As product managers, we are constantly learning. Learning about new technologies, new ways of structuring experiences, new ways of presenting information. We are constantly challenging ourselves to questions our assumptions about our users, our products, the way that we do things. How can PMs optimize their professional development? How can organizations understand how to better support their people? The way we learn originates in the way we play. For decades cognitive scientists have studied how play develops our minds and the way we interact with the world. Understanding the origins our learning process can help us understand how to continue the process as adults. This talk will cover the concept of play as cognitive developer, examine how great minds have used playful thinking to innovate new concepts and offer thoughts on how organizations can apply these lessons to their team cultures to create space.

1. Get Back to Play
How Play and Playfulness
can help us build better
Products.

2. Jackabassalope

3. Art Projects

4. How Do Human’s Learn?

6. WHAT IS PLAY?

7. WHAT DOES PLAY DO?

8. AUTOSPHERE
MICROSPHERE
MACROSPHERE
The three stages of play

9. AUTOSPHERE

10. AUTOSPHERE
?

11. MICROSPHERE

12. MICROSPHERE
?

14. MACROSPHERE
?

15. MACROSPHERE

16. SO WHAT HAPPENS?

17. DON’T GROW UP, IT’S A TRAP

29. Don’t be a bully

30. Make thoughts, don’t receive them

31. Take time to go down rabbit holes

32. Have Courage

33. References:
• http://www.education.com/reference/article/importantance-play-cognitive-
language/?page=3
• http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/beautiful-minds/201203/the-need-pretend-
play-in-child-development
• The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Childhood Cognitive Development
• Erik Erikson
• Jean Piaget
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