Overview of the Engagement Tool/Innovation: 

This method involves using a game to encourage engagement in decision-making and learning about the work of an organisation. A number of resources are linked below that show how games have been developed to facilitate community engagement in a fun and interactive way. Games can be designed to spark discussion on important issues and enable participants to gain a deeper understanding of them. In the case studies, bespoke board games were designed and made. They were then played by participants in workshop settings. One example asked ‘communities to come together and dream, design, and create resilient solutions that address the impacts of climate change in a specific region. Another game was designed and used in the ‘Lets Talk Parks’ consultation in Newcastle upon Tyne where participants were asked to respond and discuss different scenario cards.  

Role in decision-making: 

Feedback and discussions during game playing can be incorporated into park/organisational decisions.  It’s possible to ask players to write summary responses and/or record discussions for later analysis where permission is given.