Abstract: Typically, needs assessment is conducted to identify the gap between an actual product or situation and the perceived optimal solution. However, what is the ‘problem’ and what is the ‘optimal solution’, are questions that different stakeholder will answer in different ways. Needs assessment is thus first and foremost a communicative task that benefits greatly from creative techniques that address wicked problems. The paper offers hands-on examples for using design thinking and serious play to collaboratively find solutions for wicked problems. It provides readers with participatory development techniques and tools for orchestrating conflicting ideas, identifying singular needs and common goals, making productive use of diverse backgrounds and developing a shared vision.