Storytelling game
What is it?
The Storytelling Game is a card game that can be used to structure storytelling workshops or to initiate discussions about potential transformations. This participatory tool enables players to share personal stories related to a specific location, identifying problems and potential solutions. At the end, the game facilitates the creation of a collective story that aligns with the experience of several or all players.
Why is it useful?
Storytelling is a fundamental means of human communication, helping to convey knowledge and experiences. This tool is particularly useful in the early stages of street transformation. By structuring the exchange of stories, the game facilitates community involvement and inclusive planning. It identifies local problems and potential solutions through personal narratives. This tool also fosters empathy and trust by allowing participants to acknowledge diverse perspectives, and can empower them by supporting the identification of a common story. Additionally, the output of the tool can support communication and decision-making regarding street transformations.
Who should use it?
The Storytelling Game can be played by people who are familiar with the location being considered. These can be residents or workers who can share their lived experiences. The game can be self-facilitated or led by a facilitator experienced in guiding discussions. This tool is also relevant to urban planners, policy-makers and researchers who want to explore the diverse perspectives of neighbourhood stakeholders.
How to use it?
This tool takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of players and their level of engagement. It is best used in indoor spaces or quiet outdoor settings with minimal distractions. The game consists of a set of cards that guide three to six players through the storytelling process in five stages, leading to the creation of individual stories: (1) setting the scene, (2) introducing a problem encountered by the main character, and (3) finding a resolution. Once the individual stories are developed, (4) players share them in rounds, indicating the elements from others’ stories that resonate with their own experiences. Finally, (5) a collective story emerges, which can be refined through group discussion until consensus is reached. At the end, participants are encouraged to reflect on both the themes that surfaced during the game and the shared narrative that was created.
Example of good practices
The Storytelling Game was used in Stockholm in September 2024 during a gathering of neighbours and business owners of Söder Mälarstrand. The game was introduced by a facilitator from a local non-profit that aimed at triggering discussions on potential transformations of this central waterfront. The participants quickly felt comfortable playing the same game, and as a result, several shared problems and potential solutions were identified. These were used later on to draft a proposal for the municipality.
This tool was developed by Lluis Martinez at Mobilise (VUB).
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