Designing to Create a Sense of Competence
Chaos can undermine an individual’s sense of competence by disrupting established routines, generating uncertainty, and creating an environment in which previously reliable skills and strategies may no longer suffice.
In response (1), coping emerges as a complex and multifaceted process that integrates cognitive appraisals, subjective emotions, and regulatory behaviors to restore equilibrium. Through this process, individuals must evaluate both the threats posed by chaos and their internal resources for overcoming it, then select strategies that align with their motivation to fulfill basic psychological needs such as autonomy, relatedness, and competence.
This alignment is critical, as humans also have the intrinsic need to accomplish developmental tasks that allow for the successful enactment of social roles—whether these roles are familial, vocational, or communal in nature. Central to these developmental milestones is the need to freely determine one’s course of action, to exercise the freedom necessary for growth, and to build confidence in tackling life’s challenges (2).
In this light, it is my theory, that a crafting mechanic provides a symbolic antidote to chaos by offering structured opportunities for skill-building and object play. By manipulating tangible or virtual materials, individuals gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, experimentation, and incremental mastery, thus fostering a renewed sense of competence (3).
Through the act/mechanic of crafting, self-determination is reinforced and the sense that one’s actions can impose order upon disorder. This cyclical process—assessing chaos, coping through strategic and emotionally grounded actions, and reclaiming the freedom to shape outcomes—gradually bolsters resilience and self-confidence (2).
Over time, each successful completion of a crafted object or cleverly designed solution acts as a testament to one’s capacity to adapt, honing both problem-solving abilities and emotional regulation skills (3). Moreover, the act of focusing on an external task can momentarily redirect attention away from disruptive elements of chaos, allowing for a healthier, more deliberate engagement with life’s challenges (2).
This form of object play satisfies deeper psychological needs by confirming the individual’s efficacy in navigating complex tasks (3). My theory is: that sense of satisfaction derived from completing a crafted piece mirrors the fulfillment experienced when one’s efforts lead to meaningful results in daily life. I am also theorizing that: when the crafting mechanic becomes cooperative i.e shared with others, it enhances social bonds and supports broader developmental goals related to interpersonal roles. Perhaps this is how we might foster a “wise remorse” rather than shame. Note to self: break down the difference between wise remorse and shame.
In these ways, I am theorizing that, the crafting mechanic exemplifies a productive and creative coping strategy—one that helps individuals harness chaos by translating it into tangible accomplishments, thereby reinforcing their competence, agency, and readiness to meet future challenges that involve chaos.
(2) Skinner, E. A., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (Eds.). (2023). The Cambridge Handbook of the Development of Coping. Cambridge University Press. Pages: 489 - 509.
(3) https://www.playcore.com/news/tinkering-and-its-relationship-with-problem-solving
