TNO
- Date
- October 2026
- Client
- TNO
- Deliverables
- Redesign of a research-informed user manual
- Data source
- Provided by client
- Tools used
- Adobe InDesign
Old, draft manual
New, redesigned manual
I was asked by TNO to redesign a draft manual that helps professionals improve citizen communication and participation around the energy transition. The original manual existed as a dense PowerPoint deck, containing valuable research but presenting it in a format that was difficult to navigate and absorb.
Using information-design principles, I transformed it into a professional, reader-centered manual. The redesign supports how people scan, prioritize and process information: it makes the overall story easier to follow, reduces unnecessary cognitive load, and helps professionals locate and apply relevant guidance in practice.
The following were my main review observations and corresponding improvements:
Information overload and dense pages
The original deck often combined long passages of text, multiple concepts and supporting material on a single slide. I broke information into smaller, purposeful units; introduced more white space; and used cards, short summaries and clearly separated content blocks.
Weak hierarchy and unclear reading order
Headings, explanatory text and supporting content often competed for attention. I established a clear typographic hierarchy, consistent spacing and a modular grid so readers can immediately distinguish key messages, detail and next steps.
Lack of an overarching structure
The draft was organized as a sequence of slides rather than a cohesive manual. I introduced a reader guide, a table of contents, section dividers and a clear narrative: understanding residents, reaching them, and activating them.
Complex research concepts were text-led
Ideas such as the customer journey, resident types, barriers and motivations were difficult to scan quickly. I translated these into visual frameworks, including the three-stage customer journey, persona cards, diagrams and an iceberg model.
Inconsistent page composition
The original used varying layouts and visual treatments. I created a consistent visual system with repeated page elements, color cues, illustrations, pagination and a recognizable section structure.
Limited practical accessibility
The redesigned manual makes practical content easier to find through distinct advice pages, clearly presented pilot examples, tools and sources. This supports professionals in moving from research insight to action.
The result is a more approachable and credible publication that invites people to read, understand and use the material, not simply work through it.