Elements of Synergy

On behalf of the Expertise Network for Systemic Co-Design (ESC), we developed a game that helps teams reflect within co-creative processes. We observed that many collaborations are strongly focused on end results, leaving little room for reflecting on what went wrong. This results in valuable insights being lost—when in fact, there is much to learn from these moments.

The game offers teams a structured way to reflect and understand where synchronicity existed and where it did not. The basis of the game is built around five frequencies of collaboration, linked to the five elements:

• Earth – Action, hands-on work, results
• Water – Emotions, maintaining the right motivation at all times
• Air – Clear (problem) analyses, strategies, and objectives
• Fire – Connecting, trust, respect, communication, and leadership
• Space – Creativity, vision, thinking outside conventional boundaries

By going through these layers, teams discover where they were aligned and where obstacles arose. This insight helps them strengthen future collaborations.

• Supporting teams in reflection during co-creative processes.
• Creating awareness of dynamics within collaboration.
• Preserving knowledge and learning experiences by reflecting on moments when the process stalled.

• An interactive reflection game that helps teams recognize and improve synchronicity within collaboration.
• Successful tests with various practical partners and presentation at Dutch Design Week.
• Positive feedback from users: the game encourages valuable conversations and deep insights.
• Systematic use of the game in our future co-creation projects.