Game of (delivery) drones: A serious game exploring transport futures involving logistics drones with stakeholders

Background The use of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs, also known as drones) in logistics is evolving. However, there have been few opportunities for people to explore and understand the implications. Existing studies focus on acceptance, yet it is unclear what people are being asked to accept. Using a board game approach, this study has sought to develop ways to involve non-experts in a more informed debate about logistics drones in their local area.

Method A qualitative approach was adopted by developing a location-based board game to help a general audience explore the use of delivery drones and capture their views. Participants explore operational parameters, including ground risk (the probability of a drone hitting a person and injuring them if it fails in flight) and energy use while playing the game, and are prompted to respond to questions embedded within the game. Three game sessions with a total of 15 participants were completed.

Results Participants were able to explore and test complex scenarios involving different drone routings and levels of ground risk and energy use whilst building shared knowledge and evoking social learning during gameplay. Participants exchanged views in a relaxed environment and began to explore the implications of the possible future use of delivery drones. Questions embedded within the game allowed people to share their concerns about health and safety, regulation, and where they thought drones should fly. Participants were aware of their knowledge limitations, and it was evident that several misconceptions about delivery drones are emerging.

Conclusion The board game has proved useful in involving people and capturing an in-depth understanding of their views. It is an engaging approach to involve stakeholders in the planning process, creating an artefact that can be adapted to other locations and used by other researchers and practitioners.