For many newcomers, the step to formal work is essential, but often difficult in practice due to a variety of obstacles. Informal work is often more accessible, legislation can feel like a complicated web. As an integration counselor, how can you encourage newcomers to take this step?
Accessible play by social designer Mila van Rijs
Open Embassy did research on this in Rotterdam and asked social designer Mila van Rijs if she wanted to contribute to it with her thesis for Design for Interaction at TU Delft. For this she examined the complex topic of informal work from a broad perspective and used design research. Based on the qualitative analysis and insights, she developed a very accessible game: Work Map.
"What I like about this is that you give someone direction and autonomy in the conversation."
Integration Consultant
Card set helps informal conversation with newcomers about work
Werkkaart enables civic integration counselors at municipalities to engage in an informal conversation with newcomers about (in)formal work. The multilingual, illustrated cards help to have an open, more symmetrical conversation about the underlying obstacles and reasons for not (yet) doing formal work.
"While playing, I recognized that the cards helped me remember what I intended to say in the conversation. "
A newcomer
Guiding newcomers to work with appropriate long-term goal
The design consists of 45 cards divided into 8 categories. Both the newcomer and the municipal official choose cards to set the route for the conversation. With the card set and appointment guide, counselor and newcomer can then work toward an appropriate long-term goal.
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More on the research and development of the card set
