I received a happy surprise in the mail this week. My new blog friend Roger von Oech, about whom I wrote recently, sent me his new product – the Ball of Whacks. It’s a rhombic triacontahedron (try saying that 5 times fast!) made up of 30 individual blocks held together with magnets. It can be taken apart and rearranged in an infinite number of ways.
I’ve spent the past few days playing with it, enjoying feeling the heft of the ball, the decisive click of the magnets and the satisfaction of making symmetrical designs that use up all of the pieces (yes, I’m very left-brained even when trying to be creative!). While I’m not someone who needs to have her hands occupied while thinking, I find that the process of arranging and rearranging the pieces does put me into a more relaxed and open state of mind. For those who have to doodle, fidget with a pen or toss a ball around while they think, this would be perfect.
The ball comes with a small book that provides ideas for how to use it to boost your creativity, and some background on how Roger came up with the idea to create the ball. There are studies that have shown the link between stimulating your motor function and stimulating your brain activity. And it keeps the kids busy too.
You can find information on ordering the ball here. Thanks again, Roger!
Technorati Tags: ball of whacks, roger von oech, creativity
Nedra helps nonprofits and public agencies create positive change on health and social issues through social marketing and transmedia storytelling strategies at Weinreich Communications since founding the company in 1995. She helps organizations make a difference for the populations they serve by strategically designing programs that draw on state-of-the-art behavior change techniques, digital media approaches and the power of stories. 
Testimonial for Roger: It DOES keep the kids busy!
Dear Nedra,
Thanks a ton for for the nice comments about the Ball of Whacks. I am thrilled that you are enjoying playing with it.
This product’s been a lot of fun to develop (much different than writing a book), and it’s interesting to see people figure out how to interact with it.
Best wishes,
Roger von Oech