In collaboration with three universities of applied sciences, 8D developed the card game Vision Explorers: a serious game that invites young farmers to explore climate measures that suit their values and future plans. It encourages them to consider where they want to go with their farm, and how today’s choices can help shape that path, even in a world that keeps changing.
Dairy farmers and other agricultural entrepreneurs are navigating an increasingly uncertain environment, from shifting policies to changing societal expectations. At the same time, the need for sustainable action within the sector continues to grow. Research carried out in the project showed that while young farmers are often motivated, they may overestimate their knowledge of climate measures and their implications. Many also feel hesitant to make long-term choices, given the constant state of change: “Everything could be different again tomorrow.”
Vision Explores offers a different starting point to think about these matters. Not with fixed answers, but with personal perspective. How do you imagine the future of your farm? What matters to you? Perhaps you’re drawn to technological innovation, or maybe you see potential in diversification, such as running a farm shop or offering care services. This vision becomes the foundation of the game. After all, exploring what you value makes it easier to consider which climate-positive measures might align.
The project initially began with the idea of developing a digital simulation tool. The aim was to allow farmers to explore the effects of different climate measures on a model of their farm, considering aspects like financial impact, animal welfare, environmental performance and social acceptance.
During a brainstorm session led by 8D, with students and project partners, it became clear that this concept had major limitations. A simulation of this kind would rely on precise, up-to-date data on costs, policy frameworks, and the interaction between many complex factors—exactly the kind of information that changes constantly. The approach turned out to be too rigid, too complex, and too dependent on external variables. There was a risk that the tool would become outdated quickly and lose its relevance, while also requiring significant investment to maintain.
This realisation led to a shift in direction. Together, we explored alternative formats. Students from the Master’s in Serious Gaming created several prototypes, each testing different ideas. One of these focused on the idea of trade-offs: if you add something in one area, you have to give something up in another.
Through this prototyping phase, a key insight emerged: rather than simulating outcomes, the game should start from the perspective of the farmer’s own vision. What matters to them? What kind of future do they see for their business? When those questions are explored first, decisions about climate measures gain context and meaning.
8D analysed the results from the research and prototyping phase and helped translate them into a grounded game concept through a series of iterative design steps. After each test, we refined the mechanics, tone, and usability. How much information is useful? At what point does it become overwhelming? And how do you keep the game engaging while still allowing for depth?
Strategic designer
The result is a card game designed to be played in pairs, where players start with a shared vision. They select climate measures, use resource cards to implement them, and gradually discover which choices move them closer to their goals. Chance cards introduce unexpected developments, much like in real-life farming.
Participatory research can solve three bottlenecks that researchers face: data collection, effective knowledge transfer and dissemination. Potential forms are game-based research and design-based research. We are happy to inspire you with examples from our portfolio.
How can research findings be shared effectively with society? This article explores how participatory design supports effective knowledge transfer by aligning form, content and context. Real-world examples illustrate how design enhances the practical usability of academic insights.
How can research findings truly land in policy and practice? At 8D, we believe that effective dissemination strategies for researchers require design thinking and close collaboration with the target audience.
This is how we build knowledge dissemination that goes beyond project websites or isolated social posts. Our view: dissemination should be an integral and meaningful part of the entire research process, not just an afterthought.