Meet Neuland Toolmaster® Sebastian Schwägele
MEET. PLAY. GROW.
Dr. Sebastian Schwägele is not only a passionate educator but also the co-founder of Playful Insights . Together with his partner Daniel Bartschat, he helps companies approach and overcome complex challenges with playful ease. How does one come up with such an idea? Sebastian Schwägele was already interested in educational issues during his school days. This topic never left him, and he eventually earned his doctorate in adult education. But what sounds very theoretical at first, he brings to life with his methods, making it tangible.
And because the learning environment and the development of visual learning concepts are particularly important to him, he and his business partner have set up a modern, flexible workshop space, the CreativeSpace, in Stuttgart. So, it was a special honor for us to welcome an expert like him to our new Playground. But honestly, Playful Insights is a perfect fit for us, even just from the name alone, don't you think? 😉 We're definitely delighted that he's decided to become a Neuland Toolmaster®, and so that you can finally get to know Sebastian Schwägele, we've put together a short interview for you.
Sebastian, to begin with, we would like to know which 3 hashtags best describe you.
#thinkdifferently
#meetplaygrow
#detailoriented
The word "play" immediately catches the eye again. You have an interesting approach to your work. We're interested in: When did you decide to do what you're doing today... and why?
My current focus lies in the conception and implementation of interactive and visual seminars and workshops. I've long been fascinated by bringing people together through playful approaches. Even during my time as a youth group leader, I was responsible for selecting and using games. My studies provided the crucial impetus to professionalize my fascination with playful and visual methods in the fields of adult education and consulting. That was it for me. Why? Images and games raise questions and don't offer easy answers. Both approaches invite participants to engage with content and with people. And both create an open atmosphere and offer space for emotions. For me, these are the foundations for the development of individuals and organizations. My passion is creating creative and surprising spaces for change.
That sounds incredibly exciting! Is there an experience in your life that particularly shaped you and perhaps even led you to pursue this path?
In my second semester at university, I participated in a seminar on "simulation game design." We explored this topic not only theoretically, but primarily practically. I delved deeply into various questions: How do systems function? How can something highly complex be created within a group that is both technically and personally diverse? And above all: How do you design environments in which people can experience, reflect, and learn sustainably? During this time, the topic of visually representing key concepts also gained increasing importance.
The seminar was perfectly tailored to you. You work a lot with people. What comes to mind when you hear the word " group" ?
For me, a group is simply a collection of people. It becomes truly interesting when the group is united by a common goal. I find it incredibly fulfilling to guide the transformation of a group into a strong network, an organization, or a powerful team. A community develops from a mere coexistence. The members depend on one another. They develop a shared understanding of the situation and a common (figurative) language. And together, real change can be achieved.
You said it! When you entered the playground, you had a big grin on your face. Now imagine that you are there with a horde of children and invent a game for them.
The Neuland Playground is like a giant playground for adults with almost limitless possibilities. It's incredibly flexible and invites everyone to create artwork together. For children, I would set up an obstacle course with visual circuit training: across KIPPITs and Infinitables, along the curved work walls, and under classic pinboards. And interspersed throughout are tasks to transform concepts and themes into meaningful images. It will be challenging, but certainly fun.
We really need more games like this… especially for children. Although, with your style, I'm sure you could get adults excited about them too. Do you have any tips you'd like to share with our community?
Visualization techniques aren't just for enhancing flip charts. Try visualizing not a statement, but rather consciously using appropriate images to open up spaces for valuable exchange. A simple example is a ship at sea. Comparing it to our own daily work quickly raises important questions: How fast are we traveling? Who is our captain? Who works in the engine room? What's the weather like? What are our beacons? ... For most people, it's much easier to reflect using visual imagery. Our role as visual facilitators is to support these processes with suitable visual elements.
Thank you so much for the fascinating interview, Sebastian. It's great that you're also part of the Neuland Toolmaster® team!
By the way, there are some pictures on Playful Insights' Instagram account that you should definitely check out if you're interested in the topic. And if you'd like to learn more about Sebastian's partner, Daniel Bartschat, you can also read his interview here .
