Play isn’t a luxury or a break from real thinking.

It’s a serious human process that helps people explore

complexity, build understanding, and solve real problems.

Play is serious work!

Play is: to hypothesise on the basis of observations, to test and experiment, subsequently revising one's thinking in light of the evidence gathered and then repeat!

For centuries, researchers across psychology, education and neuroscience have shown that play:

boosts creative thinking by reducing fear of failure and increasing curiosity
supports relational learning by making ideas visible and shareable
engages multiple senses at once — accelerating memory and insight
breaks rigid thinking patterns so new perspectives can emerge

Play changes how we think, not just how we feel.

Play and the Think with Things Method

At the heart of Think with Things is one insight:

Play makes thinking visible.

When we use objects, movement, and exploration, ideas are no longer stuck in the head they can be:

moved
rearranged
tested
communicated
reshaped

This transforms internal thought into shared insight.
And that’s where clarity, collaboration, and breakthroughs happen.

Play isn’t just fun; it’s cognitive leverage.

Success at work does not depend on how much time you work; it depends on the quality of your work. Moreover, the quality of your work is highly dependent on your well-being. It is not just about adding an element of fun to work; we need to go further and make it fulfilling, challenge our thinking, and spark our imaginations.

“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.”

– Abraham Maslow

Play That Works for Everyone

For Educators

Play helps learners think deeply and visibly.
Playful, hands-on methods support:
✔ inclusive participation
✔ reflection without pressure
✔ making abstract ideas tangible
Play isn’t an add-on; it’s learning in action.
👉 Discover play-based learning in THINGS LAB.
For Teams & Organisations

Play accelerates insight and collaboration.
Structured play helps teams:
✔ surface diverse perspectives
✔ reduce hierarchy
✔ think together more clearly
This is how meetings turn into meaningful work.
👉 Explore workplace play in THINGS LAB.
For Parents & Families

Play supports thinking, connection, and growth.
Shared play helps families:
✔ open up conversation
✔ build emotional understanding
✔ strengthen relationships
No special tools needed, just everyday objects.
👉 Try family prompts in THINGS LAB.
For Elderly Carers & Care Settings

Play supports connection and dignity.
Gentle, object-based play helps carers:
✔ support communication
✔ encourage presence and choice
✔ create moments of recognition
Especially valuable when abilities are changing.
👉 Explore respectful play prompts in THINGS LAB