The process to develop an online initiative stresses the importance of involving the different interests in designing the project . One way to do that is to run the projects game with different groups.

An extension of the Projects Game looks at the various roles within the community including the agencies and external bodies that might have an impact on it. This is used to start identifying who will take the responsibility for action and what skills and resources each role can bring to the process. The game emphasises the co-operation required between community and the agencies to achieve "joined-up thinking" and "joined-up delivery".

Here is a first draft of the role game sequence from Drew Mackie.

1 Introduction

A brief explanation of the purpose and expected results of the session.

2 Scenarios

Players select the appropriate start scenario and flesh this out to suit their own situation. The sustainability model is used to describe this. (See the projects game for more on scenarios and the sustainability model).

3 Role allocation

The list of roles is presented and "auctioned" - high priority roles first. Any role not selected by a player will be appointed by the facilitator. These roles could be drawn from the long list of interests.

4 Role amplification

Players now fill out their role descriptions and are given a list of resources held by each of the other palyers... the skills, funds or facilities that they have. These might be recorded on cards, on large badges.

5 Play

An appropriate timescale is selected and players now negotiate to support various projects using their resources. Each project card will require a number of resources to make it happen. Projects will be displayed as being "available" or "implemented". Their implementation will depend on the co-operation of players. External resources can be bid for by groups of players.

6 Debrief

The facilitator will debrief the action of the game.