Citizen Science and Design: co-creating public meeting spaces

8D took on the role of design partner in a citizen science project where local residents – together with researchers from NHL Stenden – explored how to stimulate social interaction in public space. Through a participatory co-creation process, we developed three concrete intervention concepts based on residents’ wishes. The result: a solid foundation for social connection within the community.

Key facts

Citizen Science for Stronger Community Ties

Many municipalities aim to build more connected communities where residents feel less lonely. Social encounters – especially in public space – play a vital role in achieving this goal. The Municipality of Assen takes this ambition seriously through the project I2I (pronounced “Eye to Eye“), which emphasizes interaction, play and physical activity.

Within this context, 8D was commissioned to apply a citizen science approach to uncover the real needs of local residents. What does “social connection” look like in their daily lives and surroundings? In close collaboration with the Research Group for Care Innovation at NHL Stenden, we launched a participatory research process focused on developing sustainable, community-rooted solutions.

Research Approach

Our chosen method was the Double Diamond framework, which aligns closely with the principles of citizen science: inclusive participation, collaboration with researchers and shared knowledge generation. Two central questions guided the process: are we designing the right thing, and are we designing it the right way?

The Pittelo neighborhood was selected based on prior stakeholder analyses and data on loneliness in Assen. The target group: residents aged between 45 and 55. The assignment: to design three interventions that encourage social interaction, play, and movement in the neighborhood.

The Core of Citizen Science: Residents as Co-Researchers

At the heart of this citizen science project were a series of co-creation sessions in which residents actively participated in both the research and design phases. They were involved not merely as respondents, but as co-researchers and co-creators. Tools such as neighborhood maps, where participants could indicate preferred meeting spots, made it possible to gather diverse perspectives – including those of residents who are typically less vocal in group settings.

Over the course of three sessions and two open community days, we gathered ideas, developed concepts and collected feedback. This interactive approach is a textbook example of public engagement within citizen science: focused on two-way dialogue rather than one-way communication.

Outcomes and Concepts

The sessions revealed that residents place high value on cultural and historical elements within their neighborhood. They also saw opportunities to build on existing walking routes as a foundation for new meeting points. All concepts were visually developed into storyboards and posters, ensuring accessibility for feedback from all age groups. During a festive open day, the concepts were presented to the wider community. The most popular outcome? An urban art route themed around graffiti, connecting the neighborhood through public art.

In collaboration with NHL Stenden, all sessions and insights were compiled in a comprehensive research report. This report contains recommendations that provide a strong foundation for the Municipality of Assen to build upon in strengthening community bonds.

By employing citizen science and co-creative design, we not only fostered ownership among residents, but also generated applicable knowledge that feeds directly into local policy. This project demonstrates how scientific research and societal needs can intersect – in practice, for and with the community.

8D uses knowledge of design to answer human-centered, complex questions. We are always looking for new partners who want to build a research project together, for example within a European consortium.

Research in the heart of society

At 8D, we support researchers in integrating a design approach into their work, from project design to creative product development and process supervision. This participatory methodologies help solve complex, human-centered issues and embed research results sustainably in society.