Proprioceptive Play Workshop

ArtEZ University of the Arts

2024

In his book “Homo Ludens,” the renowned Dutch historian Johan Huizinga delves into the role of play in shaping culture and human civilization. Inspired by his words, my research finds its roots in reflection on my childhood experiences, which inspired a later fascination with the transformative potential of children’s toys as developmental tools.

Proprioceptive Play represents play at work—an immersive exploration that harnesses children’s toys as dynamic instruments for participatory design. The use of unconventional objects becomes a catalyst for probing abstract spatial concepts, inspiring ideas that transcend conventional boundaries.

As a crucial part of this research, a mobile space for a collaborative workshop was developed to provide participants with a safe space to explore their creativity using childhood memories and toys. At its core, play emerges as a transcendent force. This imaginative conduit channels the unspoken essence of existence where one can be reminded of our profound entanglement with the mysteries of life.

This research, therefore, investigates tools for participatory design, embracing play as context and recognizing the value of infusing real-world activities with the engaging dynamics inherent in games.