# Play and Design: In Pursuit of Novel Digital Experiences The importance of discovery and play is rising in modern design over efficiency. - **Source:** [UX Collective - Medium](https://brifing.si/source/5c6bdc88-e150-4203-af43-069801e37dd9) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a0aedcdf-0a4f-410b-947a-c6993c6c9c8c ## The Journey of Discovery in Design Modern design forces users into a predetermined journey. However, this approach replaces discovery and play with efficiency. This limits users' experiences and stifles creativity. ## Efficiency or Experience? In daily life, efficiency-focused designs narrow users' experiences. For example, getting somewhere on a map has become a task. This dulls users' desire to explore. ## Muscle Memory and Design Muscle memory affects how users interact with design products. This confines users' experiences to a predetermined template. However, this approach stifles creativity and discovery. ## Play-Based Design Play-based design supports users' desire to explore. This approach enriches users' experiences and encourages creativity. For example, books offering poetry. ## Discovery in Digital Experiences Discovery in digital experiences enriches users' experiences. This approach allows users to explore their own journeys without being forced into a predetermined path. ## The Future of Design The future of design will be shaped by discovery and play-based approaches. This approach will enrich users' experiences and encourage creativity. Designers can adopt this new approach to make users' experiences more free. ## Sources covering this story - https://uxdesign.cc/play-and-design-in-favour-of-the-novel-digital-experience-ea4798a2f621?source=rss----138adf9c44c---4 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._