Play Journal / Playfulness and Design

Aim of this journal Series is exploring various aspects of play in everyday life and observing its existence. I’ll be sharing my personal journey and daily questions that makes me wonder:) Enjoy!

Day 7: Playfulness and Design / London Design Festival'24 Picks

02.10.24

It’s been a long time since I’ve written about play and playfulness, but let’s dive into some fun!

 September in London is always a special time, especially with the London Design Festival (LDF) adding an extra layer of excitement to the city’s already vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere.

 London thrives on the diversity of its communities, backgrounds, and perspectives, creating a richness that blends seamlessly with its abundant design culture.

 Today, I took some time to reflect on playfulness—what does it really mean? Sure, it’s a way to connect, but what else? To me, it's play in action, something tangible. My lens for this year's LDF was all about playfulness.

 I want to share with you some of the designs I found playful. When looking at design, I often focus on the language the artist uses—it could be a serious subject, but how it connects with the observer or user is key. Does it evoke emotions? Does it spark my mind to make various connections? Is it the colors, textures, unexpected forms, or elements of surprise? All of these are qualities of playfulness.

 The first installation we experienced was Marjan van Aubel’s "The Sun, My Heart" at Somerset House. What I loved was that although the space was a typical rectangular room, the installation seemed to float, with soft sky-like colors wrapping the room in a comforting way.

Next, we walked to Strand to see Barbie's Dreamhouses inspired by Palm Springs. After the movie, it seems that this year is perfect for showcasing Barbie's iconic designs across London, starting with the Design Museum exhibition. However, Nina Tolstrup of Studiomama brought a more grown-up, whimsical take, incorporating illusions—Strand was the perfect contrast for this playful design.

Another place that is always full of playful, design-oriented energy is the Shoreditch Design Triangle, part of the Brick Lane area. The vibe of cultural play, particularly in the graffiti, is something I love. While not officially part of LDF24, the city itself becomes an open canvas for art and design, and the graffiti-filled walls deserve celebration for their unique form of expression.

We also stumbled upon a hidden gallery filled with whimsical art pieces, and fittingly, the theme was PLAY: Rediscover Joy and Creativity! The very word “play” makes me excited, and the gallery, Ruup & Form, did not disappoint. Ceramic artist Ying Zheng plays with our visual senses, creating pieces that make you want to touch them (though you can’t), bringing fun to the forefront of sensory ceramics.

Tilde Grynnerup's work, exploring natural wood and colors, felt almost Miro-esque. One aspect of playfulness is the vibrant energy that moves you from one emotional state to another, and her work definitely brought us joy.

Finally, the standout for me at LDF24 was the RCA Jewellery Show, The playfulness of craftsmanship, the depth of the questions explored, and the expression in the designs were simply magical. I usually gravitate towards furniture, but this jewellery show was the highlight for me.

Playfulness is a theme I’ve increasingly noticed in recent years. We seek designs and objects that lift our spirits, surprise us, or create “aha” moments in our daily lives. It’s important to understand the impact of our designs on others, and I believe us as designers should have the permission to play with possibilities. While certain expectations and guidelines must be followed, we should always stretch our creativity.