The assignment for this graduation project was to develop a tool for residents to “step into each other’s worlds”. The project is a side track of the Bubble Games project, here VR technology is used to let people step into each other’s world to understand each other better. My challenge was to develop such a tool, but without using VR technology. Through research about the neighbourhood, including interviews with residents and professionals, the assignment was reformulated into developing a tool that guides residents of Woonontwikkeling Vredeoord to open up to the different flavours of living in together in their neighborhood.

Throughout the project, stakeholders were actively involved. During the design phase, multiple prototypes were created and tested with residents. A brainstorming session with residents helped defining the concept direction, resulting in Babbeloord.

Babbeloord is a phonecell where users are guided through different tasks via a phone. First, you discover your own needs regarding living together in the neighbourhood through the fundamental needs cards on the wall. Then, they are asked to explain their needs, to then listen to the stories of their neighbours. At the end, a question is asked about what they have learned from this chat (Babbel), encouraging residents to reflect. This question is also displayed on a mirror hanging on the third wall of Babbeloord. Follow-ups take place after two and six months to inform residents about the insights gathered and how they will be used.

Babbeloord encourage residents to think about what they believe is important about living together. Babbeloord also provides valuable insights for the municipality. Since Babbeloord was designed for and with residents, it fits well within the neighborhood. The stories collected can provide new entry points for the municipality to act upon. Babbeloord was evaluated in the neighbourhood and validated with two residents who participated in this test. Furthermore, it was discussed with professionals working in the neighbourhood and colleagues from the municipality. These chats provided valuable insights for recommendations on the future use of Babbeloord.