“You only encounter special stories in the wild”, says Johan van der Meulen about research
“I hated doing research at CMD” says Johan van der Meulen laughing. “Actually I mostly found it scary to approach people. I automatically justified that by saying that I just didn't like research.” By now that is different, doing research is an important part of Johan's work at 8D Games.
8D Games develops serious games, apps and gamification. To, as they say themselves, give the players a power-up for life. The most important goal is having a positive impact on people and society. A human-centered approach is essential here – so research is too.
“During CMD I found out that you discover the most special stories when you start talking to people”
“The first project in the propaedeutic phase of CMD that I did, was an assignment for a clothing store. It was about giving advice remotely, among other things, which seemed like an awesome idea. Together with my project group we went to the center of Groningen to do research on the subject. There we met two elderly ladies, dressed in fur coats. We asked these ladies why they went to the city. I will never forget the answer: 'That way we get to see the middle class again'. An answer like that, such colorful people, you only encounter them in the wild. Secretly, that is quite enjoyable!”
“That was really a realization I had at that moment, you only find these stories when you do research. Of course I can tell you this now, but you mostly have to experience it yourself. It is really a feeling. And essential: only then do you get all the puzzle pieces you need to come to a good concept. By going through this process well, you know that what you make is right. Not only because you think it's a good idea yourself.”
Starting at the beginning
The team of 8D Games prefers to work from a problem analysis towards a product. Research is an important part of that, sparring with the target group is always done. Also when developing a concept. “Co-creation with the target group is one of my favorite ways of doing research. For example, we ran a project about making poverty among children discussable. The concepts we tested with the target group were not very popular. What turned out? If the character they played with would be a dog, they would absolutely love it. It seems small, but it really determines the success of the end product. You really need the target group for that. It also immediately makes the children who participate owners of the game, which means it is better received later. Because of this we are not just another app builder, we really make a difference.”
Discovering what you actually want
Besides the realization that research is important, CMD has yielded even more for Johan. His place as one of the owners of 8D Games, just to name something. “That I am standing here now, I really couldn't have imagined beforehand. I started doing CMD because I didn't know what I wanted.”
CMD is a study with a flexible character. Competence-oriented, community based and demand-driven. Good story. But um, what does that mean? “During CMD I had to figure out a lot myself. I sometimes found it a bit too little to hold on to, but it did ensure that I now know well how to get things done. Because the study is very broad, I got the chance to discover what I really like and what I am good at. And where work can also be found, at some point it is useful to look at that too.”
Piece of self-reflection towards the people
After Johan confessed that he didn't immediately find doing research the most fun part of CMD, he wants to get something off his chest. “I really read too little during CMD. My focus was mainly on making things and developing those skills. I was mainly doing a lot, after I graduated I discovered how much you can learn from books. I really want to pass that on to current students, go read! Even if you only read two books a year, it really adds something.”
Johan van der Meulen
Johan graduated from CMD LWD in 2016. He did his internship at 8D Games, started working there and is now co-owner. Listens to podcasts in the car and is never done learning.