Explainable – with clear maps and narratives rather than abstract labels. 

Predictable – by identifying recurring patterns and transitions.  

Reproducible – through structured protocols and flows that can be replicated across countries.  

Measurable – by linking practice to indicators, profiles and indices.  

countries

groups

cases

Configuration and tension-based thinking  We analyse situations as configurations of tensions, roles and contexts (individual–group–society–media), rather than as isolated variables. This allows us to work with phenomena such as polarization, loneliness, manipulation or creative blocks in a structured way.

Practice-based, science-aligned  The models come from many years of practice in counselling, group work, creative Labs and educational programmes. Where possible, tools are anchored in existing theories and scales (e.g. loneliness, wellbeing, values, creativity); where this is not yet done, we treat them as pilots to be further formalised together with academic partners.

From model to metric  Each method is developed with a clear line: concept → map or protocol → observable indicators → simple indices or profiles. This makes it possible to use our tools both for learning processes and for evaluation.

Creativity as a method, not decoration We use creative formats (scenes, role-play, drawing, movement, narrative exercises) not as “nice add-ons”, but as structured methods for accessing complex states and configurations that are difficult to reach through questionnaires alone. Creative outputs are treated as data: they are mapped, coded and connected to indicators.

Ethics, safety and data protection  All methods are adapted to European standards for informed consent, anonymity/pseudonymisation, safeguarding and data protection (GDPR). When working with youth or sensitive topics (e.g. trauma, mental health, political views), we combine methodological depth with clear risk management and referral pathways.

Validation as a process  We distinguish clearly between tools that are experimental, piloted, or ready for broader use. EU projects are used not only to apply the methods, but also to test and refine them under real conditions.

Narrative Distortion Map  Maps how harmful narratives form, spread and attach to specific vulnerabilities in a community, across channels (offline, social media, messaging apps).  

Manipulation Pattern Cards  A set of cards that classify manipulation types (emotional, identity-based, authority, uncertainty, reward–punishment) in language accessible to young people and practitioners.  

Loop & Exposure Mapping Tool Visualises feedback loops around media use (doomscrolling, outrage, addiction, identity-trigger loops) and helps identify points where these loops can be redirected.  These tools are used in Labs and trainings on media literacy, disinformation and civic resilience and can be combined with standard measures of media use, wellbeing and trust.

Values in Motion Cards  Explores values as dynamic tensions (e.g. safety–exploration, autonomy–belonging) rather than static lists, linking them to real-life decisions and dilemmas.  

Value–Action Consistency Map  Helps individuals and groups see where declared values align or conflict with everyday practices (e.g. “we value inclusion” vs. who actually participates). 

Protective & Risk Values Profile  Distinguishes values that protect against manipulation and polarization (curiosity, plurality, humility) from those that can be exploited (purity, absolute loyalty), producing a simple protective/risk profile.  
These tools support youth work, leadership programmes and democratic education, and can be connected to established value frameworks and openness/authoritarianism scales.

Loneliness Configuration Map  Analyses how social, emotional and digital factors combine into “loneliness configurations” (isolation, unmet needs, unrealistic expectations, digital substitution of contact).  

Vulnerability Profile (Light Version)  Screens vulnerability across four dimensions – identity, belonging, emotional regulation and digital exposure – in a non-stigmatising, conversation-friendly way. 

Emotional–Tension Axes  Uses axes such as expression–protection, certainty–uncertainty, contact–withdrawal to link emotional experience with concrete life contexts (study, work, online, family).  
These tools are applied in student support, youth programmes and community work, and can be aligned with standard loneliness, wellbeing or resilience scales in evaluation work packages.

Dialogue Positioning Grid  Maps how individuals and groups show up in dialogue (closed–open, reactive–reflective, adversarial–co-creative), providing a basis for designing safer conversations and tracking change. 

Conflict Polarity Map  Structures polarised issues by making visible each side’s concerns, fears and legitimate needs, and the potential “third options” or shared ground.  

Configuration Map for Complex Social Systems  A cross-cutting tool to map roles, tensions and contexts across levels (individual, group, organisation, ecosystem), used for project design, evaluation frameworks and strategic planning.  
These instruments support democratic dialogue, conflict-sensitive processes and systemic project design, and serve as a backbone into which more formal indicators and scales can be plugged.

Creative Scene Mapping  Participants construct short scenes (verbal, written or enacted) that capture key tensions in their context (e.g. a typical online conflict, a moment of exclusion, a breakthrough in cooperation). These scenes are then analysed as configurations: who is present, which forces act, where the loop closes.  

5 Keys of Creative Act  A structured method that looks at creativity through five dimensions (tension, trigger, act, transformation, environment), helping individuals and groups understand how creative change actually happens in their lives and communities.

Collective Story & Image Labs Group-based processes where participants co-create stories, drawings or simple performative moments to explore future scenarios, shared values or fears. Outputs are not treated as “art therapy”, but as data for sense-making: patterns are coded and linked back to values, emotions and configurations.  
These tools are used in youth work, education, cultural and innovation projects, where creativity is both a resource and an indicator of resilience. They are designed to complement more traditional measures by capturing aspects of experience that do not easily fit into standard questionnaires.

Where projects require it, we collaborate with ethics committees and data protection officers to ensure alignment with European and national regulations.

Methodological backbone  We provide an integrated framework and toolkit that give the consortium a common language and structure across countries and work packages.  

Operational tools for Labs and interventions  We co-design and adapt Lab formats, workshops and consulting flows, ensuring that they are practically usable for local partners and aligned with ethical and safeguarding standards.  

Support for metrics and evaluation Together with academic partners, we help translate complex phenomena into profiles, indicators and simple indices, which can be used in baseline, midline and endline measurements and in comparative analysis.  In this role, DIP functions as a methodology-first partner, bringing a coherent set of tools and concepts that strengthen the excellence, impact and implementation dimensions of European projects, while at the same time building a cumulative evidence base on how complex social systems change over time.