The big idea

How many things do you look at simply out of habit? Or because somebody else wants you to? These experiment cards are designed to give you more freedom of attention. At a time when all our attentions are so closely guided by algorithms, it requires actively slowing down and getting curious to notice overlooked parts of your everyday life. But once you start flexing your perception muscles, whole new worlds will emerge from hiding.

The experiments

Each of these 60 experiments is an invitation to see the world in a new way. A bit like trying on new sunglasses. Immerse yourself in the words on the card, and then look around with fresh eyes to see what you find. They work across three different layers of experience: senses, stories and self.

Ultimately each experiment reminds you to be more human, and more you.

Who's it for?

• People curious to discover their home or neighbourhood with fresh eyes.
• Those who work on screens all day wanting a quick way to wake up their senses and connect with the world more directly.
• Groups of friends or a family looking for a creative activity to do together.
• Facilitators who'd love a playful tool to help people slow down and get curious.
• Mindful and contemplative photographers wanting to practice.
• Anyone interested in exploring visual awareness and attention.

Equipment needed

You only need 15 minutes of uninterrupted time, a location to move around in (indoors or outdoors), and an open mind. If you enjoy photography, a camera can be a powerful sidekick for awakening one's curiosity. A nudge to look a little more closely. An excuse to linger. You might prefer a magnifying glass, sketchbook, journal, or periscope, but all such tools are optional.

Our first review!

Why we love cards

There is something about holding a card in your hands that helps you slow down and immerse yourself in the experiment in a way that reading the same words on a screen can't. Plus, cards have an inherent playful quality about them, so you don't accidentally take yourself too seriously!

Menka, the founder of Just Looking, has been using cards to run experiments since 2017 when she hosted our first mindful photowalk in Hampstead Heath. From that day onwards, people have been asking for the cards!

In late 2023, Menka led a group walk at Highgate Cemetery exploring the theme of light for Creative Quests. At the end of it Ana and other talented can-doers decided to help Menka turn the cards into a 'proper set' for people to keep and use in their own time. And so it began: a series of friendships, collaborations and playtestings.

How we made the cards

We've used a 350gsm board from FSC-certified sustainable timber. We tested out lighter and heavier boards and finally settled on this because the cards feel sturdy in hand but flexible enough to be played with. The boards are then coated in clay with an additional matt laminate and natural seal to the edges to make them weather-resistant while remaining 100% recyclable. The cards have been printed in the UK at a friendly, family-owned local printer, Liquorice Press. Here's a one-minute video we made about our first print run:

Dive Deeper with the QR Code

On the back of the black tin you will find a QR code that takes you through to a web page on the Just Looking site, where you will find all kinds of inspiration for each experiment. The aim is to recreate some of the benefits of being in a group setting where someone will say, "There's this really good book by a Japanese author all about shadows" or "Have you seen that talk about what happens in our brains when we talk to strangers?". This will be a living page, and we will continue adding ideas and links suggested by the community of people using the cards.

Sending a gift

We think this whole package makes for a brilliant gift. When you check out, you will see a box called "Special instructions to seller". Use that space to write your personal message, which we will include in the box. Consider getting one for yourself, too, so you can both run experiments together—even at a distance—and then share photos or discuss what you noticed.

We ship worldwide

Keeping with our spirit of slowness, we collate orders and then either Menka or Ana walks down to our respective local post office with the boxes twice a week. We use Royal Mail worldwide and shipping times are mentioned in the check out. But if it's urgent, email us, and we'll try to make things happen faster.

Get a 50% discount with Friends of Just Looking

This product was created with the generous support of the Friends of Just Looking who pay an annual contribution to help grow this project. To say thank you, we offer members significant discounts on everything. If you would like to support us, please sign up, and you will immediately receive a 50% discount code for the 60 Experiments in Looking. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]

Product info

Release date: Nov 18, 2024
Tin Size: L110 x W65 x H30 mm
Language: English
Edition of 500 (1st edition)
ISBN: 978-1-7384456-1-5
Printed in the United Kingdom

© 2024 Just Looking Press
Typefaces: Trincha and Karla
Design by Studio Bench
Text by Menka Sanghvi
Printing by Liquorice Press