Design for play for cognitive load management in young adults

Contemporary society is epitomised by constant digital connectivity, informational exposure and sensory bombardment. However, play has multiple benefits that can influence personal, relational and societal wellbeing. This design research project explores how play-based design can support cognitive load management among young adults who live in Cape Town and manage multiple roles and responsibilities. The study adopts a practice-led exploratory qualitative approach. The design research employs two co-design workshops, interviews, inductive thematic analysis and deductive analysis. The findings reveal that cognitive overload is both a systemic and embodied experience. This design research reframes play as a restorative tool that supports cognitive balance. The study introduces five design principles for play-based interventions and demonstrates how co-design methods can be adopted when designing for play-based interventions that support cognitive load management. This research contributes to theory, design and methodology by positioning play as a strategy for cognitive restoration in the context of contemporary adult life.