This thesis explores expanding human-centered design to a more-than-human approach to enhance biodiversity in the neighbourhood Oud-Mathenesse in Rotterdam, focusing on the shared gardens. The research uses symbiosis as a lens, aiming to improve coexistence between humans and urban nature. Oud-Mathenesse faces declining social cohesion, which among other things, furthers the disconnect between people and nature.

The envisioned symbiotic cities emphasize rebuilding a sense of community and shared feeling of ownership over the garden. However, the initial step is to strengthen connections among residents by envisioning the future of the garden while acknowledging our historical roots. The final intervention—a participatory installation—highlights commonalities between residents and urban nature, encouraging contributions to the local environment and fostering symbiotic interactions.

The research outlines three key strategies for a more-than-human design approach. First by prioritizing the relationships between humans, nature, and the environment, secondly by adopting a historical perspective to understand past human-nature interactions and by drawing inspiration from symbiotic future visions for a more inclusive and sustainable world. These strategies were compiled into a card deck to inspire other designers. While human-centered design remains dominant, the current environmental crises necessitate incorporating non-human elements into the design process. Although this approach is still emerging, further research and experimentation are needed to achieve true inclusivity.

Informal neighbourhood networks play a significant role in enhancing the well-being of citizens. These informal networks consist of active citizens and local organisations collaborating to organise initiatives and activities that improve the liveability of their neighbourhoods. Such activities are particularly important in neighbourhoods with vulnerable social groups, such as the elderly or those with a low socio-economic status, as these groups often rely more on local connections for social engagement and support. Strengthening these informal networks can therefore significantly improve the resilience and quality of life for residents.

The goal of this project was to examine how a digital tool could support citizens who actively contribute to informal networks, focusing on the neighbourhood Hoogvliet of Rotterdam as a case study.

The research began with a literature review identifying drivers and barriers for active participation in informal networks, forming a theoretical framework that guided the contextual research on resident’s experiences in Hoogvliet.
This contextual research revealed how the interviewed active citizens of Hoogvliet are generally experienced initiative takers, who have built substantial local social capital and capacity to self-organise effectively. Consequently, they face few significant barriers that a digital intervention might address.

A rather interesting finding was that these experienced initiative takers are currently limited in their capacity to expand their reach and involve more citizens, indicating a high demand for such activities. This demand stems from Hoogvliet’s social challenges and a lack of commercial activities nearby.

Based on these findings, the project shifted its design focus to supporting citizens interested in becoming active but lacking the social capital and capacity, which experienced initiative-takers have already developed. The contextual research highlighted areas where support for these interested, but inexperienced residents in Hoogvliet could be improved. These challenges informed the creation of a design vision, which was used to start the design phase.

Following two design iterations - resulting from evaluations with stakeholders, in which I implemented methods of participatory design and research through design - the project resulted in a final design: the platform Actief Hoogvliet.

This platform is designed to help interested residents explore opportunities for contributing to Hoogvliet’s informal networks. Residents can learn about existing initiatives and their opportunities to help, get motivated by success stories and explore tools for realising their own ideas.

For active residents, the platform is a space to showcase their established initiatives, get recognition for their contributions and expertise, and include help requests to invite residents beyond existing networks to join and help.
The thesis concludes that while a digital tool like Actief Hoogvliet provides opportunities for engaging and supporting new residents, its potential to directly support experienced active citizens in their informal networks may be limited. Existing local networks in Hoogvliet are deeply embedded in established communication channels, with strong values of autonomy and ownership, which may limit the lasting impact of a new digital tool.

Nonetheless, Actief Hoogvliet provides a valuable entry point for interested residents, helping to build capacity and confidence for active citizenship in the community.