Abstract
This talk outlines the propensities of play to improve human computer interaction. Drawing from his experience addressing complex problems in journalism, misinformation, education, and more the talk outlines the theories that underpin applying play as interface. The idea is not merely the application of games to increase engagement or retention, but instead the integration of playful characteristics to improve problem solving and understanding of computing systems. Much like applying graphical user interfaces of old, playful interactions offer the opportunity to exploit innate characteristics of human interaction and accessibility with the scale and computation prowess of computing. Using play as interface can offer a next-gen solution to HCI problems. This means combining heuristics from game design but augmenting them with real world complexity and application. The talk combines case studies with suggestions for application in a wide variety of HCI challenges. It also champions the universal accessibility of the state of play, recognizing its cross-cultural value, pervasiveness and innate human utility.