What the book emphasizes, for me, is the the value of “learning to see” – a distinction between recognition (which is seeing the world through existing frameworks) and perception (seeing the world as it is!). This is key information and inspiration for design, and a good starting point for any creative initiative. Observing such everyday interactions reveals subtle details about how we relate to the designed and natural world. Still more, such as hanging a jacket to claim a chair, have become spontaneous through habit or social learning. Others, such as warming hands on a hot mug or stroking velvet, draw on experiences so deeply embodied that they are almost unconscious. Some actions, such as grabbing onto something for balance, are universal and instinctive. … intuitive ways in which we adapt, exploit, and react to things in our environment things we do without really thinking. Its a neat little book, filled with photographs of different “thoughtless acts” i.e. These “thoughtless acts” reveal how people behave in a world not always perfectly tailored to their needs and demonstrate the kind of real-world observational approach that can inspire designers and anyone involved in creative endeavors. Invites you to notice the subtle and amusing ways that people react to the world around them. So imagine my pleasure at serendipitously chancing upon a book titled Thoughtless Acts? I have used different phrases or words to describe this phenomena (particularly in the context of educational technology), everything from situational creativity to repurposing to jugaad. Be it a piece of red tape to mark a glass door so that people don’t slam into the glass (as I see at the MSU clinical center every time I go there) or use a chair to prop open a door-these are examples of everyday creativity.

I have always been interested in the manner in which people use (or re-use) everyday things for purposes they were never intended for.

Moo by jane smiley summary