Fiscolab: Co-Creation, Artificial Intelligence, and User-Centered Design in the Development of Educational Fiscal Solutions

Abstract

Fiscolab is an experimental digital platform designed to democratize access to tax-related knowledge in Brazil through an inclusive, interactive, and user-centered learning environment. Developed in collaboration with academia and the public sector, the project emerged from the need to help individuals and organizations navigate a highly complex tax ecosystem — one that often creates barriers to entrepreneurship, economic participation, and social inclusion.Grounded in User-Centered Design (UCD) principles, the project followed iterative cycles of research, prototyping, and usability and accessibility validation. The multidisciplinary team — including designers, developers, accessibility specialists, and tax experts — conducted interviews, contextual inquiries, and co-design sessions with diverse user groups, including early-stage entrepreneurs, micro-business owners, accountants, students, and citizens with different digital and cognitive literacy levels. Four representative personas were generated to ensure that the solution would address multiple motivations, knowledge levels, and accessibility needs.User journeys captured the full learning experience, from onboarding and diagnostic quizzes to challenge-based learning, chatbot assistance, progress tracking, and certification. These journeys guided the creation of a clear and assistive interface that supports autonomy, comprehension, and usability. Accessibility was a foundational requirement, and the MVP followed national and international accessibility guidelines, ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies and keyboard navigation, semantic structure, intelligible content, and media alternatives. This inclusive approach acknowledges accessibility not as a compliance checklist but as a human right and an enabler of digital citizenship.Artificial Intelligence played a central role in two key dimensions:- Learning Experience – AI was integrated as a generative engine to create contextual challenges, validate responses, adapt difficulty levels, and provide real-time guidance. An intelligent chatbot supported users by clarifying tax concepts, explaining system feedback, and recommending personalized learning paths.- Design and Development Support – AI agents enhanced the creative and analytic process by assisting in information architecture refinement, drafting content, and validating interaction flows.The project adopted agile methodologies with weekly sprints, constant feedback sessions with government stakeholders, and real-world testing. This collaborative structure ensured that technological innovation remained aligned with policy objectives, accessibility best practices, and user needs — especially those affected by low digital inclusion or learning barriers.The outcome is a scalable, accessible, and intelligent learning platform that transforms bureaucratic and technically dense content into an empowering, engaging, and socially meaningful experience. Fiscolab demonstrates how the synergy between AI, accessibility, and user-centered design can strengthen civic education, reduce inequality in access to information, and support a more inclusive digital society.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Accessibility guidelines, User-centered design, Educational platform, Public innovation

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007165