POLARIS

A design research into the dynamics of polarization

How can we use our collective imagination to fight unwanted polarization?

To research the dynamics of the us vs them thinking I used storytelling, speculative design, transformative play and system constellations to make unwanted polarization visible and tangible.

Which resulted in the development of a simulation game called Polaris. Where, in a future scenario, citizens on an island off the coast of Germany practice living in a polarized city, using their collective imagination to navigate and resolve challenging dilemmas.

Through my research with Polaris, I discovered that polarization can be mitigated by using our imagination to empathize with those who hold different views, exploring unknown territory to uncover alternative narratives, and establishing common ground.

Keep moving, keep doubting, keep listening…

More info about my research and findings can be found here: ficklefish.nl