We started with stakeholder and user interviews with a focus on the Dutch healthcare system and noticed many barriers, which were not limited to healthcare. Therefore we expanded our user and stakeholder research through interviews with more users and multiple stakeholders involved during the first period of an expat in the Netherlands.

With a deeper understanding of the system and their first period of expats in the Netherlands, we started to co-create ideas with experienced expats. This resulted in the concept of a box with important and fun information about the Netherlands. The box was further developed with stakeholders involved, to ensure all information was correct and the service does not conflict with existing relevant stakeholders in the system.

After the project ended, the industry reacted positively. Thus, we decided to participate in the TU/e contest and explore the possibilities to found a startup. Furthermore, we visited workshops (e.g. about IP) to further develop the concept. These events increased our awareness of what it takes to bring the start-up to the next level. Furthermore, we contacted the Rabobank boxes manufacturers who showed their interest. We prepared the next version of the box, an MVP, to run the first pilot by providing a small batch of boxes to some expats from a multinational, but then the situation changed. The group members had different visions about the direction of the box and together with Corona and our studies we decided to put the project ‘on hold’.