The Safe Space Toolbox

The main aim of this sprint was to create and present a conversational object that would facilitate a shared understanding between the design team and partners, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding the key facts and challenges of the project.

We aimed to clarify project objectives and enhance communication. In our initial meeting, we used a bingo-like conversational object to explore our partners’ values and clarify key terms. This interactive approach provided deeper insights and aligned our understanding of the project goals.

We started the project with some creative thinking, Here is an overview of how we approached the project and engaged with the challenge:

• We brainstormed key assumptions influencing the challenge from the design team’s perspective.
• Applied the “Dark Side” methodology to critically assess potential pitfalls and ideas.
• Explored plausible assumptions to challenge our thinking.
• Crafted a conversational object using these insights.
• The process encouraged creative thinking while identifying risks.
• The approach was both analytical and playful, adding depth to our exploration.

On the 16th of September, our team met with our partners from Society Fresh to discuss the project. We introduced a conversational object that facilitated discussions about the project, allowing us to explore team dynamics, challenges, and expectations in an interactive manner. The goal was to move away from traditional structured meetings and foster a more engaging conversation that encouraged open collaboration.

The setting was conducive to this informal yet productive exchange, helping us maintain a high level of engagement throughout. The conversational object provided valuable insights while also introducing some moments of confusion, which contributed to the overall dynamic of the meeting.

After wrapping up our discussions, we had lunch together, which gave us the opportunity to have some more lighthearted conversations.

Main Goal:

Develop an understanding of the project challenge and its users and stakeholders.

Subgoals:

• SG1: Summarize and identify theme
• SG2: Identify stakeholders
• SG3: Pain points in decision making process
• SG4: Gain inspirations from existing products

In Sprint 1, our focus is on gathering foundational knowledge by identifying the project’s main themes, stakeholders, and decision-making pain points, while also finding inspiration from existing products. This approach will lay the groundwork for the design and development process moving forward.

In our first sprint, we used several methods to better understand the project. We created a Stakeholder Map to categorize key stakeholders and an Empathy Map to capture user needs. A Literature Review and 1-1 Interviews gave us insights, while Rapid Prototyping allowed us to test ideas early. Lastly, we deconstructed game mechanics to inform our design decisions.

Stakeholder Map

• Identified and categorized key stakeholders into direct and indirect groups, analyzing their influence and impact on the project.

Empathy Map

• Created an empathy map to visualize user perspectives, highlighting their needs, feelings, and challenges.

Literature Review

• Conducted desk research to explore existing examples and best practices relevant to our project.

1-1 Interviews

• Engaged in one-on-one interviews with stakeholders to gather qualitative insights into their experiences and expectations.

Rapid Prototyping

• Developed rapid prototypes to test ideas early in the design process, facilitating quick feedback and iterative improvements.

Game Deconstruction During Sprint

• Analyzed game mechanics during Sprint 1 to inform our design decisions and ensure engaging, interactive solutions.

Conversational object

After our team completed the user research phase, it was time to create a proper conversational object, this time supported by research and inspiration. The concept of a card game had been on our minds for a while, so we used the insights from our game deconstruction research, trusted our instincts, and began rapid prototyping. Our first concept of the Mint Empire game was developed. During peer reviews, we gained valuable insights and realized that we hadn’t fully refined the game mechanics yet. You might wonder, why Mint Empire? We incorporated a mint currency system within the game, as the card deck is designed to be used anywhere in the world. This system allows players to base the currency on their own community budgets when using the card deck.

Following the peer review session, we began digitizing the prototype and refining the mechanics of the game. Once the card deck was digitized, we printed and laminated the cards to enhance the look and feel, giving them a more authentic card game experience

Sprint Review Feedback

By playing the Mint Empire, we reached the conclusion that our partners appreciated the concept, and this is where our team will direct its focus moving forward to sprint 2

• Clarify the purpose and role of the safe space within the project.
• Shift from a rules-based approach to one focused on agreements, allowing for flexibility and participation.
• Ensure that the game facilitates both problem-solving and creative collaboration, emphasizing its role as a tool for creating a safe space.
• Simplify complex elements like budget decisions to make the game more accessible and engaging.
• Develop tools that can be applied in various scenarios, ensuring that the toolbox remains versatile and effective.
• Focus on performativity and narrative within the game, using creativity and arts to foster a collaborative environment.

This direction will help refine the game and ensure it fits within the overall project objectives.

Sprint Goal:

Design and test an emotional safe space. Iterate on a card game that empowers stakeholders to choose tools for creating a scenario-based safe space.

Sub-Goals :

• SG1: Refine pre-game part
• SG2: Facilitate an agreement making session
• SG3: Plan Translate Session with Psychologist and Exhibition designer
• SG4: Design a Card game – scenarios/aims and number of players to decide the tools
• SG5: Conduct metrics for an efficient session
• SG6: Do research on emotional safe space creation

In Sprint 2, we’re focusing on refining the pre-game setup, creating clear agreement methods, and planning a Translate Session with a psychologist and exhibition designer. We’re also designing a card game to help stakeholders choose tools based on scenarios, setting up metrics for session efficiency, and researching how to create emotional safe spaces. This work will guide our design and testing process going forward.

In Sprint 2, we focused on refining our approach and conducting further research to support the design process for the Pre-game and In-game parts of our concept. Here’s what we worked on:

Literature Review

• Conducted further desk research to deepen our understanding of emotional safe spaces and their creation.

1-1 Interview

• We continued engaging with experts in art therapy, including a psychologist and a performer, to discuss how to address challenges in workshops and help participants feel comfortable.

Customer Experience Map

• Created a customer experience map to visualize the user journey and identify pain points when using our prototype. Since there is not one specific customer we can target properly, we have modified this method to be more in line with speculative design.

Clickable Prototype

• Developed a clickable prototype in figma to visually represent our vision, to test interactions and gather feedback on the design’s usability.

Moodboard

• Created a moodboard to visually explore themes and aesthetics for the emotional safe space design.

Field Trip

• We visited the NXT Museum in Amsterdam to gain inspiration and experience interactive and immersive environments, which helped inform our design decisions.

In Sprint 2, we developed a customized version of The Quiet Year, set in a post-apocalyptic Amsterdam, to explore community resilience, decision-making, and survival in a drastically altered environment. Players work together to face challenges and rebuild Amsterdam, with a doom meter that escalates with each critical event, adding urgency and emphasizing strategic choices.

To support the Pre-game phase, we created a multi-step Figma prototype designed to give users the right tools based on their answers. This interactive guide allows users to customize the game setup by answering questions, enabling them to either generate a game tailored to their needs or select an existing game/tool if they already know what they want. Key setup options include:

• Indoor/outdoor settings to simulate how different environments impact gameplay and decision-making,
• Day/night options that influence visibility and strategy,
• Group size selection to explore the effects of varied community sizes on resource allocation and collaboration,
• Age options to adjust the game for different age groups, ensuring scenarios and language are suitable for all participants,
• Disability options to accommodate various accessibility needs, allowing everyone to fully participate by adapting game mechanics and materials as needed.

This setup makes each game session adaptable to specific contexts and community needs, providing a practical tool for non-profits, NGOs, and local governments looking to simulate and discuss real-world challenges around community resilience and inclusivity.

What we got from this sprint and the things we are going to take with us to sprint 3 is:

• By developing the Instant Design Lab, we’ve identified key elements that will guide our team in the next phase of the project. Moving forward, our focus will be on the structure of the toolbox, ensuring it includes empathy from the facilitator, trust-building, and an immersive flow state to keep participants engaged. The goal is to guide them through the discovery of shared goals, while maintaining flexibility in both facilitation and design to adapt to different needs.
• The toolbox itself will remain open-source, making it accessible to everyone for free. However, we will also explore opportunities to add value and create monetization pathways, such as premium tools or services. Additionally, we will incorporate a digital flow that transitions into physical tools, along with a flexible manual that can be applied globally.
• In the pregame phase, we will shift the role of clients to active participants, with beneficiaries identified as stakeholders. The toolbox will include open-ended physical tools, inspired by social service design principles, like the Transect Walk, which engages users in real-world problem-solving.
• The tools within the toolbox will focus on addressing communal issues such as public space, healthcare, culture, and housing. We will integrate mapping exercises and scenarios to help users apply these tools effectively in various contexts.
• Immersive methods, like theater and Session Lab, will be employed to foster co-discovery and creativity. Throughout the process, we will prioritize tools over games, ensuring the toolbox is practical and meaningful for users.
• The toolbox will follow a pregame, ingame, and postgame structure. Tools like Figma prototypes and interactive maps will aid in visualizing the process, while sensory experiences—such as those inspired by the WIHH Gallery’s use of white curtains and music boxes—will enhance the environment and experience.

By focusing on these priorities, we will ensure the toolbox is adaptable, versatile, and impactful across different communities and use cases.

Sprint Goal:

Design and test a physical toolbox.

Sub-Goals :

• SG1: Develop a better understanding of tools used, such as feasibility of tools through Translate Session with a facilitator.
• SG2: Identify pain points and preferences of facilitators
• SG3: Create a build manual for the usage of the tools.
• SG4: Reiterate on digital prototype for the clients to suggest possible solutions based on their requirements.
• SG5: Plan a co-creation session to test the tools of the toolbox with a group of people.
• SG6: Research and ideate on creating a physical space with tools.

In sprint 3, we focus on designing and testing a physical toolbox. We aim to develop a better understanding of the tools’ feasibility through a Translate Session with a facilitator and identify pain points and preferences. A build manual for the tools will be created, while we iterate on the digital prototype based on client feedback. We also plan a co-creation session to test the toolbox with a group and research how to create a physical space with the tools, ensuring the final product meets user needs.

In Sprint 3, we shifted towards testing and iterating on our designs. We conducted playtests to observe how participants interacted with the game and gathered feedback to refine the experience. Additionally, we explored roleplay elements to enhance engagement and worked on aligning the physical and digital components for a cohesive design.

Testing With DSS Members

• We explored research tools and their various applications by conducting tests, including a survey to gather opinions on what people consider useful. We also gave participants a box containing a mix of basic and unconventional tools and observed their selections to understand which items they found most practical.

Creating a Flow

• To refine the Pre-game aspect, we created a flow outlining how the IDL would be used from start to finish, including the parts we won’t focus on during our time at DSS.

Desk Research

• Conducted further desk research to deepen our understanding of facilitation and the use of basic tools, since the tools need to function in any given context it was necessary.

1-1 Interview

• We had a Translate session with Mari Luz, where we discussed various aspects of the project, and also had an in-depth conversation with our partner about their expertise in facilitation. This exchange provided valuable insights into how we can improve the facilitation process and better understand the dynamics involved.

Value Proposition Canvas & Design Thinking Canvas

• We used the Value Proposition Canvas to better understand our users’ needs and pain points, ensuring our solution aligns with their expectations. Alongside this, we applied the Design Thinking Canvas to map out the problem space, ideate solutions, and structure our design process, helping us focus on delivering meaningful and user-centered outcomes.

Digital Prototype Iteration

• We iterated on the digital prototype, with the main goal of advancing it to a Mefi prototype. Additionally, the goal was to create a proper overview of the results where users could see one of the many potential combination outcomes based on their selections throughout the prototype.

Main Goal

Design the instant design lab and update the cardgame.

Sub-Goals

SG1: Develop a better understanding of tools by conducting a Translate Session with a facilitator to evaluate feasibility and usability.
SG2: Identify pain points and preferences of facilitators through interviews and feedback analysis.
SG3: Create a comprehensive build manual for tool usage, ensuring clarity and effectiveness through peer testing.
SG4: Reiterate on the digital prototype by incorporating client feedback to suggest tailored solutions and improvements.
SG5: Plan and conduct a co-creation session to test toolbox tools with a diverse group of participants.
SG6: Research and ideate on designing a physical space equipped with adaptable tools to support the lab’s functionality.

In Sprint 4, we focused on laying the groundwork for the Instant Design Lab by iterating on its structure, materials, and processes. Our goal was to create a flexible and functional lab concept that caters to both public participation and confidential work.

Testing and Feedback

We conducted a Translate Session with a facilitator to evaluate the feasibility of the tools, gaining insights into usability and areas for improvement. Additionally, we explored facilitator pain points and preferences through interviews and feedback analysis, helping us align the lab’s design with their needs.

Starting with the Manual

We began drafting a build manual for the lab’s tools, ensuring it is clear and user-friendly. Peer testing was conducted to refine the manual and verify its effectiveness in guiding participants.

Digital Prototyping

The digital prototype was reiterated based on feedback from clients. The Figma tool was expanded to allow users to select session types, methods, and topologies, providing a clearer and more intuitive workflow.

Co-Creation and Ideation

We planned a co-creation session to test the toolbox tools with a diverse group of participants. This session will help validate the tools and their effectiveness in creating a safe, adaptable design space. In parallel, we researched and ideated on designing a physical space with adaptable tools, drawing inspiration from nomadic structures such as tents.

Creative Exploration

We experimented with materials like fabrics and lighting to create immersive and cost-effective environments. We also iterated on slides to enhance interactivity and creativity, exploring ways to make the lab more engaging for participants.

In Sprint 4, we focused on refining the Instant Design Lab (IDL) by iterating on its structure, tools, and processes to create a flexible and adaptable lab for public participation and confidential work. This sprint emphasized experimentation, user feedback, and prototyping to establish a strong foundation for the IDL.

To test and improve the tools, we conducted a Translate Session with a facilitator to evaluate feasibility, usability, and alignment with user needs. Additionally, interviews and feedback sessions helped us identify pain points and preferences, shaping the design for facilitators.

We began drafting a comprehensive build manual for the toolbox, ensuring it is clear and user-friendly. Simultaneously, we iterated on the digital prototype in Figma, enhancing its ability to guide users through selecting session types, methods, and topologies tailored to their needs.

Our research included exploring the use of fabrics, lighting, and modular dividers inspired by nomadic structures to create immersive and cost-effective environments. These ideas were integrated into the pregame, in-game, and post-game phases of the IDL process.

To validate the toolbox’s tools, we planned a co-creation session with diverse participants. This session will help us test the effectiveness of the tools and the adaptability of the lab’s design.

Moving forward, the focus will be on rehearsing the full process—from pregame setup in Figma to the in-game construction using the card game and post-game problem-solving. By refining this flow and iterating on creative elements, we aim to ensure the IDL is engaging, practical, and ready for showcase presentation.

Main Goal

Concluding the design of Instant Design lab.

Sub-Goals

SG1: Combining pregame, Ingame and postgame.
SG2: Come up with a build manual
SG3: Give the Figma prototype one last update

Manual Development

Detailed manuals were created to support the pregame, ingame, and postgame elements, tailored to decisions made during experience testing. Peer reviews helped ensure clarity and usability.

Showcase Preparation

To prepare for the showcase, we mimicked the pregame experience, creating immersive scenarios to test the lab’s effectiveness. This included VR simulations, interactive dashboards, and video projections.

Realising the Instand Design Lab

We experimented with physical components for the toolbox, such as connectors and PVC pipes, to design adaptable and functional structures. These prototypes were tested and refined to ensure durability, ease of assembly, and flexibility for different use cases.This sprint laid the foundation for a polished, user-ready Instant Design Lab. This would come handy for the sprint review and the showcase

Focus
In Sprint 5, we concentrated on finalizing the Instant Design Lab (IDL) by integrating its tools and processes, refining materials, and preparing for the showcase. The goal was to deliver a cohesive and adaptable lab for public participation and confidential work.

Build Manual

• Finalized detailed manuals for pregame, ingame, and postgame elements to ensure clear and user-friendly guidance.
• Peer testing helped verify the manuals’ usability and practicality. In the picture below you see one example of the many manuals we have made!

Finalise cardgames

• Finalized the Haiku Jam card game, which helps groups establish agreements and align goals before starting collaborative work.
• Developed the Campfire Conversations card game, which guides participants in theoretically building a shared space and planning its purpose and required tools.

Digital Prototype

• Expanded the Figma tool to allow users to select session types, methods, and topologies.
• Iterated the prototype based on client feedback to improve workflow and interactivity.

Physical Toolbox

• Experimented with components like connectors and PVC pipes to create flexible and functional structures.

Showcase Preparation

• Mimicked the pregame experience to refine the flow and test its effectiveness.
• Developed immersive environments using cost-effective materials, such as fabrics and lighting, to enhance participant engagement.

Next Steps
The focus now shifts to rehearsing the full lab process, ensuring the IDL is practical, engaging, and ready for the showcase presentation.