What is "interesting" about creating "interesting" work?

My name is Hikota, and I help my clients start "new things" through space creation, particularly in the area of communication.
For many people, it's natural to think, "If I'm going to do this, I want to make it fun." But what does "fun" mean? If asked to explain it specifically, many people would probably be at a loss for an answer.
So this time, I'd like to share a real-life experience that led me to rethink the word "interesting" after an initiative at an elementary school.
 

Creating space in elementary schools

Being involved in creating a space for a public elementary school in the Chubu region was an opportunity to reconsider the role that space can play in a highly public space like a school.
The content of the education at this school has certainly evolved, with advanced educational policies incorporating the concept of "Jenaplan education."
On the other hand, many of the classrooms and school spaces remain largely unchanged from the schools we attended as children.
Therefore, in this project, rather than "creating a space that stands out" or "producing clear results," we focused on thinking about "what kind of space this school really needs."
 

What I learned while working with children

During this process, we held a workshop for approximately 100 fifth graders.
"What kind of space do you think would make it easier to spend time at school?"
The opinions expressed were very frank.
"I want a place where I can concentrate." "It would be nice to have a place where I can change my mood when I'm feeling a bit tired."
These opinions were surprisingly similar to those I had heard when thinking about offices and workplaces. Regardless of age or position, the essential requirements for space did not change significantly.
After much discussion, we selected one of several proposals and offered it to the school to create a space.
More than the finished space itself, I think the core of this project was the time we spent thinking and talking with the children.
 

The way we perceive "fun" has changed

Until now, I think the work I have felt was "interesting" has been tied to obvious results, such as large scale, buzz, or visual impact.
On the other hand, in this elementary school initiative, the aim was not to achieve such results.
As we listen to the voices of children and those in the educational field, we must continue to think about questions that have no correct answer.
It's a time of trial and error, using the other person's voice and background as clues to find a better form.
Through these processes, I began to feel that the quality of the satisfaction and fulfillment I get from my work is a little different from before, and that it's more interesting.

One answer: "Fun"

When I say "interesting," I certainly mean the results themselves, as mentioned above.
However, I realized that work that is "interesting to do" is something else entirely; it is something you "feel in the process" of tackling unknown cases with all your might. For example, when making advance plans for a new field. As you move forward with that plan, you make new, unexpected discoveries and surprises. The "fun" you feel in the process of achieving results can only come from that.
I hope this article will be helpful as a hint when you are wondering what is interesting about your work.