Author: Maria Højgaard
Title: Digital sustainability in services. A study of practices and challenges when designing sustainable digital services.
Publication year: 2022
Institution: Aalborg University Copenhagen, Denmark
Study program: Service Systems Design
Level of design
The thesis design does not seem to be a primary focus for Højgaard. The layout is straightforward, using a sans-serif font, which maintains readability but lacks visual flair. The cover page, along with a title page for each main section, keeps the presentation functional rather than engaging. The visual hierarchy is clear but basic.
The workpiece is a digital sustainability framework, consisting of one page. The design has technical flair and is understandable, but the overall design could be improved, for example with custom icons or icons with the same style.
Degree of innovation
The framework itself, a one-page digital sustainability framework, comes across as straightforward and serves the intended audience well, focusing on usability rather than experimental design. While the framework is practical, using a static format, Højgaard could have considered a more interactive approach. Although the non-interactive format fits the needs of IT departments and department managers, exploring dynamic or interactive elements could have added a layer of innovation and appeal.
Independence
Højgaard took an independent approach to both her research and her methods. She selected four specific companies, each providing unique insights, and built original personas and stakeholder maps based on these case studies. The combination of service design principles and social practice theory shows that she developed a largely original approach to understanding digital sustainability.
Outline and structure
The structure of Højgaard’s thesis is well organized, with a logical progression through each section. Beginning with an abstract and continuing through chapters on literature, methodology, and findings, each part follows a clear path that supports understanding. Overall, the thematic arrangement works well.
Degree of communication
The explanations throughout the thesis are generally clear and informative, with minimal jargon that could hinder understanding. Højgaard’s intentions are consistently recognizable, and she effectively communicates her objectives, though certain sections could benefit from clearer language for those less familiar with service design or digital sustainability.
Scope of the work
The thesis is appropriate in scope for a master’s project, covering a solid literature base and an empirical study. The depth of her research and the original framework meet the academic requirements a master’s thesis.
Orthography and accuracy
Orthographically, the thesis is accurate, with only minor errors if any (she forgot a “(“ on page 8 while citing from a book). Terminology is used appropriately and consistently across the work, and the writing is largely professional.
Literature
Højgaard has used a solid foundation of literature, referencing core theories and modern studies within both service design and green IT.
Source: https://vbn.aau.dk/ws/files/473082058/Maria_Hojgaard_thesis_2022_process_report.pdf