How Designers Play: The Ludic Modalities of the Creative Process

In any endeavor, play has the ability to bring forth creativity. Some say it is impossible not to be creative while in a state of play; the two have a strong correlation. In this paper, we look at play through the lenses of both Johan Huizinga and Roger Caillois to establish a foundation for play discourse in the design process. Their perspectives help provide formal definitions for several of the ludic activities found in the design process. Play allows us to create in very intuitive ways. It provides for moments of reflection and for moments of whimsical imagination. It is the key to being creative.