Play and explore the role of forests in the future

Tell us briefly about the prototype. What questions are you exploring through your future prototype?

I Ecolibrium, a board game about the role of forests in the future, explores how different actors in the forest value chain influence and are influenced by societal development. Through the game, we raise questions about sustainability, conflicts of interest and dependencies between systems and actors. We also examine how different futures can take shape depending on the choices made by forest owners, companies, society and research.

Who are you trying to reach?

We are targeting people who work with or are involved in issues related to forests and society, such as advisors, researchers, educators, decision-makers and actors in the forest industry. However, the game has also proven to work well in contexts with a wider public who are curious about forests and sustainability issues.

Photo: Boid

How is the prototype designed? And how have your target groups been able to interact with the prototype?

The prototype has been developed in close collaboration between the design agency Boid, the research institute Skogforsk and the game development studio Kenzet. Ecolibrium is a physical board game where four players take on roles within the forest value chain: forestry, industry, society and academia. The game is based on cooperation, where players together manage crises, balance economic, social and ecological factors and try to achieve common objective. Our target groups have contributed valuable input during the development through workshops, and tested the game on several occasions where we also invited reflection and dialogue after the game rounds.

Photo: Boid

What thoughts and feelings has the prototype aroused in the target group?

The game has awakened insights into system dependencies, goal conflicts and how the individual's choices affect the whole. Several participants have expressed that they have gained new perspectives, especially in relation to term and priorities of other actors. When one has explored a possible future during a game session, curiosity is often aroused to try more or to take on a different role next time.

Photo: Boid

What are your plans for the prototype going forward?

We plan to further develop the game to reach more target groups. It should be able to be used in education, research communication and dialogue processes, while we are exploring the possibility of making the game commercially available to the public. The next step is to find the right partners for continued dissemination, and we welcome actors who want to collaborate or support future versions.

Thank you so much Katharina!

Read more about Vinnova's transformation journey for a sustainable forest value chain

The Future of the Forest – Become part of the transition journey