Living with Ludic Purpose: More Than Just a Game

Simplicity Ludic Living with Ludic Purpose More Than Just a Game

Recently I have spoken a lot about Ludic Spirit and of course my most recent re-obsession “Perfection in Simplicity” It will come as no surprise then that these two philosophies can be linked together into one over arching philosophy.

But first, let’s just break down the key concepts from each philosophy individually.

  1. Perfection in Simplicity:
    1. True excellence often resides in stripping away unnecessary complexities and focusing on the core elements.
    1. Rather than over-engineering, we enhance this core with elements that genuinely improve it.
    1. The elegance of simplicity lies in its ability to reveal the essence without distractions.
    The Power of Simplicity in Engagement:
    1. We often fall into the trap of believing that fanciness is essential for engagement.
    1. However, consider what truly captures attention: games like Minecraft or Roblox rely on simple mechanics, not excessive embellishments.
    1. While elaborate features might attract initially, it’s the core, engaging mechanics that keep users hooked over the long term.
    The Ludic Spirit: Embracing Playfulness:
    1. The term “Ludic Spirit” embodies a playful approach to life.
    1. It encourages finding creativity and joy in the simplest of things.
    1. Breaking free from routine, it fosters stronger social bonds and a more positive outlook.
    Importance of Play in Learning and Work:
    1. Play is not just for children—it’s crucial for development at any age.
    1. It allows for experimentation and learning in a safe environment.
    1. Unfortunately, the fear of failure often stifles exploration and innovation in serious environments like work.
    1. To counter this, we can create “safe spaces”—such as development environments—where people can experiment freely without fear of consequences.

    Combining Perfection in Simplicity with Ludic Spirit

    If we combine all of this, we can create a simple philosophy for life, work, design and so much more.

    “Seek Balance Through Simplicity and Ludic Purpose”

    This philosophy encourages a way of life that finds fulfillment by combining three key elements: Read More ...

5 Steps to a Happier Life with Gamification

Ok, this sounds a little “self helpy”, but it came to me when I was doing a lecture for a group of Masters students at Kings College recently. I ended the talk, rather by accident, with the following advice

“Always be sure you know why you are doing things, understand their purpose. It helps to then work towards small goals.  That way no task, no matter how big – even the crushing student debt you probably have right now – will be manageable”

Anyone who has seen me speak knows that I get quite passionate. What they may not know is that I react to the audience and adapt my talks accordingly. This group were great and it felt right to give them a little ad-hoc advice. it got me thinking, though, what lessons from gamification am I applying in my own life day to day?

  • Goals
  • urpose
  • Challenge
  • Feedback
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    Losing the game of life

    I was thinking how depressing life is recently. Hear me out!

    We are an evolved species, we can think and act for ourselves. We have reached a point where we no longer have to hunt for food or build our own shelters (unless we choose to or in certain cases of poverty – you know what I mean though). We have cars and computers and a world connected in ways that we could never have imagined. We live longer, are healthier and more productive than ever before.

    However, this has come at an extremely high price. The more “evolved” we become, the more ridiculous we have become.

    We have jobs now that involve sitting perfectly still all day, looking at a screen. We count imaginary numbers and sell imaginary products that exist in imaginary clouds. We pack ourselves into tiny trains like canned tuna, to take us from our nice warm home and family, to a dull office to press buttons on a piece of plastic with a screen.

    Then we come home on the same packed train, eat with our family, kiss our kids goodnight – then stare at another screen whilst pressing buttons on a piece of plastic.

    When we are not working, we view the beauty around us through the lens of a phone, watching concerts through its tiny screen, marvelling at nature through a Hudson filter and a little tilt shift. We play sports through our Xbox’s with people we have never meant, in countries we have never visited.

    How is this evolution? We are devolving at a rapid rate.

    How does this relate to gamification? Maybe it doesn’t, but I want you to consider a challenge here – a game if you like. Next time you are about to take a picture of something you find beautiful, call a friend or family member over first to look at it and enjoy the moment with you. When you are about to boot up FIFA, phone some friends and see if they want to go for a kick about in the park to warm up. When your kids do something great, congratulate them before you Facebook it.

    [inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”daverage” suffix=””]Enjoy the joy of living before we all become automatons in a virtual augmented reality[/inlinetweet].

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