Play
In this phase, the practitioner experiences the subject and explores it without judgement. It must be unconstrained to maximize the indulgence of curiosity. This often-overlooked phase is best done privately, or at the very least in an informal setting/gathering. The only rule—if there can be any rule—is to possibly try new things. The essence of this phase is delight.
Archery: Novice delights in shooting arrows, toys with the twang of the bow string.
Driving: Learner is happy this is faster than the bus, wonders why we only use one foot.
Software: User sees some buttons named after songs, and learns programmers were roommates.
Refine
In this phase, the practitioner uses the subject and identifies parts and processes. The practitioner is no longer a novice and is ever-focusing the subject to achieve an end. The refinement here is extremely popular because it is most-easily related with productivity and results. There can be a glut of rules or a few rules, but generally things become difficult at first and then easier. The essence of this phase is focus.
Archery: Archer aims at targets, works to get a bullseye.
Driving: New Driver gets license, gains confidence driving on highway.
Software: User simplifies the program and uses it as a tool, like a fork or hammer.
Befriend
In this phase, the practitioner absorbs the subject and projects his or her identity into it. The refined practitioner customizes the content to fit his or her style. This phase can be private or public, depending on the style of the practitioner, but the ext
Archery: Archer considers bow part of the arm.
Driving: The experienced driver expresses personality through car (Hummer, Smart Car).
Software: User customizes color settings based on personal style.
How does an experienced driver know how to driver other cars? An experienced driver is unafraid to experiment and operate “intuitively”. For software/technology users who have not played long enough, they feel alienation from the “world” of the medium: the world of Adobe products; the world of Google products; the world of photography; the world of writing; Etc. Lack of sufficient play time exposes practitioners when something goes wrong and they are gripped with fear to tinker/troubleshoot.
Play is continuous. Technology and Modalities are constantly growing (or decaying). Mastery today becomes obsolete more quickly than ever. Self Awareness is the other side of troubleshooting. What kinds of software/technology do you enjoy? Why?