Terms of Use

1. About This Tool

The Developmental Game is a research-based facilitation tool provided by the Vertical Development Institute (VDI). It is grounded in adult developmental theory and designed to support structured conversations about mindsets, perspectives, and help build developmental awareness in coaching, leadership, and team development contexts.

This tool is not a developmental assessment or diagnostic instrument. Card selections and ensuing one-on-one or group discussions are intended as reflective exercises to explore participants worldviews and build self and collective awareness. They do not measure, evaluate, or diagnose an individual's (or group's) developmental stage.

2. Appropriate Use

As a facilitator, you agree to:

• Use this tool solely for one-on-one coaching or group facilitated learning and reflection
• Not present card selections or game outcomes as developmental assessments or evaluations of participants' vertical development
• Not use results to make employment, promotion, or performance decisions about participants
• Frame the activity appropriately with participants as a reflective exercise, not a test
• Create a psychologically safe environment for open discussion around participant's choices

3. Intellectual Property

All card images and game materials are the exclusive intellectual property of the Vertical Development Institute.

By using this tool, you agree to the following regarding VDI's proprietary materials:

• To not copy, screenshot, download, photograph, or reproduce the card images in any format
• To not share, distribute, or transmit card images or game materials to third parties outside this platform
• To not print the cards. Separate VDI printed sets of the Developmental Game are available for purchase on the VDI website.
• To not create derivative works based on the card images or game design
• Your access is a limited, non-transferable, revocable licence for use within this VDI online platform

4. Facilitator Responsibilities

As a facilitator, you are responsible for:

• Ensuring participants understand the activity is a reflective exercise, not an assessment
• Not sharing your login credentials with others
• Using session codes only with authorised participant groups
• Complying with all applicable professional and ethical standards in your facilitation practice
• Reporting any security concerns or unauthorised access to VDI

5. Data Handling

VDI is committed to responsible data handling:

• Participant data is minimal — only first names (or pseudonyms) and card selections are collected during sessions
• No personal identifiers are required from participants beyond a display name
• Session data is stored securely and associated with your facilitator account
• No data is shared with third parties or used for purposes beyond delivering the facilitation experience
• When your facilitator access expires, session data may be archived or removed

6. Limitation of Liability

This tool is provided on an "as is" basis. VDI makes no warranties regarding the suitability of the tool for any particular purpose. VDI is not liable for any outcomes, decisions, or consequences arising from facilitated sessions using this tool.

VDI reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the service at any time without notice.

7. Privacy and Regulatory Compliance

VDI's information security practices comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles, and the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme. For questions about data handling or these terms, contact ally@verticaldevelopmentinstitute.com.