Exploring the Notion of Play in Work Environments

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Play in work environments is about creating a state of mind rather than incorporating whimsical or silly elements. Play does not require things to be playful but can be achieved through adjusting challenges to match skill sets, fostering a state of flow. Adults learn best through play, and it doesn't have to involve games or playful settings. The key is ensuring that the challenge presented aligns with the individual's skill set, neither too easy nor too difficult, to maintain engagement and foster a sense of playfulness in various work scenarios.

This week it was my pleasure to welcome Dr. Barry Kudrowitz to the show for a chat about his great book, Sparking Creativity: How Play and Humor Fuel Innovation and Design. Dr. Kudrowitz is a professor of product design and department head in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota. There, he founded and directed the product design program from 2011-2021. Barry received his PhD from the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), studying humor, creativity, and idea generation. He is interested in how creativity is perceived, evaluated, and learned. In addition, Barry has years of experience working with the toy industry and has taught toy design for over a decade.

In this episode, we delve into how changing our mindset can transform mundane chores into enjoyable activities, explore why traditional icebreakers often fail, and discuss the vital role of creativity in every aspect of our lives. Barry will share practical examples of how educators and professionals have successfully implemented these concepts to create more engaging environments. Prepare to rethink how you approach work, creativity, and play with insights that blend academic rigor with real-world practicality.

Related Episodes:

Creativity Podcast Playlist

Sparking Creativity: How Play and Humor Fuel Innovation and Design

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Connect with Barry:

Website

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