Focusing on “the Experience of Doing Things”

July 31, 2026 - 02:52

In a culture obsessed with productivity and speed, philosopher and game designer Ian Bogost is pushing back against the relentless drive for efficiency. He argues that modern life has trapped people in what he calls the "efficiency loop" -- a cycle where every task is optimized for speed, leaving little room for genuine engagement or discovery. Instead, Bogost suggests shifting focus toward "the experience of doing things," even when those things take longer or seem less productive.

Bogost's critique targets the widespread belief that faster is always better. From cooking to commuting, people are conditioned to minimize time spent on any activity. But this mindset, he warns, robs us of the deeper learning and satisfaction that come from immersive, hands-on work. Experiential learning, he argues, offers a richer path. When you slow down and pay attention to the process itself, you gain insights that no shortcut can provide.

The idea challenges both personal habits and broader educational trends. In schools and workplaces, the pressure to deliver quick results often stifles creativity and problem-solving skills. Bogost advocates for activities that require patience and iteration, like woodworking, cooking from scratch, or even playing complex games. These tasks force people to confront failure, adapt, and ultimately master a skill through direct experience.

By rejecting the tyranny of efficiency, Bogost believes we can reclaim a more meaningful relationship with the world. The goal is not to do more in less time, but to do fewer things with more attention. In an age of constant distraction, that shift might be the most productive change of all.