By: Lindsay Angelo, Futurist, Strategist, MBA, TEDx Speaker
Introduction
The Importance of Play
Current Trends Shaping Play
The Evolution of Play Spaces
The Role of Purpose-Driven Business
The Future of Play
Conclusion
Introduction
Play is more than just a way to pass the time; it’s a fundamental part of our human experience. It shapes our creativity, social skills, growth and overall well-being. As a Futurist, play is a fundamental part of my own work; it sparks my creative process. Having worked with numerous play-based brands including the LEGO Group, I’ve also seen first hand the play landscape and economy evolve and grow, particularly in light of societal changes and technological advancements. So what will the future of play look like? Let’s dive in!
The Importance of Play
At its core, play is essential for our psychological and social development. Engaging in play fosters creativity and innovation while honing our problem-solving skills. It’s a powerful tool for growth that has far-reaching benefits for individuals and communities alike.
One of the most compelling aspects of play is its role in self-actualization. Through play, we explore our identities, realize our potential, and embrace our passions. As I discussed in my TED talk on the self-actualization economy, play is a vehicle for personal growth and transformation. It allows us to connect with ourselves and others on a deeper level, facilitating a journey toward fulfillment and purpose.
Current Trends Shaping Play
As we dive deeper into the current landscape, several trends are shaping the future of play.
Technological Integration: Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and gamification are transforming play into a more immersive experience. For example, the emerging trend of video game prescriptions is making waves in healthcare. Some providers are beginning to prescribe video games as therapeutic tools for individuals with ADHD and other conditions. This trend highlights how technology can enhance the play experience and improve mental health.
Electronic Arts is a prime example of innovation in this space. They’ve developed games that not only entertain but also foster social connections and engagement. Their titles encourage players to work together, solve problems, and develop social skills in a virtual environment, showcasing the transformative potential of play. Additionally, the rise of MOBILE GAMES has made gaming more accessible than ever, allowing players to engage on the go and connect with others across the globe. This shift reflects the growing importance of flexible gaming experiences that adapt to our lifestyles.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: Inclusivity is becoming increasingly important in the world of play. Companies like LEGO are actively working to create sets that cater to children with diverse abilities. By prioritizing inclusivity, LEGO ensures that play is accessible to all children, regardless of their background or needs.
Nature and Outdoor Play: There’s also a renewed focus on the importance of outdoor play. With growing awareness of mental health and environmental issues, communities are re-evaluating how we engage with nature. Playing outside not only reduces stress but also enhances our overall well-being, making it a vital component of healthy play.
The Trend Towards Adult Play: Interestingly, play is not just for children anymore. There's a growing trend toward adult play, where adults are rediscovering the importance of play in their lives. Over the past five years, and particularly during the pandemic, we have seen a significant uptick in adults seeking playful activities to cope with stress and uncertainty.
As the pandemic forced people into isolation and disrupted daily routines, many turned to activities that brought joy and connection. Board games, video games, and online trivia nights became popular ways for friends and families to maintain social ties, even from a distance. Virtual escape rooms and interactive online experiences offered adults a chance to engage in fun, collaborative challenges, fostering a sense of community during a time of physical separation.
This shift highlights a cultural recognition that play is essential for mental health and well-being, regardless of age. Activities like adult sports leagues, painting classes, and even adult summer camps have emerged, providing opportunities for social interaction and creativity. Businesses are also catching on, with many incorporating play into team-building exercises and workplace wellness programs, emphasizing that a playful mindset can enhance productivity and collaboration.
The Evolution of Play Spaces
As our understanding of play evolves, so too do the spaces where we play. Urban environments are redesigning public areas—like parks and community centers—to encourage engagement and creativity. These transformations are critical in fostering a sense of community and connection.
LEGO, for instance, has been involved in community engagement efforts that promote outdoor play and creativity in urban environments. Their collaborative projects encourage children and families to interact with their surroundings in imaginative ways.
Additionally, as we spend more time at home, the trend toward creating playful home environments is gaining traction. Families are finding innovative ways to incorporate play into their daily lives, promoting creativity and learning within their own spaces.
The Role of Purpose-Driven Businesses
Purpose-driven businesses are at the forefront of this evolution. Companies like the LEGO Group are leading the way in designing play-focused products that promote well-being and sustainability. The LEGO Group, for example, is committed to using more and more sustainable materials in its products, showing that play can also be environmentally friendly.
Moreover, Electronic Arts focuses on creating games that foster community and collaboration. Their commitment to inclusivity and engagement helps to redefine what play means in today’s society. The potential of video games extends beyond mere entertainment; they are increasingly being recognized for their educational value and ability to promote mental health and social interaction. Of course, like anything, there is healthy and unhealthy usage. Balancing frequency of use and how we’re using video games will be key moving ahead.
As video game technologies continue to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in various fields, from education to therapy. This evolution will likely expand the scope of what play means, integrating seamlessly with our daily lives and enhancing our connections with one another.
The Future of Play
Looking ahead, how will play continue to evolve over the next 5-10 years? I envision a future where play is not only a means of entertainment but also a pathway to self-actualization and community building. As we recognize the positive impacts of play on mental health and social connections, we can expect to see increased emphasis on creating inclusive, engaging, and transformative play experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, play is an essential part of our lives that serves as a powerful tool for self-actualization, growth, and transformation.
I encourage you to reflect on the role of play in your work and in your life. How can you contribute to shaping a positive future for play in your community or organization?
If you’re interested in exploring how to integrate play into your business strategies or community initiatives, let’s connect!
Read more on the the future of wellness, top wellness trends, the future of psychedelics, the future of spirituality, the future of mental health, calm technology, futurology, how to cultivate a futurist mindset, and what a futurist is.
Lindsay Angelo is a celebrated Futurist and Strategist, supporting impact-driven professionals, teams and organizations in learning to think and lead into the future. She holds an MBA, is a TEDx speaker, and has been recognized as an award-winning futurist and strategy consultant. Lindsay's advised Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, think tanks, and the broader wellness industry - all the while creating a nomadic lifestyle rooted in travel, family and community. Named a Woman to Watch and Global Innovation Leader, Lindsay's delivered over 100+ keynotes and has worked with organizations including lululemon, Unilever, the LEGO Group, Snapchat and the Human Potential Institute. She stems from deep wellness roots having spent six years growing lululemon to the biggest yoga brand in the world. Having created the signature "well-thy blueprint" for driving brand growth, Lindsay believes business is the greatest healing agent that exists, if we choose to use it as such.
