8D supports researchers in every design-oriented and co-creative aspect of their work. This includes contributing to design-focused research proposals, facilitating co-creation sessions, creating creative interventions of all types and sizes, developing and executing test protocols, and assisting with the implementation and sustainability of project outcomes.
We like to connect people, ideas, theory, practice and everything in between. Thus, from our experience with serious game development, we started thinking in ever broader solution forms. Especially now that AI is developing at lightning speed and the creation process is becoming increasingly efficient. This makes it all the more important to make the right thing for the target group – and to think about strategies for implementation and safeguarding already during the design process.
We fight for meaningful use of public money. One example: we were asked to develop a VR training course for healthcare workers. However, contact with the target group already showed that the professionals did not want or could not work with this at all. So we pitched a card game – a form that did match the target group’s needs. We lost the assignment, but we consciously took that risk. After all, we only want to make things we believe in.
Rapidly and fearlessly testing assumptions is a key part of design thinking. We excel at visualizing ideas and rapid prototyping, enabling you to test results with your target group quickly and pragmatically. This saves both time and money. And no, we don’t mind being the ones boldly proposing and testing ideas that may seem destined to fail—because sometimes that’s exactly what it takes to move the project forward.
Product Owner
In 2014, 8D started as a two-man serious gaming company. Today, our team has grown to 10 permanent employees, and we’ve expanded our focus to social design within academia. We experience little turnover—though we started as a young team, most of our members have stayed with us through years of growth and change.
Would you like to work on social design projects with a close-knit, friendly team? Keep an eye on our vacancy page!
The strength of co-creation comes from blending different perspectives, and we embrace that fully within our team. Take Maarten, for example—he spent thirteen years as a creative therapist, giving him unparalleled insight into human behavior. Bas is an experienced game designer who’s now pursuing a master’s in education. Johan began his career as a programmer but has since specialized in design thinking and implementation. Giel once worked as a graphic designer until his exceptional design research skills took the lead. Nicole, a historian by training, has an knack for distilling vast amounts of information into clear, essential insights. Sven started with us as an online marketer but now manages all our contacts within European research consortia and masters the most complex research topics. Stephan began as a project manager and also learned to design behavior. Edwin is not just a character artist; he’s also a skilled visual creator, excelling in fields like science communication.
Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) explained: this article offers insight into how TRLs can help make your proposal more focused and targeted.
You’ll receive practical guidance to better understand and integrate TRLs into a grant application—from estimating the starting level to choosing an appropriate strategy.
Transdisciplinary research brings together scientists and societal actors such as designers, artists, and policymakers to tackle complex issues. Examples include ethical dilemmas surrounding technology, climate adaptation, or healthcare innovation. Despite its potential, implementation remains challenging in practice: how do you ensure equal collaboration? How do you bridge differences in working methods and language? We discussed these questions with Julia Hermann, Assistant Professor in Philosophy and Ethics of Technology at the University of Twente.
Dr. Ayla Schwarz is an Assistant Professor specializing in Implementation and Engagement in Digital Health at Wageningen University, part of the Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles chair group. Her research focuses on behavior change and technology, with a particular emphasis on promoting physical activity among children and adolescents. As the lead researcher of BEweegAPP+, she is currently working with JOGG, 8D, Kenniscentrum Sport en Bewegen and multiple municipalities to explore how policy can support effective scaling and implementation of physical activity apps.
