Decision Theater Ideathon
Experiment with tomorrow’s decision-making technology, today.
Imagine a space where data comes alive and abstract tasks like urban planning, water management, and supply chains become tangible—even playful. That’s the Decision Theater: an immersive arena where visuals, simulations, and real-world scenarios surround you, letting you see the consequences of decisions before you make them.
For two days during Berlin Science Week, on 6–7 November 2025, Arizona State University (ASU), in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, invites you to the Decision Theater™ Ideathon. Here, you’ll gain exclusive access to the Decision Theater and meet researchers, creatives, technologists, and policymakers. Together, you’ll experiment with a pioneering tool that turns big data into engaging, interactive visualisations that show how decisions made now could impact the future.
THE CALL IS CLOSED.
Thank you to everyone who submitted such inspiring applications!
If you missed the call but would still like to get a glimpse of what’s been developed, join us on 7 November at the FORUM. The results will be shared in a gallery walk, featuring concepts and ideas open for discussion. Enjoy snacks and drinks as you meet the participants, exchange thoughts, and connect.
WHAT IS DECISION THEATER?
The Decision Theater is a space like no other. Immersive and interactive, the Decision Theater is a cutting-edge decision-making tool that brings together people from different backgrounds to engage with complex data and real-world scenarios. Through its multi-stakeholder approach, the tool enables a group to weigh options, debate trade-offs, and explore what would happen if decisions were made. Ultimately, it helps people come together to discuss and decide what choices would be best, based off scientific evidence and different perspectives.
WHAT IS DECISION THEATER?
The Decision Theater is a space like no other. Immersive and interactive, the Decision Theater is a cutting-edge decision-making tool that brings together people from different backgrounds to engage with complex data and real-world scenarios. Through its multi-stakeholder approach, the tool enables a group to weigh options, debate trade-offs, and explore what would happen if decisions were made. Ultimately, it helps people come together to discuss and decide what choices would be best, based off scientific evidence and different perspectives.
Already tested successfully around the world, the Decision Theater has tackled challenges as diverse as simulating the impact of oil rigs on Gulf of Mexico wildlife and training ambassadors to navigate complex pre-crisis security scenarios. Now, it's ready to take it to the next level. During the Ideathon, as part of Berlin Science Week, professionals and experts from across disciplines will help optimise the tool and adapt it for new fields of application.
WHY JOIN?
Some decisions are too important to leave to business-as-usual. Join an interdisciplinary working group to explore an innovative, globally relevant tool that has the potential to redefine how multi-stakeholder decisions are made and applied.
- Experiment with cutting-edge tools and methods for immersive data exploration and participatory decision-making.
- Co-create with peers and experts from science, technology, the arts, politics, and civil society.
- Showcase your ideas at Berlin Science Week, receive tailored feedback from leading experts, and connect with an international network.
WHY JOIN?
Some decisions are too important to leave to business-as-usual. Join an interdisciplinary working group to explore an innovative, globally relevant tool that has the potential to redefine how multi-stakeholder decisions are made and applied.
- Experiment with cutting-edge tools and methods for immersive data exploration and participatory decision-making.
- Co-create with peers and experts from science, technology, the arts, politics, and civil society.
- Showcase your ideas at Berlin Science Week, receive tailored feedback from leading experts, and connect with an international network.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We’re looking for people who thrive at the intersections: those ready to bring fresh perspectives, pilot new methods, and drive innovation in decision-making. We invite applicants with backgrounds in one or more of these focus areas below. We also welcome transdisciplinary thinkers and community organisers who create integrative concepts and strengthen participatory approaches.
Use scientific knowledge and data to inform policy and planning. Shape participatory processes between policymakers, administrators, and civil society.
Example profiles: urban planners, policy advisors, public administration professionals.
Expand the Decision Theater with AI-driven adaptations, immersive technologies, and interactive interfaces. Focus on human-centred solutions that enhance, not replace, human decision-making.
Example profiles: UX/UI designers, creative technologists, AI experts, data scientists.
Translate the Decision Theater into artistic and narrative experiences that activate, engage, and inspire reflection.
Example profiles: media artists, performance artists, storytellers, immersive media designers.
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1: Apply. Submit your application via Awardforce by 10 October to secure your spot. Applications will be reviewed by a jury, and around 50 participants will be selected. Final selection will be announced by end of October.
Step 2: Play & Prototype. On 6 November (9:30-20:30), you’ll dive deep into the tool. Work in small, interdisciplinary teams to develop prototypes and concepts for the future of the Decision Theater, guided by expert mentors. End the day with afterwork drinks to connect, exchange ideas, and unwind with fellow participants.
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1: Apply. Submit your application via Awardforce by 10 October to secure your spot. Applications will be reviewed by a jury, and around 50 participants will be selected. Final selection will be announced by end of October.
Step 2: Play & Prototype. On 6 November (9:30-20:30), you’ll dive deep into the tool. Work in small, interdisciplinary teams to develop prototypes and concepts for the future of the Decision Theater, guided by expert mentors. End the day with afterwork drinks to connect, exchange ideas, and unwind with fellow participants.
Step 3: Go Public. On 7 November (10:00-12:30), you’ll present your team’s work in a public Gallery Walk. Showcase your ideas to a wider audience, receive feedback, and engage in lively cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Step 4: Cheers & Chat. Join an exclusive networking dinner (date tba) for deeper conversations with participants, hosts, and partners. All teams will receive personalised expert feedback, a chance to refine your ideas and take them further.
OUR PARTNERS
The Decision Theater Ideathon is powered by a network of leading organisations at the crossroads of technology, design, governance, and culture. Their experts will be onsite throughout the Ideathon to provide input, share insights, and support teams throughout the process. Learn more about our partners here.
Partners include:
AuoraXR, HTW Berlin, City Lab Berlin, Birds on Mars, Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Zukunftskultur, Berlin School of VR, Akademie Theater & Digitales, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Politics for Tomorrow, HafenCity University Hamburg (CityScienceLab), Polisphère, and the Creative Bureaucracy Festival.
