Playgrounds over Paths

Today's standard design wisdom focuses on the design of linear paths. Sometimes they may branch, but they're ultimately a sequential set of steps towards a desired outcome.

Within complex systems, these paths often lack the flexibility to adapt to emergent conditions - users acting outside the "designed boundaries".

Instead of... See more

How to build a creative playground

Here are 4 tips on how to lock yourself into a cage and have fun :

1. Make variations : Stick with something that you can iterate and vary. Think of basketball: There is only one goal, yet there are countless ways to achieve it.

2. Limit your time : This lets you know when you are done .

3. Pick a format : You won’t... See more

Above all, people need agency. They need to feel in control. Sometimes, that means designing for subversive behavior. I mean, isn't the most fun often had when you're breaking rules? But this is enormously difficult in software, where you must design almost everythingfrom scratch. Unlike life, you don't get a common repertoire of actions for free –... See more