When Design Makes You Want to Play

I recently discovered a few Plexiglass board games that have me rethinking how design influences our interaction with objects. The colorful games from Marks & Spencer, for example, use vibrant Plexiglass to make the game not just something you play, but something you want to play. It’s fascinating how good design can transform even the simplest products into something far more engaging and luxurious. The choice of material, color, and form has the power to turn a familiar game into a true experience.

Take the Jigsaw Puzzle 29 by Yuu Asaka, for example. The transparent, colorful Plexiglass pieces don’t just make it visually striking — they elevate the act of putting it together, making it feel like more than just a task. The vibrant, light material adds a touch of luxury, inviting you to engage with it in a whole new way.

The Lucite Chess Set from Anthropologie and the Lucite Backgammon Ombre Sherbert follow a similar design philosophy. The clarity and bold colors of the transparent materials don’t just serve a functional purpose; they make these games feel like high-end pieces of art, blending play with sophistication.

These games show how design can take something ordinary and make it extraordinary. Whether through playful materials or thoughtful branding, the right design transforms a product from a simple game into an experience.