BOOK A CALL

May 19, 2014

Google Doodle's Working Rubik's Cube is Engaging

By Russ Lewis. Published online May 19, 2014

rubik anni googleAll rights for this image belong to Google

Generations of Users Relate to Rubik

Today the creatives at Doodle gave us something that perfectly matches its user generation that's interactive, colourful and engaging. A working Rubik's cube!

Just last week I dared to ask why Google were paying their people to decorate the top of the search panel with a graphic "celebrating" the 289th anniversary of someone I've never heard of. Apparently, they took note, because the Rubik's cube has a connection with computer users. Yes, it's a computer game, but it's also an icon for at least four generations. Plus, there's a wonderful irony about converting such a tactile puzzle into a computer game.

I challenge you to go Google's home page (or find it at google.com/doodles/ if you missed it today), click on the cube, spin a row or two then leave it completely alone. tell no-one about it. Don't try to get even one column of the same colour. See - you can't help it, it' very engaging.

Flow is the secret to engagement

What keeps you engaged with that cube is called "flow". It's exactly the reason computer games are so addictive, and it's why we lose all track of time when we are doing work that totally absorbs us. it's a good thing and one of the reasons knowledge workers enjoy the agile way of working. Flow just happened to me as I write this post - I should be preparing a presentation for tomorrow!

Well done Google, we love your celebration of Mr Rubik's cube.

Tags:
Newsletter signup

    Recent Posts

    How to restore Teams Wiki data after Jan 2024

    Microsoft killed Wiki on Teams - who knew they would delete our data too - here's how to restore it

    Read More
    Transformation research update

    'Managing Tensions not People' as transformation method research update at the end of 2023 This time last year I was searching through the ambidexterity literature for tensions other than the usual explore-exploit. I built a website to publish my progress online, which I think was a diversion! Literature research update I found more than 70 […]

    Read More
    The HOW of Transformation

    The HOW of Transformation recorded at the Global Digital Transformation Summit in Berlin 2023 Summary Managers who manage tensions enjoy greater performance, especially in complex and dynamic environments. In this 36-minute talk: I tell the story of Transport for London's transformation from a one-sided fares Operator to an integrated Developer-Operator. And show how technologists using […]

    Read More
    In praise of rights licensing bots

    I was at the digital transformation summit in Berlin last week when I got a scary "unlicensed use" email from a rights licensing lawyer. The rights licensing bot service sent me a screenshot of the page and the cartoon I was alleged to have used. I say alleged because I didn't recognise the cartoon or […]

    Read More
    Ways of Working: 5 improvements for leaders

    Most ways of working still rely on functional hierarchy, where managers make decisions and workers do the work. Managers know they can't change this work structure, but they can transform its effectiveness without asking for permission and without needing a budget. Before exploring the changes that transform the way people work, we need to recognise […]

    Read More
    Manage tensions if you want an agile transformation

    Today’s challenge is that traditional management approaches, where managers tell people what to do and how to do it, are not as effective as they once were. Agile transformation takes years, but changing management’s focus from people to tensions could be a better solution. It is simpler, faster, and considerably more cost-effective. Management is the […]

    Read More
    September 6, 2013
    Agile Prototyping to Confirm Requirements

    Delivering Value Early This post nails the value to customers of rapid, or agile prototyping. We first met the charming people at MECA on Tuesday afternoon, so we could hear directly what they wanted from their new information system. Why did we want to meet with them when we had a (very clear) 250 page […]

    Read More
    September 29, 2023
    Ways of Working: 5 improvements for leaders

    Most ways of working still rely on functional hierarchy, where managers make decisions and workers do the work. Managers know they can't change this work structure, but they can transform its effectiveness without asking for permission and without needing a budget. Before exploring the changes that transform the way people work, we need to recognise […]

    Read More
    October 14, 2014
    Gen Y to Lead Agile Transformation in Workplace

    There’s a quiet revolution going-on right now fueled by people’s expectations of work and productivity. Everyone has a fantastic user experience with their devices and apps at home, and see no reason not to have the same at work. If Agile is about steady transformation, “big bang” is big risk As the next generation take-on […]

    Read More
    1 2 3 13
    linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram