POLARIS - Spelen met polarisatie

Polarisation as part of societal transitions

Polarisation is always a factor in major societal issues, such as the energy transition, regional development, and strengthening democracy. It can contribute to sharper debates and new ideas, but it can also lead to conflict or stagnation in a transition. POLARIS helps to better understand these tensions, make them tangible, and discuss them.

Simulation game as a learning environment

POLARIS is a physical simulation game for groups of 25 or more. Together, you'll enter a fictional city focused on a societal transition or your own (polarised) case. As a resident, policymaker, or professional working in the social or security domain, you'll experience how your actions impact the course of a transition and social cohesion in the city. You'll gain insight into both the opportunities polarisation presents for innovation and the ways it threatens democracy.

Design research and practising with the unknown

The game is part of ongoing scientific and design research into the effects of polarisation from a systemic perspective. By playing, you practice with unpredictable situations and unknown outcomes. This makes it immediately relatable for everyone and allows players to view a topic from a distance, without questioning what is true and what is not. This creates space to visualise which strategies work, for example, to refine policy, strengthen collaboration, identify blind spots, and guide transitions.