United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
UNDP is a global organization that works to reduce inequalities through the sustainable development of countries. Their mission is to promote equality, build peace, and respond to complex global challenges. They focus on transforming governance systems to ensure inclusion and sustainability.
Challenge
UNDP sought to trigger a paradigm shift in global governance and multilateralism. They aimed to inspire both policymakers and development actors to envision and create new ways to collaborate on global challenges, such as climate change, conflict, and resource distribution. The core challenge was to present a futuristic yet plausible vision of multilateralism that could respond effectively to poly-crisis and incorporate non-human perspectives.
Outcome
The Blue Marble concept, model and experience successfully demonstrate new forms of multilateralism, through deep discussions on governance, sustainability, and collective action. It offers an immersive experience of co-creating solutions for global challenges and engages through an interactive exhibit, with artifacts, and a participatory experiment. The model encourages forward-thinking and generates new ideas about how the world could work together humans and non-humans.
Our role was to design and develop a model that challenged us to rethink multilateralism. Through curated content, co-creation prompts, and innovative artifacts, we aimed to inspire collaboration — between humans and non-humans — toward a more inclusive and sustainable global governance system.
Our role and goal
Rethinking Multilateralism Through Interactive Design and Multispecies
Our role was to think, design, prototype and develop an interactive model, curate the content (scripts, questions, prompts), and produce innovative artifacts. It was also to inspire action and new perspectives on multilateralism and global governance. Our main goal was to create an engaging, thought-provoking experience that would encourage participants to reflect on their role in leading the future of the planet and global cooperation between species.
Approach
Co-Creating the Future of Global Governance
We designed an interactive environment that encouraged visitors to engage with speculative challenges and collaborate with digital representatives, including humans, plants, animals, and future generations. The focus was on creating a platform that utilized sustainable materials, digital tools, and innovative financing mechanisms to promote equity and transparency.
Through real-time data visualization and interactive tools, we supported decision-making processes, demonstrating how collective action and resources could be managed in a multilateral system. Additionally, the concept was developed with a modular design, making it small, easy to assemble, and adaptable for global travel and various locations and contexts. We see roleplaying and simulations as an innovative way to step inside the solutions that are needed in the real world.
Research
We designed an interactive environment where visitors engaged with speculative challenges alongside digital representatives — humans, plants, animals, and future generations. Using sustainable materials, digital tools, and real-time data visualization, we showcased how collective action and equitable resource management could shape the future of multilateral governance.
Results
First, we mapped and prioritized the systemic challenges within the UNDP, collaborating closely with key stakeholders. Together, we co-created actionable opportunities, ensuring the solutions were both practical and impactful. To strengthen the innovation culture, we introduced a structured workshop methodology that fostered creativity and problem-solving. Finally, we developed a comprehensive roadmap, providing a clear direction for the UNDP to implement transformative strategies in the future, guiding them toward sustainable and meaningful change.
After came the model, as the concept turned into an installation. In New York City, with the exhibition set, we had more than 1000 visitors in co-creation sessions, exceeding all expectations. Participants interacted with data visualizations that supported decision-making and financial modeling, fostering creative solutions. The innovative approach inspired discussions among policymakers and development professionals, encouraging new forms of global governance and collective action. Its itinerant nature allows it to reach multiple regions, gathering valuable global insights into multilateralism across the world.
