001 Design / Case Study
Modernizing Critical Justice Infrastructure for Dutch Probation Services
Client: Reclassering Nederland
Role: Lead Product Designer
Deliverables: Legacy-to-Modern Transition Strategy, Strategic Proof-of-Concept, In-house core product improvements
As the sole UX designer in a growing multidisciplinary team, I led the user experience for a proof of concept that secured a long-term national contract to modernize the tools used by more than 3,300 probation professionals managing 300,000+ sensitive dossiers.
The Challenge
The three organizations (Reclassering Nederland, Leger des Heils, and Stichting Verslavingsreclassering GGZ) forming the Dutch Probation Service (3RO) relied on IRIS, a heavily outdated Integrated Probation Information System. While rigid and fragmented, IRIS was deeply embedded in the daily workflows of 3,300+ field workers. The challenge was to untangle these complex legacy requirements and map them into Netcompany’s modular AMPLIO case management architecture—transforming a bureaucratic bottleneck into a transparent tool that actively supports caseworkers in the field.
The Strategy & Approach
Operating as the sole designer within a multidisciplinary team, I mapped legacy requirements one-by-one to ensure zero loss of critical functionality. I bridged the gap between 3RO’s business demands and technical execution, championing contextual research to solve for fragmented data and mobility gaps. By designing a mobile-first approach and enforcing strict WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards by default, I ensured the new modules were built for the realities of field work.
The Outcome
The flawless, interactive Proof-of-Concept demo successfully secured Netcompany's position as 3RO's strategic innovation partner, resulting in a massive 5-year agreement (with extensions up to 15 years). By translating convoluted legacy workflows into a modern interface, we demonstrated drastically reduced operational friction. Ultimately, less time spent navigating software means more time professionals can dedicate to their core social mission: guiding clients, preventing recidivism, and promoting reintegration into society.
Lessons Learned
Legacy modernization is a delicate balancing act. It requires deeply respecting the users' existing mental models and entrenched workflows, while having the conviction to aggressively prune redundant steps. Responsible digital transformation is driven by impact and built on inclusion.