Join us for a breakfast event showcasing the results of an innovative project that combines gamification and AI to enhance public consultations.

Calendar
Thursday 23 October 2025
Clock
08:30–11:45
Navigate
Room 4.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Microphone
Agnessa Spanellis
Microphone
Adam Chalmers
Microphone
Veronica Fiorato
Microphone
Jeff Pyrah

Overview

This dissemination event will present Otter Intelligence, a web-based application designed to support more engaging and participatory consultations. At its core is Otter Power, a card-based game used to facilitate in-person policy discussions. The tool also features an AI-enabled analysis that interprets the outcomes of these consultations in real time.

Developed and tested in partnership with the Lake District and Cairngorms National Parks, the methodology has been successfully applied to real-world policy challenges. Representatives from both parks will share their insights and experiences from piloting this approach.


Agenda

Time Session
8:30am Breakfast and networking
9:00am Presentation of Otter Intelligence:
  • Introduction to Otter Power game
  • Local Development Plan at Cairngorms National Park
  • Partnership Management Plan at the Lake District National Park
  • Demonstration of the AI-enabled analysis
10:00am Coffee break
10:30am Game demonstration
11:30am Closing remarks

This event is designed for professionals in public and private sectors, academics, and policymakers interested in more participatory and data-informed approaches to policy development. You’ll discover new tools, connect with like-minded peers, and explore opportunities to apply this methodology in your own work.

The event is organised by the Gamification and Systems Thinking Lab and will take place at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. This is a hybrid event with a limited number of in-person places.

Speakers

Agnessa Spanellis

Agnessa Spanellis

Senior Lecturer in Systems Thinking, University of Edinburgh Business School, and Director of the Gamification and Systems Thinking Lab


Adam Chalmers

Adam Chalmers

Senior Lecturer in European Union Politics, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh


Veronica Fiorato

Veronica Fiorato

Partnership Manager, Lake District National Park


Jeff Pyrah

Jeff Pyrah

Senior Planning Officer (Forward Planning), Cairngorms National Park