Car manufacturers Volkswagen have launched a new project – the fun theory – which explores the idea of changing peoples’ behaviour for the better by making things more fun to do. This is achieved through various interactive installations in public places, such persuading people to choose the stairs over the escelator, by turning the stairs into a giant, working piano keyboard. Which is undeniably fun.

Here is a description of the project from FormFiftyFive:

Volkswagen has launched a website – the fun theory dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. As part of this interesting initiative they have commissioned several interactive pieces that challenge the way people connect with everyday things. The site currently features piano stairs that encourage people to take the stairs instead of the escalator by playing notes when each step is used (like the floor piano in the film BIG). The world’s deepest bin, which plays a sound effect when rubbish is dropped into it and a bottle bank arcade machine. They are also taking submissions for future projects that find fun ways to change behaviour and are offering a 2500 Euro prize.

The Fun Theory