Embracing Play in the Age of Spatial Computing
Krystal Cooper
Technical Product and Program Management | Fractional CTO | Futurist | Gaming & Entertainment Technology Consultant | Creative Technologist | Professor | Mom | Neurodiversity Advocate | Gamer | Writer | Genealogist
Welcome back, and thank you for joining me on this exploration of Spatial Computing. This week, I’m inviting you to open your minds to the profound concepts of play, experimentation, and learning. From childhood memories to the latest spatial tools and AI technologies, let's get reacquainted with the importance of embracing curiosity and discovery.
I was inspired to write this latest edition while watching my kid play Nintendo’s latest installment of the Super Mario franchise, Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s a really fun game that I’m sure all generations can enjoy. As someone who grew up with the franchise, it’s a treat to watch him explore the game and play with him.
If you ever meet me or ask me about my "why". I love to see someone's face light up when they use their creative imagination. It sounds cliche but that tiny spark really does bring me joy. I hope that you experience that tiny spark the first time you put on a VR headset or create your own AR experience. You will most likely feel like a kid again.
Most of us have cherished childhood memories, perhaps a favorite toy or a magical experience. If you observe children at play, you'll notice that they dive in without asking for permission. These tiny explorers are driven by an innate curiosity that sparks their very first steps into what adults often label as "experimentation."
Video credit: Phil Schank - Vimeo
As they engage with new toys, they're keenly observing, relying on their senses to navigate this uncharted territory. There's no instruction manual for these simple playthings, no onboarding prompts or warning signs. The objective is clear: just play with it.
In the fast-evolving landscape of spatial and AI tools, countless innovations are unveiled daily. I encourage you not just to use them but to truly play with them. Stretch your imagination, test the limits, and, most importantly, allow yourself the freedom to dive into uncharted waters.
This freedom is vital because the latest tools demand that you become an expert in the art of play and not perfection. You must grow comfortable with the idea that trying is more important than getting it just right as you learn.
As you can see below, I tried one of the latest Generative AI 3D asset generators from Masterpiece Studios and Nvidia AI. The result is quite a quirky animation.
As adults, we are often conditioned to avoid failure and pursue perfection. Yet, this mindset stands in stark contrast to the spirit of play and experimentation, where failure is not only anticipated but encouraged as a stepping stone to enhanced learning. I was not sure what to expect when I created the prompt for the animation below but I also was not expecting it to look super polished.
The more software platforms you use and test out, the more patience you develop with new things for tinkering. I find a lot of value comes through beta testing, not just in becoming better at providing feedback for developers but learning something new about the development process. I've come to appreciate in particular how much work it takes to make software that rely heavily on computer graphics.
What used to be "techie" talk reserved for gamers and the tech industry is fast becoming normalized. Techno-vernacular (a term coined by Dr.Nettrice Gaskins) is the new lingua franca and spatial computing has a large role to play in the adaptation of the tools of the trade.
As you become more comfortable with these platforms, you'll begin to notice a shift in the design of user interfaces and user experiences. Traditional square interfaces with top navigation menus and drop-down options are being swapped for virtual hand tracking, AR filters and smart devices. The video below provides an example of this, from one of my favorite projects during my time on the Unity XR team - the XRI toolkit.
Spatial tools are reimagining the way we interact and design experiences. In the realm of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), your navigation becomes whatever's in front of you—a pointer, symbolic gestures, or an avatar guiding you.
In our daily routines, we unconsciously switch between various interfaces, not just in terms of navigation but also in size and context. You transition from a TV interface to a computer program, a mobile device, public streets, or even video games without thinking twice. With the emergence of spatial computing, the line between digital and physical reality is blurring.
As these spatial experiences continue to evolve, you must prepare for new ways to navigate both the virtual and real world. This transition might require some reorientation, but it's an exciting journey of discovery and growth.
In anticipation of the integration of spatial tools into the mainstream, a development that will undoubtedly encompass robotics and other "smart" devices aimed at enhancing your immersive experiences, here are some valuable tips to help you prepare for what lies ahead:
1. Embrace Curiosity: Cultivate a child-like curiosity and approach these tools with an open mind. Download and start playing.
2. Don't Fear Failure: Understand that experimentation and failure are essential for learning and growth. People are still adapting to navigating immersive experiences. Interactions like using your hands to navigate while wearing a headset or xr glasses may feel awkward at first but it will improve with practice.
3. Spatial Empathy & Design for Play: Have you ever found yourself lost in a new city and unsure of what do next? People often hesitate to play in VR and AR for those same reasons, potential disorientation in an unfamiliar place. We should want people to feel invited to explore the unknown. It's crucial to address these concerns in the design of spatial experiences, as a challenging first encounter can deter interest in playful discovery.
3. Create a Spatial Sensory Play Room: Set aside a small area at home or office to let your creativity run wild and explore immersive environments. Use a small table or flat counter to try out spatial experiments with art, sound or games.
4. Learn Continuously: Stay updated with the latest advancements and tools in the world of spatial and AI technology.
5. Practice Play: Make time for regular play sessions to familiarize yourself with these tools. It's not just for kids, there are positive cognitive benefits for continuing to play as you get older.
6. Playful R&D. Include "play" in your financial & strategic planning. The best teams, recognize the importance of play through real world product feedback. The concept of play is essential for enterprises seeking to innovate because it fosters a creative and experimental mindset, encouraging employees to think outside the box and explore new ideas, ultimately driving innovation and problem-solving.
7. Encourage Play. Consider having team building exercises, set aside a play day at your office, it could be board games, cards, video game tournaments, or workshops to inspire creativity and boost retention.
8. Learn about Play*:
The Infinite Playground: A Player's Guide to Imagination Paperbackby Bernard De Koven
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (available only on Nintendo Switch)
9. Be Inclusive. Everyone has a different meaning for play, think about different types of play and fun means for people of different backgrounds, culture and levels of accessibility.
Get Serious About Fun: Here are some places to study, visit and conferences to attend that focus on play and creativity.
In this era of transformative technology, embracing play, experimentation, and learning is the key to unlocking the boundless potential of spatial tools and AI. As the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds blur, your sense of adventure and openness to the unknown will be your greatest assets. If you want to be ready for the future you've got to be ready to play!
Thanks for reading!
#spatialcomputing #genAI #play #cognitivedevelopment #smarttoys #technovernacular
*I will occasionally recommend products that I have enjoyed! If you click on my affiliates links, I am going to receive a tiny commission.