Synopsis
A designer, educator, and play expert calls for adults to add more fun, exploration, and imagination to their lives
We’re all born playful. But when we grow up, we learn to suppress this critical, hardwired instinct and our lives become ruled by “getting things done.” As world-famous designer Cas Holman explains, this disconnection from our playful selves is hazardous to everything from our emotional wellbeing to our ability to problem solve and innovate. The emerging science of play shows that it sparks joy, wonder, creativity, and insight at any age. It is through play that we shape our identities and continue to evolve at every stage of our lives.
We think we’re making room for play we join a pickup sports game, catch a new movie, or go out to dinner for fun. But here, Holman advocates for a deeper level of “free play” through open-ended, unstructured activities that we become absorbed in with no obvious goal or purpose. The ways we can play are endless and what recharges us most is unique to each of us: whether it’s a piece of art we create, an entertaining conversation with a stranger, or an experiment to shake up a task we take for granted. Holman shows us how to adopt a playful mindset and incorporate everyday moments of play into all areas of our lives so that we can destress, recharge, connect with each other, and grow as creative individuals. The power of play can buffer us in bleak times, and it can make our working lives far more fulfilling, helping us explore without fear of failure and consider new ways of thinking.
Playful draws on psychology, history, art, and design thinking to make a powerful case for the vital importance of play for grown-ups in a world obsessed with productivity. Provocative, wise, and full of spirit, it will inspire you to (re) learn how to play.
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About the Author
Cas Holman is the founder and chief designer of the toy company Heroes Will Rise and a former Professor of Industrial Design at RISD. Cas travels the globe speaking about early education, the design process, and the value of play in all aspects of life. She has shared her perspective in workshops and seminars with teams at Google, Nike, LEGO Foundation, Disney Imagineering, and more. Some of her designs include toys like Rigamajig and structures at the Highline and the Liberty Science center. Cas lives in New York City and designs from her studio in Brooklyn.
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Hardcover. Condition: new. Hardcover. A designer, educator, and play expert calls for adults to add more fun, exploration, and imagination to their livesRadiant and essential this book brings a sense of transcendence. Reading it was not only inspiring; it was joyful. Elizabeth Gilbert, NYT bestselling author of Big MagicWere all born playful. But when we grow up, we learn to suppress this critical, hardwired instinct and our lives become ruled by getting things done. As world-famous designer Cas Holman explains, this disconnection from our playful selves is hazardous to everything from our emotional wellbeing to our ability to problem solve and innovate. The emerging science of play shows that it sparks joy, wonder, creativity, and insight at any age. Here, Holman explains the power of free play through open-ended, unstructured activities that we become absorbed in with no obvious goal or purpose. The ways we can play are endless and what recharges us most is unique to each of us: whether its a piece of art we create, an entertaining conversation with a stranger, or an experiment to shake up a routine task. Weaving in inspiring stories and eye-opening research, Holman shows us that adopting a playful mindset is crucial in helping us:Overcome fear of failure and embrace new ways of thinkingDestress, reset, and connect with each otherGrow our creativity at every stage of our livesFind joy in bleak timesPlayful draws on psychology, history, art, and design thinking to make a powerful case for the vital importance of play for grown-ups in a world obsessed with productivity. Provocative, wise, and full of spirit, it will inspire you to (re) learn how to play. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780593713402
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