Jules Gilleland, an internationally recognised expert in creativity and problem-solving, is bringing her award-winning Think with Things methodology to the UK after more than two decades of success in Europe. With a permanent base now established at Bothy Gardens in Wiltshire, Jules aims to revolutionise the way businesses, educators, and individuals engage with creativity through hands-on, play-based techniques.
“For years, I have witnessed the power of play in unlocking innovation and transforming the way people think,” said Jules. “It’s incredibly exciting to bring Think with Things home to the UK and establish Bothy Gardens as a hub where creativity can flourish.”
A Groundbreaking Approach to Creativity
The Think with Things method encourages individuals to use everyday objects such as buttons, small toys, or natural materials to visualise challenges, model ideas, and develop innovative solutions. The concept, though simple, has proven to be a powerful tool for businesses, educators, and organisations seeking fresh approaches to problem-solving.
Jules first gained international recognition for her methodology after winning the Open Education Challenge in 2014, a prestigious competition launched in collaboration with the European Commission. The challenge provided funding and technical support for education innovators, and Jules’ proposal was one of only seven projects selected. Since then, she has worked with major institutions across Europe, including museums, businesses, and educational bodies, helping them integrate creative problem-solving techniques into their work.
Her work has been embraced across multiple industries, from education and corporate leadership to design and social innovation. The Think with Things methodology has helped teachers engage students in new ways, inspired businesses to foster a culture of innovation, and enabled teams to tackle complex challenges through playful, hands-on exploration.
A Creative Hub in Wiltshire
With the official opening of Bothy Gardens set for autumn 2025, the space is designed to host education programmes, corporate workshops, and creative retreats, all rooted in the Think with Things methodology. The physical location will provide an immersive environment where people can engage in structured play-based problem-solving while benefiting from expert guidance.
In the meantime, Jules is offering bespoke virtual workshops for businesses and educators, providing immediate access to hands-on problem-solving techniques. These workshops enable participants to experience the transformative power of play regardless of their location.
“Bothy Gardens will be a space where creativity can thrive, whether you are an educator looking to re-engage students or a business leader searching for innovative solutions, Jules explained. We want to build an environment that inspires new ways of thinking and fosters meaningful connections.”
Expanding Creativity Through Digital Innovation
To complement her in-person workshops, Jules has developed the THINGS LAB app, designed to make creativity accessible worldwide. The app offers playful tools, free games, and structured programmes to encourage creative thinking. It also provides access to workshops such as the Education Founders Lab, a six-week virtual programme starting 17 February 2025. This initiative is aimed at helping educators transform disengaged lessons into dynamic, object-based learning experiences.
“My goal has always been to make creativity available to everyone, no matter where they are,” said Jules. “Through the THINGS LAB app, people can use what they already have around them to generate fresh ideas and solve real-world problems. Whether it’s a teacher looking for new ways to engage students, or a professional aiming to unlock their creative potential, our resources will provide the tools they need.”
By bringing her expertise to the UK, Jules Gilleland is not only establishing a new centre for innovation at Bothy Gardens but also extending the reach of her transformative methodology to educators, businesses, and creative minds across the country and beyond. Her vision is to inspire a new wave of creative problem-solving one where play is not just a childhood pastime but a vital tool for innovation and success.
