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polARis

A simulation game that makes the (online) dynamics of polarization tangible

This is your island; can you achieve a Gross National Happiness of 75%?

Duration: 2.5 hours, including evaluation
Number of players: 15+

As residents of Polaris, you represent the local government, the citizens, the media, law enforcement, and social institutions. The game is designed for teams who want to gain more insight into their role in polarizing dynamics.

During the game, you will discover which depolarizing actions you can take from your role and experience the impact your actions have on others in the playing field.

seRious siMulAtion- and Role plAying

Polaris is a simulation game where we, as residents of the city of Polaris, live in a polarized society. Through the use of provided depolarization techniques, players are given the tools to reconnect with one another.

Just like in real life, the residents lead their daily lives between work, education, personal matters, and community events.

The local government shapes policies that affect well-being, while journalists and influencers not only report but also steer the direction of collective happiness. In this way, players gradually discover how they can help Polaris thrive or become more polarized.

In the endgame, it becomes clear whether Polaris is happy, and we evaluate what happened during the game. This gives players insight into the dynamics that occurred and their own role within them.

For Whom

Polaris can be played in various versions. For (semi)government institutions, the emphasis is more on vertical polarization (the distance between citizens and the government), while for educational institutions, the focus is on a combination of vertical and horizontal polarization (the distance between groups).

In consultation, it is possible to introduce polarizing topics that are relevant to your situation. Polaris can also be used as a simulation to address research questions about social dynamics.

“We were all busy creating policies, but we never actually asked anyone in the neighborhood if that was what they needed… Every policymaker should play this!”

Player Team Government during the  masterclass Polarisation at the University 

 

“The newspaper? As a resident, I go to the market to get the local news!”

Player Red Quadrant

spelen

Are you ready to play?

Would you like to use Polaris within your own organization or for a client? We’d love to brainstorm with you! Contact us for a no-obligation introduction.

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Or contact us directly: 
Esther +31(0)652668941 of Jennifer +31(0)610857287

By playing Polaris:

  • You gain more insight into what happens between people in a polarized situation.
  • You feel the impact of polarization on the residents of a community.
  • You discover that well-intentioned interventions can sometimes have an extra polarizing effect.
  • You become aware of biases you may have toward certain roles in the game.
  • You learn to put yourself in the role and perspective of others.
  • You notice the influence of the government and media on the dynamics.
  • You discover that polarization can also be necessary for change.
  • You create a starting point for further collaboration.

    Polaris is developed by Esther Verhamme and Jennifer van Exel
    Studio Ficklefish & Studio ToiToi

    . 

    We have previously played Polaris at:
    The Masterclass on Polarization at the University of Amsterdam,
    The Municipality of Almere,
    The Mastertrack Transformative Leadership at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences,
    With students from the University of Amsterdam and the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences WDKA.

    “I am the CEO of this factory, so I only think about money and myself… or wait he would not describe himself like that I guess…”

    Student at the UvA

    ReseArch & deVelopMent

    Polaris is the result of a design-based research project into the dynamics of polarization.
    If you would like more information about this research, please get in touch with us.

    The simulation is developed based on academic research and theories from social sciences and change theories. The theories we have incorporated into this design are:

    The prototype was developed in collaboration with: Joline Verloove (Movisie), Bassima el Haïk (JSO), Bart Brandsma (Inside Polarisation), Eva de Valk (Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken), Marieke de Wijse (PhD facilitation in change events & serious gaming) Ann Cassano (systemic change & Deep democracy facilitator) Mari Luz Garcia(Manager/Trainer/Facilitator/Coach -Transformation Leadership HvA), Douwe van der Werf, (storyteller and creative producer), Jaap de Goede ( psychologist and chairman of the board Saganet Serious Games) Frouke Engel (social designer)

     Funding: SIDN Fund