MAPPING OF THIRD SECTOR ENTITIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PERUGIA

The project stems from the need of the Municipality of Perugia to collect and organize detailed information on Third Sector Entities present in the area, to improve communication and collaboration between the administration and the entities. During the internship at the Department of Social Policies, the need emerged for a centralized, updatable and easily consultable tool that would facilitate the management of social activities. The project was developed within a framework of design for social innovation, with the aim of offering concrete solutions to collective needs. The activities unfolded in several phases: starting from the census of the organizations registered in RUNTS, a digital questionnaire was designed to gather additional qualitative and quantitative information on identity, activities, needs, and collaborations. The questionnaire, consisting of 33 questions divided into six sections, was distributed via email and accompanied by an explanatory letter. The data collected (178 responses out of 547 organizations, a 32.5% response rate) formed the basis for a subsequent analysis and visualization phase.

Graphics, custom icons, static and animated infographics were produced, as well as standardized information sheets for each collaborating entity. The designed icons allow for immediate visual categorization, while the sheets present essential data in an orderly and easily readable way. An updated summary table was also created, designed for internal use by the department, enriched with visual codes to facilitate consultation. Finally, the project led to the creation of an interactive map on Google My Maps, which geographically represents the entities, each identified by an icon and linked to a descriptive sheet. This system allows for clear and updated navigation of the Third Sector in the municipality, promoting transparency and dialogue between the public and private social sectors. The project demonstrates how information design can be a powerful tool for innovation, supporting strategic decisions and strengthening the local social fabric.