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.
“We werken samen aan power-ups voor de speler; een positieve verandering voor het leven. Dat geeft mij veel energie en zorgt ervoor dat ik na een werkdag met een goed gevoel naar huis ga.”
Product Owner bij 8D Games
In 2014, 8D Games started as a two-man company. Our team now consists of 12 permanent employees. We hardly know any turnover, but growth does. Would you also like to work on games with impact within 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.
Social design is a philosophy that translates academic knowledge into practical, usable solutions with societal impact. It bridges the gap between research and practice through co-creation, context-driven design, and sustainable implementation. Read our blog to explore the characteristics and benefits of social design—and why this mindset is so essential for researchers.
Social design is a practical way to tackle societal challenges by working closely with stakeholders. It not only delivers solutions but also provides researchers with new insights and valuable data. With ten years of experience, 8D helps researchers achieve clear results through co-creation and iteration. This blog shares three inspiring examples of social design in research from our portfolio.
At a time when digital tools, apps, and simulations are increasingly used for training and learning, we sometimes forget the power of something simple and effective: the roleplaying game. While…
