Visualizing the Dutch Debt System

The challenge was to summarize the complex system without losing the message that it urgently needs reform. We chose the metro map format for this purpose. Like an actual metro network, it shows different routes, transfer points, and unfortunately, many dead ends.

The metro map alone doesn't tell the complete story. We added bottlenecks and key statistics. But decision-makers need to not only understand how to change the system - they need to want to change it.

To bridge this gap and show the human impact, we developed "the web of debt." This visualization shows how debts accumulate and how small amounts can grow into insurmountable problems through fines and collection costs.