Developed by CNR ISPC (Italy) and Fraunhofer IGD (Germany) within the Horizon Europe PERCEIVE project, the CoDesign Tool helps exhibition designers, curators, and cultural professionals create more engaging visitor experiences—whether physical, digital, or hybrid. At its core, the tool is a structured, game-like framework that guides participants step by step through the main stages of the design process. Using canvases and themed card decks, it provides prompts, challenges, and questions that encourage creativity, discussion, and collaboration. Importantly, it is designed to be inclusive: anyone can take part, regardless of their prior design expertise.

The tool is available in two versions:

• a paper-based board game, used in workshops and classrooms;
• a web-based collaborative app, currently in development, designed to support remote and hybrid sessions.

The paper edition extends the legacy of the open-access VisitorBox (Horizon 2020 GIFT project), while the digital version represents a new innovation introduced by PERCEIVE.

Who is it for?

The digital edition is designed for remote and hybrid teams, cultural institutions, and research projects seeking flexibility, scalability, and advanced functionality. It is especially valuable for international collaborations, distributed design teams, or institutions wanting to integrate digital tools directly into their workflows.

How it works

The digital application mirrors the seven steps of the paper tool but adapts them to an online environment. Each stage unfolds on a shared digital canvas, where participants move cards, vote, and co-create in real time.

Key interface elements include:

• Main game canvas – the central workspace adapting to each stage.
• Digital card decks – enriched with hover effects, longer descriptions, and adaptive visibility
• Top bar – combining progress tracking with a space for “Top Voted” cards.
• Instruction panel – providing stage-by-stage guidance.A moderator role ensures smooth setup and progression without undermining collaboration

Advanced features

• Real-time collaboration across different teams and contexts.
• Multi-device compatibility, ensuring seamless participation from desktops, tablets, or laptops.
• AI-assisted storyboarding, including image generation from text prompts.
• Integration with the PERCEIVE platform API, importing case study data directly.
• Future integration with the PERCEIVE CoDesign Toolkit (including the Prototyper and Experiment Planner).

Why it matters

The digital version reduces the costs and logistics of running workshops, while making it possible for distributed teams to collaborate effectively. It expands accessibility, ensures continuity in hybrid contexts, and keeps the co-design process dynamic and inclusive.

Looking ahead

First prototyped in Figma and now being implemented through the ATON framework, the web app will undergo testing with PERCEIVE partners to ensure usability and effectiveness. Future developments will expand AI features, improve customisation, and refine the UI/UX for cross-platform collaboration. The goal is to create a digital tool that complements the paper version while opening new possibilities for cultural heritage design worldwide.

Credits

Laura Travaglini , Marcello Massidda , Samuele Spotti , Manuele Veggi , Sofia Pescarin (CNR), Andreas Zapf (Fraunhofer IGD)

Learn more

• Travaglini, Laura, Marcello Massidda, Andreas Zapf, Samuele Spotti, Manuele Veggi and Sofia Pescarin. 2025. “The CoDesign Tool. A Card-Based Framework for Interactive and Collaborative Design in Cultural Heritage.” HCI International 2025 – Late Breaking Papers. In print.