What if…?
Encouraging young people to design solutions for the world they live in

Introduction

How can young people contribute to solving complex societal issues?

What if…? is a creative and participatory method that empowers teenagers (aged 10–14) to investigate societal challenges and design their own interventions. The toolkit invites teachers, youth workers, and other professionals to guide young participants through a structured design process—one that transforms powerlessness into agency.

Young people explore real-world themes such as poverty, inequality, or climate change and work together to create ideas, develop prototypes, and present their solutions. The process is designed to boost self-confidence, build essential skills, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

A five-step creative process

The method includes a series of hands-on activities that take the youth from problem exploration to final presentation. It offers structure for the facilitator and creative freedom for the young participants. The five steps are:

  1. Choose a theme
    Start from the young participants’ own experiences and concerns. Themes might include poverty, divorce, mental health, or social injustice.
  2. Explore the theme
    Investigate the topic through questions, research, interviews, and storytelling.
  3. Generate ideas
    Use creative thinking techniques to develop and select possible interventions.
  4. Create a design
    Turn the idea into a tangible prototype or concept using simple tools and teamwork.
  5. Pitch the solution
    Present the result in a way that inspires others—via posters, presentations, or short videos.

The toolkit offers 12 ready-to-use worksheets that support these five steps. Each step contains multiple formats to choose from, depending on the group and setting.

What participants learn

The What if…? process supports a wide range of learning outcomes:

  • Problem-solving: Tackling real-world challenges through imagination and experimentation.
  • Critical thinking: Exploring diverse perspectives and identifying underlying causes.
  • Collaboration: Working in diverse teams and learning to listen, share, and compromise.
  • Creativity: Developing original and practical ideas in response to complex issues.
  • Empathy and social engagement: Gaining insight into societal problems through shared exploration.
  • Confidence and voice: Experiencing the power of their own ideas and contributions.

Downloads

We believe in open access. The full toolkit is available for free download:

  • Guidebook for facilitators
    A practical manual explaining how to prepare and run the process, including tips and examples
    [Download here]

  • Worksheet set
    A collection of printable activity sheets for each step of the process.
    [Download here]

  • 23 Happiness Cards
    A set of inspiration cards that explain and illustrate the 13 fundamental needs and 10 positive emotions suitable for teenagers (10+).
    [Download here]

  • Project publication
    A journal publication that reports the project.
    [Download here] (publication soon available)

Authors

This toolkit was developed as part of the project “Kind! Wat zou jij doen?”, led by Pieter Desmet (TU Delft). Authors: Niko Vegt and Pieter Desmet (TU Delft). In collaboration with: Marianne Welmers van de Poll, Dorien Graas, and Els Evenboer (Windesheim), Joost van Caam (SWV Amsterdam/Diemen), Bas Rodijk (kinderperspectief.nl), and Donna Stam (Garage2020).

Related projects and tools

Fundamental Needs Typology
A practical framework of 13 fundamental psychological needs and 52 sub-needs. This typology is a valuable resource for designing with well-being in mind.
[Go to page]

House of Happiness Poster
An inspiration poster that illustrates the 13 fundamental needs through scenes from daily family life.
[Download here]

Publication date

First version published in April 2025.

Funding

“What if…?” was developed as part of the project “Kind! Wat zou jij doen?” (Child! What would you do?), made possible by a ZonMw grant (number 07440332110028) within the programme “Wat werkt voor we jeugd”, and a VICI grant (number 453-16-009) from the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Both grants were awarded to P.M.A. Desmet.

Contact

Pieter Desmet (p.m.a.desmet@tudelft.nl)