Objects spark ideas.
People build solutions.
Play makes it possible.
Think with Things is a playful, research-backed method for thinking better using THINGS already around you.
Join our community of creative minds, learn the Think with Things Method, and start making an impact today.
Free starter access • no payment required
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Unlock Creative Potential
Think with Things helps people create insight, connection, and action in classrooms, workplaces, and everyday life.
It supports people to:
Slow conversations down just enough to think clearly
Make abstract ideas visible and shared
Include quieter voices and different ways of thinking
Move from “talking about” problems to building understanding
This is not about being more creative; it’s about making thinking more accessible, more human, and more useful.
How it works
Gather a few Found Objects (Buttons, keys, stones, LEGO, pinecones, nothing special required)
Use a Simple Prompt
Designed to guide reflection, dialogue, and discovery.Explore and Build your Thinking with your Hands
Patterns emerge. Meaning becomes visible. Next steps feel clearer.
Start small. Go deep.
You don’t need special materials.
You don’t need “artistic ability.”
You just need permission to think differently.
Whether you start with:
a free app prompt
a single card on a table
or a room full of people and objects
You’re already doing the work.
Why Objects Work (when paper & pencil or worksheets don’t)
When we move thinking out of our heads and into our hands:
Conversations become more equal
Complex ideas become clearer
Quieter voices are heard
Insight happens faster
Objects slow us down just enough to think better.
New here? Start here.
Not sure where to begin?
Want guided support → start with THINGS LAB (free)
Want offline tools → visit the shop
Want impact at scale → book a workshop
There’s no wrong entry point.
THINGS LAB — the app
Your creative mentor in your pocket.
Guided prompts, games, and mini-labs for:
educators & learners
teams & leaders
parents & carers
anyone who thinks better by doing
Use it solo, in classrooms, in meetings, or at the kitchen table.
The Playbook & Card Deck
Offline tools for deep thinking and meaningful conversation.
The THINGS LAB Playbook teaches the method step by step
The Card Decks turn meetings, lessons, and gatherings into moments of clarity and connection
Perfect for educators, facilitators and teams who hate boring meetings, who want less talking about ideas and more making them visible
In-person workshops
High-impact, hands-on experiences for organisations and teams.
Think with Things workshops are used by:
schools & universities
businesses & leadership teams
cultural organisations & community groups
Sessions are practical, playful, and surprisingly profound no prior “creativity confidence” required.
Join our THINGS LAB community and discover how everyday objects can lead to extraordinary ideas. (Learn more below)
Bring a Workshop to Your Space
Meet Your Creative Guide and “The Guardian of the Idea”
Think with Things began in the world of education. Jules Gilleland, an educator and designer, saw firsthand how everyday objects could spark curiosity, creativity, and deeper learning for children. She designed playful experiences that turned traditional classrooms into spaces of exploration and wonder.
Over time, this approach grew beyond schools. Businesses, cultural institutions, and organisations began using Think with Things to unlock fresh ideas, solve problems, and strengthen collaboration. From classrooms to boardrooms, the method proved that the simple act of playing with objects could lead to powerful breakthroughs.
Now, through THINGS LAB, this experience is available to everyone. Whether you’re an educator seeking to transform your classroom, a business leader looking to foster innovation, or a parent hoping to spark creativity at home, THINGS LAB is your space to play, explore, and grow.
FAQ’S
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It’s easy! Download the app to access free games, courses, and creative prompts. If you’re ready for more, explore our membership options for deeper experiences and exclusive content.
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Not at all! Think with Things is all about using what’s around you. Any object — from a paperclip to a coffee mug — can become a tool for thinking and exploring.
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Definitely not! While Think with Things was born in education, it’s now used by teams, leaders, parents, and curious thinkers everywhere. No artistic skills required — just a willingness to play and explore.
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THINGS LAB offers playful problem-solving tools that help teams think differently, solve challenges, and collaborate better. It’s perfect for sparking fresh ideas in brainstorming sessions, strategy meetings, and team-building activities.
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We’ve got you covered! Many activities take just 10-20 minutes, making them perfect for a quick spark of creativity. Whether you’re at home, in the classroom, or in the office, you can fit playful thinking into your day.
5 Tips to Get Started
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Choose one object within arm’s reach and ask yourself — What else could this be? Let your imagination wander and see what new ideas emerge.
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Gather a mix of objects from different rooms or spaces. The more variety, the more unexpected your ideas will be!
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When working through a problem, try asking playful "what if" questions. What if this stapler was a spaceship? What if this spoon solved your business challenge? Let the absurdity lead you to unexpected solutions.
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Invite others to join in. Whether it’s your colleagues, students, or kids, shared perspectives lead to richer ideas. Set a timer and build on each other’s thoughts using objects as inspiration.
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There are no wrong answers in Think with Things. Let go of perfection and follow your curiosity. Some of the best insights come from unexpected moments of play.
Bring Creativity Into Your Workplace!
From dynamic workshops and engaging presentations to unforgettable events and thoughtfully designed spaces — I bring fresh ideas and creative energy to your organization. Let’s create something extraordinary together.
What Happens When You Think with Things?
See how THINGS LAB has transformed the way educators, leaders, and parents approach creativity."
