What was your favorite toy?

One of my all-time favorite questions when meeting new individuals, especially students, is this: "What was your favorite toy during your childhood?" It's a query that not only elicits warm memories but also reveals something profound about a person's early inclinations. Back in my days of teaching engineering, I'd pose a slightly modified version of this question to my students: "What was your second favorite toy?" This alteration was necessary because nearly every hand would shoot up with the resounding answer: LEGO. It's remarkable how LEGO has held such universal charm.

Yet, what truly fascinates me are the answers that emerge from my diverse d.School class. The spectrum of responses is as wide as it is delightful. Many still hold dear their treasured childhood toys, and this observation serves as a masterclass in emotional design. For a toy to retain such lasting significance speaks volumes about its capacity to touch the heart and soul. It's the kind of accomplishment that every toy inventor and designer dreams of achieving – crafting an object so extraordinary that it imprints itself on one's memories.

This phenomenon also offers a window into the concept of "The Circular Economy" in design. The notion of creating designs that encourage longer circulation within the economy speaks to a broader sustainability ethos. It's a testament to the power of design to influence not just consumption, but the longevity of objects within our lives.

Moreover, reflecting on the play personalities we embodied as children provides intriguing insights. It's a glimpse into the seeds of our adult selves, shaped by the ways we chose to engage in play. The ingenious Dr. Stuart Brown, an emblematic figure in the realm of Play Science and founder of the nonprofit "The National Institute of Play ," delved into the diverse dimensions of play personalities. These are windows into our preferred modes of play, formed by inclinations and interests.

Let's delve into a few of Dr. Brown's vivid play personalities and explore the resonance between our youthful selves and our present tendencies:

• The Joker: This play personality thrives on inducing laughter, creating light-hearted atmospheres through humor, wit, and playful interactions. Jokes, pranks, and comedic performances become the stage for their play.
• The Kinesthete: Kinesthetes revel in the realm of physical movement and sensory experiences. They gravitate towards active play involving sports, dance, and challenges that engage their motor skills.
• The Explorer: Explorers harbor a penchant for curiosity and adventure. Their play is marked by the thrill of discovering new territories, embracing the unknown, and savoring the journey of exploration.
• The Competitor: The competitive spirit fuels this personality. Clear rules and defined goals draw them into games and challenges, where showcasing their prowess and pursuing victory are paramount.
• The Director: Directors emerge as natural orchestrators of play. They assume leadership roles, finding joy in shaping scenarios, guiding group activities, and infusing play with direction.
• The Artist/Creator: For these individuals, play is the canvas for self-expression and creativity. Crafting, writing, painting, and all forms of artistic expression embody their play style.
• The Storyteller: Storytellers weave narratives and dive into imagination. Their play involves elaborate scenarios, role-playing, and the crafting of fantastical worlds.
• The Scholar: Scholars approach play as an avenue for knowledge acquisition. Puzzles, strategic games, and intellectual challenges fulfill their desire for mental stimulation.
• The Socializer: Play is the bridge to connections for socializers. They gravitate towards activities fostering interaction, communication, and bonding.
• The Caregiver: Caregivers find play in nurturing relationships and aiding others. Role-playing caregiving scenarios or engaging in supportive activities are their chosen forms of play.
• The Sensation Seeker: For these adventurers, play revolves around intense sensory experiences. Thrilling adventures, extreme sports, and adrenaline-pumping endeavors are their playground.

Reflecting on one's play personality serves as a compass for personal evolution, particularly in the realm of leadership. It's a reminder to continually infuse playfulness into our lives, for within play, transformation and growth blossom. So, let us continue to embrace our inner play personalities, for in doing so, we foster a vibrant and dynamic existence. Keep the spirit of play alive!

Oh, Hot Wheels was one of mine favs.