Civil servants played violent video game Grand Theft Auto to learn about Britons' 'hopes and dreams'

The Policy Lab, an initiative aiming to infuse 'design thinking' into government policies, had civil servants engage with the violent video game Grand Theft Auto to better understand the hopes and dreams of Britons. This unconventional approach underscores the lab's belief that immersive experiences can offer valuable insights into public sentiment. While some may question the appropriateness of using a violent game for such a purpose, the lab argues that it offers a unique lens into the societal issues and challenges faced by the public. This method highlights a growing trend in policymaking to use creative, sometimes controversial, methods to gather public insights.