#playindesign

I am very much looking forward to the day when there are no distinctions between media. All entertainment will exist on a spectrum between being in nature and sitting in a virtual reality pod from the matrix, where each medium will have its advantages and disadvantages and it’s OK to like everything.

Until this [inevitability] happens, I’m happy to see a blend of at least two mediums: games and TV. Minimal interactions that dramatically interfere with the plot points is something that Tell Tale is also doing, and it’s a very easy way to slowly bring interactive entertainment to a wider audience.

The most glaring issue right now is that these experiences are largely marketed toward and sold to demographics that already accept and play games. It would be interesting to see what form it would take if it came from the other angle: what would TV look like with more interactivity, rather than what would games look like with more video content?

How many romantic ideals is this one hostel hitting? Oh all of them? Oh great ok. The interior design is fantastic, it appeals to the innate human desires of browsing a bookstore and sleeping, and it’s in Tokyo. 

Bright colors, a playful nostalgic feel, and some well-textured buttons and mic covers.

IKEA instructions have an established and playful language, but it’s important to remember that even the most playful and seamless appearing designs were, in fact, not seamless and not playful at some point. Iteration and testing are incredibly important to the process, and while every designer understands this phenomenon, getting glimpses into the process of such a major company is usual.