Researchers produce valuable new insights every day — insights with the potential to make a real difference in society. Yet many of these findings remain confined to academic circles, read only by peers. The question, then, is not just how knowledge is produced, but: how can we ensure effective knowledge transfer to society?
At 8D, we focus on that transfer. We use design principles, co-creation and interactive, creative formats to make research findings more accessible — always tailored to the audience’s needs, perspectives and contexts of use.
Knowledge transfer does not start only after completion of a study, but already at the research design stage. By involving the target group at an early stage, not only does support grow, but the final knowledge also better fits the context in which it is to be applied. A design-oriented approach contributes to that process by encouraging collaboration and alignment from the beginning.
In our projects we therefore use a social design approach: an iterative and participatory process in which researchers, designers, experts by experience and end users discover together how knowledge can best be transferred. We never default to a particular form whether it is an app, board game, workshop or VR simulation. The content always determines the form, not the other way around.
Emerging from the My Jorley research project, Shkorey is a narrative intervention on sexual and reproductive health, co-developed with the Eritrean community in Leeuwarden. Young people follow relatable characters and make decisions in realistic scenarios, encouraging self-reflection and dialogue. This form of storytelling makes abstract knowledge tangible.
In collaboration with Campus Fryslân (University of Groningen), we developed an interactive simulation on ransomware attacks. Participants take on roles such as police officers or healthcare workers, and experience the complexity of decision-making under pressure.
In partnership with several municipalities, we transformed stories from archives and museums into interactive walking and cycling routes, as well as a digital library for children. By linking historical content to narrative formats, we made cultural heritage more accessible to younger audiences.
A card game for municipal staff and procurement officers dealing with the Dutch Social Support Act (Wmo). Through playful discussions of real-world scenarios, players engage with and apply knowledge. Based on a handbook developed by Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the content is translated into an approachable format.
Developed with the University Medical Center Groningen, this board game focuses on applying AI in healthcare. Players work through realistic hospital scenarios and are challenged to apply knowledge acquired through a complementary e-learning course.
Read an interview with Dr. Julia Hermann on how we collaborate on impactful transdisciplinary research. →→
As part of this Horizon Europe project, researchers, policymakers and producers collaborate to address food integrity. As design partner, we help translate complex topics into accessible interventions — including workshops and living labs — that bring diverse stakeholders together.
In collaboration with the Medical Center Leeuwarden, we developed a virtual reality simulation in which healthcare professionals can practise neonatal resuscitation. The environment allows for safe, repeatable training of life-saving procedures — typically taught only through written protocols or group sessions.
In our work, we constantly look for ways to combine design goals (such as a usable end product) with research goals, such as knowledge production and reflection. Therefore, during the process we actively provide space for researchers to collect data, test assumptions, retrieve user insights and measure impact on behavior or experience.
We also like to think along in the pre-implementation phase, when applying for subsidies. We then investigate how design and research can reinforce each other and which choices contribute to maximum social impact – for us a logical next step after successful knowledge transfer.
Design-driven research: what is the added value? Successful implementation of research results requires a perfect balance between user, the form of the intervention and the context in which it will be used. When all these elements are well aligned, research results end up where they really make a difference: in the middle of society.
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.
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.