D3PO project starts to create new therapeutic opportunities through puzzles

On April 20-21, 2022, the kick-off meeting of the D3PO project took place in Piraeus (Greece), where the partners from Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece were able to meet in person and clearly present the project in general, its activities, responsibilities and the planned schedule. 

D3PO is an inclusive learning project based on playful mechanics through 3D printable puzzles. The idea came as a result of the growing popularity of escape rooms in recent years and their potential to promote the development of soft skills in participants. 

This European project aims to use traditional cognitive development mechanics such as puzzles with a modern narrative-based approach that can be distributed to the general public in a cost-effective and safe way through 3D printing.  

Ultimately, and through the development of a specific therapeutic protocol for each of the 10 puzzles to be developed by D3PO partners, the acquisition of skills such as teamwork, creativity or lateral thinking, which are very useful in the workplace, will be facilitated, while promoting inclusiveness, tolerance and the value of the individual as a fundamental pillar of the society of the future.  

From this main objective there are several specific objectives and products to be developed during the execution of the project: 

IO1 – 3D PUZZLE TOOLKIT – The design of a collection of 3D printable puzzles and a professional manual where the reader can learn how to assemble the puzzle, solve it and reassemble it. 

IO2 – 3D PRINTED PUZZLES METHODOLOGY APPLIED TO PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLNESS – A new methodology to help people develop soft skills in teams and/or improve their physical/psychological wellness based on 3D printed puzzles with a given narrative. 

In the coming months the partners will be looking for a concept to develop 1-2 puzzles. The type of narrative the puzzles could have will also be key to identify the category of the target group that will participate in this implementation and testing phase in the second phase of the project.  

In addition, the next didactic training activity has been set, to be held in Palermo (Italy) in July. During this training, participants from across the consortium will be taught about 3D design and additive manufacturing.