PLAYERS: A Pioneering Prototyping Team Disbands After Seven Years of Social Innovation

The End of an Era: PLAYERS Prototyping Team Concludes Activities

The innovative prototyping team, known as PLAYERS, announced its decision to disband by September 2025. This conclusion marks the end of a significant chapter that began in 2017, during which the organization took on social challenges with the guiding slogan, "Exciting together to confront social issues."

For seven years, PLAYERS has been at the forefront of addressing hidden social challenges within daily life. The team has engaged with various stakeholders, including individuals, companies, and local governments, creating a collaborative environment conducive to research, prototyping, and social implementation. To date, PLAYERS has completed over 50 projects through co-creation with businesses, municipalities, and non-profits, delivering impactful solutions to society.

Background to the Disbandment

The decision to disband arose after a comprehensive review of resource allocation and the sustainability of the organization's operational framework. PLAYERS has effectively contributed to inclusive design and co-creative business development, and it has reached a milestone where its objectives and contributions have been sufficiently accomplished. Moving forward, team members will continue advocating for problem-solving through prototyping in their respective fields, carrying forward the knowledge and experiences accumulated throughout their time with PLAYERS.

Key Achievements

Some of the noteworthy projects undertaken by PLAYERS include:

1. &HAND (2017)
&HAND is a matching service for individuals requiring assistance while out—such as pregnant women and people with disabilities—and those willing to help. By using a device that includes a beacon, users can send a help request via LINE to nearby supporters when assistance is needed. This innovative approach allows supporters to gain insight into the individual's situation through a ChatBot, enabling targeted assistance.

Partners: LINE, Tokyo Metro, East Japan Railway Company, ANA, and the Japan Blind Soccer Association.
Learn more about &HAND

2. Dialogues from the Visually Impaired (2020)
This online workshop, titled Dialogues from the Visually Impaired, focuses on interaction between visually impaired individuals and those with sight. Participants engage in thoughtful reflection on questions raised by visually impaired individuals, exploring heartfelt insights and addressing the invisible barriers and divides that exist between them. This workshop has provided a unique opportunity for participants to return with new questions and understanding.

Discover more about the workshop

3. Mizuno Cane ST (2022)
The Mizuno Cane ST is a lightweight white cane that enables effective use despite its slender build. This product showcases the collaborative strengths of PLAYERS' prototyping team and Mizuno's expertise in carbon technology. Launched in March 2022, the Mizuno Cane ST has received accolades, including the Good Design Award, for addressing societal challenges through co-creation with relevant stakeholders.

Explore the Mizuno Cane ST

Future Knowledge Transfer and Information Sharing

Although PLAYERS will cease operations, all activities and project outcomes will remain accessible via its official website and relevant archives. Some project documents and research data will also be shared with partner organizations and research institutions, contributing to future social implementations.

A Final Note

The journey of PLAYERS has been profoundly supported by various companies, organizations, and individuals over the past seven years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities to challenge social issues together. While the PLAYERS team may disband, the ethos of "changing society through co-creation" will persist in various forms. Each member will take their learned experiences into their specialized fields, and we hope for your continued support and attention.

In conclusion, as we look ahead, let us remember the impact of collaboration in tackling societal challenges, and remain committed to building a better future together.