Systems (LEMS) enable local production, storage and distribution of energy. However, designed to prioritise the interests of the grid, LEMS frame energy exchange solely as a transaction or trade, subjecting residents to the roles of profit-motivated buyers and sellers and thereby overshadowing the potential for fostering active inclusion and creating social value. With its unique mix of entertainment venues, social housing and large renewable asset owners, Amsterdam Zuidoost poses unique challenges and opportunities for becoming a pioneer in a socially inclusive transition.

To move beyond the rational and market-driven constraints which govern current energy exchanges, this project takes a new anthropological approach, framing it as a primarily social, community-based and relational practice.

By means of extensive ethnographic and research-through-design activities, the potential for socially inclusive energy exchange in Amsterdam Zuidoost is explored. Characterised by tight-knit social silos, residents stick within their own circles and thus social cohesion and a sense of community is lacking. Whilst entrepreneurial behaviour is evident, it remains behind doors and the skills and capabilities of local neighbourhoods is hidden and untapped.

To tap into the overlooked potential of local expertise and to expand social networks, this project suggests a new type of exchange, coined as ‘relational giving’. Through the giving of services and actions in return for local tokens opportunity is created for the formation and strengthening of social relationships. ‘Relational giving’ translates in the concept of ‘energy actions’: local energy related actions such as handy work and education. Local tokens are introduced as a tool to support relational giving, incentivising energy actions, recognising contributions and, importantly, facilitating exchange between the socially distant.

The vision for relational energy exchange is told through the mix media outputs of this project. Besides video, an energy actions enactment game is designed to activate stakeholders and a framework for a ‘Social Local Relational Energy Ecosystem’, which considers the roles of multiple actors in unlocking social energy, is presented.

Ultimately, this project aims to inspire and offers a new perspective on energy exchange, introducing tangibility to an entangled and unexplored space. Energy is repositioned not as a commodity to be bought and sold, but as an agent for building inclusive and socially cohesive communities.
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