Things that sit around and invite delight

I continue to think about the idea of lowering barriers to experimentation, and an idea that came up is in the category of play: Put things in your environment that invite playful interaction. For example, someone found that putting out musical instruments - even simple ones - drew people in to experiment with them, especially kids. (Yes, they haven't got all that embarrassed-to-play stuff I accumulated as an adult).

Here's another one I love: The local cafe where I write (see Edison - reserve mornings for writing) has chalkboards in the bathrooms. What a fun way to express yourself and see what others are thinking.

I'm curious: What other things can you place that get people involved?

Comments

[Ralf Westphal]

How about a desktop Zen garden? http://www.coolstuffcheap.com/test-zen-gardens.html
Or some Lego?

[Matthew Cornell]

Great idea, Ralf! In fact, I bought one for my wife a few months ago thinking that it would help her relax. She used it a few times, then stopped. I had fun with it for a while, then stopped, but I miss it now that you mention it. I'll have to look around for it... Thanks for writing.