The business world is often synonymous with seriousness, gravity, and a relentless pursuit of profit. But what if we've been looking at it all wrong? What if businesses, especially those wondering how to cook up digital experiences, could benefit from a dash of fun, a sprinkle of joy, and a pinch of playfulness?

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It might surprise some to think that 'fun' could be a vital element in a business's strategy. After all, we're not running a circus, right? But consider this: we're living in an era where our digital lives are becoming extensions of ourselves. We're constantly connected, always online, and incessantly engaged with a plethora of digital platforms and applications.

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So, if we're spending so much time in these digital spaces, shouldn't they be places that inspire joy, creativity, and, especially, fun?

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BUILDING FOR CUSTOMERS

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When we talk about building digital experiences for customers, we often think about usability, functionality, and efficiency. These are undeniably important, but we must not overlook the element of fun. Think about the wildly successful Pokémon Go. It was more than just an app; it was a global phenomenon that combined augmented reality technology, social interactivity, and a beloved IP franchise into an innovative experience that was not only functional but fun. This playful approach led to millions of downloads worldwide and a surge in the popularity of augmented reality games.

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Aside from just gamified experiences, our digital experiences should not merely be tools that customers use, but rather spaces where they can be delighted, inspired, and amused.

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For example, Mailchimp, an email marketing platform, is known for its quirky and humorous brand personality. From its fun, conversational tone to its humorous “microcopy”, Mailchimp transforms a mundane task like email marketing into a delightful experience. This approach not only fosters a strong emotional connection with users but also sets the platform apart in a crowded market.

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BUILDING FOR EMPLOYEES

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Now, let's flip the coin and consider the internal side of things. Our employees, just like our customers, spend a significant portion of their day interacting with digital tools and platforms. Shouldn't their user experience be just as enjoyable?

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When we infuse fun into our internal digital experiences, we can boost morale, increase productivity, and foster a more positive work culture.

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Take Google, for instance. Known for its vibrant company culture, Google extends this ethos to its suite of productivity tools, like Google Workspace. It's not just about increasing productivity; it's about emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and even laughter. Even the simple ability to customize backgrounds in Google Meet or add emojis and GIFs in Google Chat can bring a much-needed moment of levity to a busy workday. It humanizes the digital workspace, helping employees feel more connected and engaged, even when working remotely.

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Lastly, HubSpot places a strong emphasis on employee happiness and has been recognized for its inclusive and enjoyable work culture. They provide a suite of digital tools, such as the HubSpot Growth Platform, which enables seamless collaboration and project management. HubSpot also organizes virtual team-building activities, wellness programs, and internal competitions to foster a sense of camaraderie and fun among employees.

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CONC.

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It's time we stop considering fun as frivolous or unnecessary in the business world. Whether it's for our customers or our employees, fun can transform the mundane into the magical and turn routine tasks into memorable experiences. So, let's embrace the joy, the laughter, and the playfulness. After all, life's too short to be serious all the time, isn't it?

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