About

Connect[less] is a game about networking - a playful critical reflection on the self-improving and productive act of connecting with others in order to advance in your career and get access to more projects, work and money.

Introduction

 “Well, if you are a [well-connected] man, you will [network] from morning till night. When you [wake up], you [get outside], and when [you get there, you network - you meet people and you connect with them]. You do that right straight through the day. And what’s more, no back talk. Now a [well-connected] man does just what he’s [supposed] to do, and no back talk. Do you understand that?”

—I rephrased Frederick Winslow Taylor, The Principles of Scientific Management (1911) -Cited in "Selfwork", Karen Gregory; Kirsty Hendry; Jake Watts; Dave Young February 02, 2017

The concept of meaningful work derailed outside the working hours and is haunting each moment of our lives - professional and personal. Over the course of a Century the way we work, connect and rest changed remarkably. At first, we tried to make each working minute productive by improving the process and production line. Later, the need of being productive collided with the need to develop a professional career with which we identify ourselves. Of course, our efforts to be better and improve ourselves slowly went outside our professional life (and the working hours) and the boundaries between personal and professional, between work and leisure became blurrier and blurrier for various jobs and professions.

Networking is quite crucial for our work and success, isn't it? The better we are connected, the more opportunities we have. The more opportunities we get, the more chances we have to get work. Your success and wellbeing depend on how connected you are. The more, the merrier.

However, some of us might feel the pressure of being forced to constantly network and being out there to look for opportunities. The fear of missing out. The regret about opportunities never reached and taken. All the anxiety that those thoughts may bring.

In this silly game you and your partner(s) will explore ways to connect to other well-connected creatures like you (by each of you choosing one shape such as circles or squares). Whilst playing, you are invited to reflect on the need of networking and social work connections and a simple conversation while doodling some simple lines. Let's start: go to the rules of the game!

Yours,
Ål Nik

Colophon

The game was born during prototype sessions with Manetta. The first prototype was played by Jian, Chae and Supi who provided invaluable feedback and encouraged its further development and life. Crafted by Ål Nik with the help of Python, Etherpad and Adobe Illustrator.