Using play as a lens to bridge the physical with the digital

Abstract

When you play, you are deeply involved which is why interaction designers and game designers are increasingly creating playful experiences. However, a pitfall in these digital designs is to focus too much on the game rules and goals. In doing so, we miss the opportunity to design around the more open and self-expressive play that we might relate to our childhoods. In response to this problem, we will explore new digital designs using a lens of play. In treating play as something aspirational, we believe our designs will be able to change our relationships with each other and give new meaning to the spaces around us.