The CoDesign Tool. A Card-Based Framework for Interactive and Collaborative Design in Cultural Heritage

As the demand for more engaging visitor experiences–digital, physical, or hybrid–continues to grow, cultural institutions face the challenge of structuring effective design processes. While these institutions have long relied on interdisciplinary teams, such complex projects often require external contributions. This interplay of expertise calls for timely solutions and adaptable methodologies to ensure collaboration and bridge disciplinary gaps. The CoDesign Tool, developed by CNR ISPC (Italy) and Fraunhofer IGD (Germany) within the Horizon Europe PERCEIVE project, addresses this need by providing a structured, game-like framework to support collaborative ideation in Cultural Heritage. Building on the legacy of the open-access VisitorBox toolkit (GIFT, Horizon 2020), this redesigned version introduces key innovations, including cognitive-emotional dedicated stage and cards (Audience Goals) focused on Authenticity and Sense of Care, a redesigned Disruption Stage to stress-test ideas, and an overall restructured layout for improved usability and flow. The tool’s modular format, which combines physical boards and themed card decks, encourages inclusive collaboration among practitioners of different background, regardless of their prior design expertise. Through a series of co-design workshops and evaluations, the tool has shown improved clarity, reduced cognitive load, and more balanced team participation compared to its predecessor. Results also highlight the value of structured prompts in guiding idea development and critical reflection. A digital version of the tool is currently being developed to support remote collaboration, with future work aimed at expanding content, testing new stages, and enhancing the tool’s adaptability across diverse heritage contexts.