8D and Campus Fryslân formalise collaboration

Design studio 8D Research + Design = Impact and RUG/Campus Fryslân have signed a letter of intent to formalise and expand their collaboration. The collaboration will focus on knowledge sharing and creating opportunities for transdisciplinary research. This type of research focuses on collaboration between scientists, designers, businesses, governments and citizens, with the aim of not only developing knowledge, but also making it applicable in practice.

We believe that social issues can only be tackled by actively seeking connections outside the walls of academia,‘ says Piet Bouma, Managing Director at Campus Fryslân. ’That is why we bring scientists, students, governments, businesses and social organisations together in living labs, field projects and practice-oriented research."

For 8D, the collaboration fits in with its ambition to contribute to solving social challenges through design. Johan van der Meulen, co-owner of 8D: ‘We do this not only as designers and creators, but also as a content-driven partner who thinks along at an early stage about opportunities for collaboration and financing.’

A history of collaboration

8D and Campus Fryslân first collaborated on the PhD research of RUG/Campus Fryslân alumna Lise Beumeler. This research explored how virtual reality and gaming can contribute to better recovery after intensive care admission. The research had a strongly practice-oriented approach, with pilot studies and test sessions at Frisius MC (formerly Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden). Beumeler obtained her PhD in 2023 with the thesis I see you: unravelling pathways of recovery after critical illness, to which Van der Meulen contributed from a practical perspective.

In addition, 8D has been involved in education and events at Campus Fryslân in recent years. Van der Meulen: ‘We have enjoyed giving guest lectures and contributing to the Summer School, the Graduate School and the Weekend of Science. We also welcome a group of PhD candidates to our office every year to exchange knowledge, particularly about effective collaboration between researchers and designers.’

Many of the connections that have been established over the years are long-term. For example, 8D and Beumeler, now working at NHL Stenden, are currently working on a new project proposal on recovery after hospitalisation, this time with an international scope. Johan: ‘It's good to see that, as a company, we are increasingly being invited to the drawing board for new research and innovation projects, so that the practical perspective is already taken into account in the project design.’

Friesland as a starting point for European cooperation

By linking local knowledge to national and European challenges, both Campus Fryslân and 8D aim to position the North as a place where research, innovation and impact come together. Bouma: ‘By formally establishing this collaboration now, we are creating clarity about this shared ambition. We are committed to structural collaboration in order to further increase the social impact of our research and education.’