One of the main topics discussed at the IXDA Interaction09 conference was, how to change complicated stuff. Marc Rettig, lead an hour long session on the topic. He tried to establish how to make a change, the new normal. In summary, he basically made these two points:

“Work of change is social. Deliberatly plan to be social and nurture that.”

“Relationships are more important than the things themselves.”

Finding ways of creating those relationships is not easy work. Especially, when the change that you’re trying to make, is more difficult than the alternative. In the video above, the designers use fun in order to change people’s behavior. The fun of using the stairs, creates a relationship between the task and the individual, bridging the gap of difficulty.

When creating solutions for professional business clients, do not overlook the power of making things fun. While on the surface it may be viewed as childish, or unprofessional, making something a game may be able the achieve the result you’re after.