Last issue our Work report delved into the workplace and, while we uncovered a fair few insights into new attitudes to work, it left us feeling that we’d had quite enough shop talk for now. So for this issue, we’re clocking out completely and looking at the other side of the coin with our Play report.
We investigate play not just in a recreational sense, but also in terms of how the principles of play – particularly the imagination required – are being applied in all manner of other fields. Consider how modern entertainment, through bold new forms of interactive media, is opening itself up to be controlled by its viewers. Or look at how companies (sorry, more shop talk) are encouraging a sense of play in both their culture and in special innovation labs, in order to stimulate employees’ creativity as they search for the next big idea. And how the maker revolution has invited consumers into the production process so they can tinker, modify and play around with all sorts of physical products.
This is an approach that Dave Hakkens – who we speak to in this issue – takes in his Phonebloks concept. By allowing people to get hands-on with their phone technology, the modular mobile can be continually upgraded with new hardware. Our cover star Matt Pyke, founder of design studio Universal Everything, has a similarly collaborative perspective. He explains his vision for interactive technology and how and why he enables his audience to participate in so many of his works. With all this in mind, how about you give yourself a break from the desk, relax, and have some fun for a change?
