Serious Fun for Everyone UNBORED Games | Josh Glenn & Tony Leone | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Josh and Tony talk about their "Unbored" books series, aiming to engage kids in activities beyond screens through a mix of old and new.

Transcript

MALE SPEAKER: Good afternoon, and welcome to Talks at Google in Cambridge, Mass. Today it's my great pleasure to introduce Josh Glenn and Tony Leone, one of the co-authors and the designer, respectively, of the "Unbored" series of books. Along with co-author Elizabeth Foy Larson, Josh and Tony are on a mission to empower kids to appreciate all the ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤗 The "Unbored" books series aims to empower kids through engaging activities and hands-on experiences.
• 👨‍🔬 Personal experiences, nostalgia, and extensive research drive the content creation process for the books.
• 🥶 Collaboration with experts and a DIY design ethos shape the unique blend of old-fashioned fun and modern elements in the books.
• 🦺 Online safety considerations impact the approach to reader interaction and content sharing for the series.
• 🖐️ The interactive and creative nature of the books fosters connections between families and encourages imaginative play.
• 🎨 Strategic design choices reflect a balance of nostalgia, modernity, and simplicity in creating an engaging visual experience for readers.
• 👾 Integration of historical games, expert contributions, and diverse activities enrich the content of the "Unbored" books.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Josh and Tony develop the idea of the "Unbored" books series?

The concept was born out of their desire to provide kids with engaging activities that blend nostalgia with modern elements, stemming from their personal experiences as parents and nostalgic memories of childhood.

Q: Can you explain the design process behind the "Unbored" books?

The design focused on a DIY aesthetic, combining elements of nostalgia, modernity, and simplicity to create a visually appealing and interactive experience for readers, with a hint of zine culture influence.

Q: How did the authors involve experts in the creation of the books?

Through connections and research, they collaborated with various experts to contribute content to the books, enriching the material with specialized knowledge and diverse perspectives.

Q: What is the publisher's approach to interacting with readers and online content?

Due to concerns about online safety, the authors encourage readers to share their creations using specific hashtags but do not host an unmonitored online community, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for engagement.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Josh and Tony discuss their creative process for the "Unbored" books, focusing on empowering kids through engaging activities.

• Originating from personal experiences and nostalgia, the books blend old-fashioned fun with modern elements for a unique approach.

• Extensive research, testing, and contributions from experts result in engaging content for the series.