After 20 years of working in Brussels, creative designer and educator Jules Gilleland is bringing her 'Think with Things' methodology to the UK. Having worked with the European Commission and other international teams, she is now basing herself here
For more than two decades, Jules Gilleland has been transforming the way teams and classrooms approach creativity and problem-solving - winning international recognition along the way.
After 24 years working in Brussels, Belgium, Jules is bringing her Think with Things methodology to the UK with a permanent base at Bothy Gardens in Wiltshire.
“It feels incredible to plant roots here in the UK and particularly in Wiltshire,” said Jules.
“Bothy Gardens will be the heart of this work — a place where we can explore creativity, build connections, and use play to solve real challenges.”
Jules developed the ‘Think with Things’ method after winning the prestigious Open Education Challenge in 2014, but her idea originated some years before.
The Open Education Challenge was launched that year in partnership with the European Commission and it is an invitation for innovators to submit projects and receive technical support through the European Incubator for Innovation In Education and access funding. Jules and a friend won the challenge along with six others.
Over the subsequent years, Jules has worked with the European Commission, other European institutions, leading organisations, museums, and educational bodies, helping them tackle complex challenges through play and hands-on problem-solving.
The concept is simple but powerful: using everyday objects like small toys, pinecones, buttons, etc, individuals and teams are encouraged to model their ideas, visualise problems, and spark solutions. This enables them to think differently while connecting with one another.
“Play is universal,” Jules explained. “As children, it’s second nature to us, but somewhere along the way, we stop. I’ve discovered that bringing play back into our lives doesn’t just spark creativity — it unlocks new ways of thinking and problem-solving.”
Jules is building a dynamic hub for education, business workshops, and creative retreats at Bothy Gardens, grounded in the Think with Things method.
Though the ‘real’ space won’t be officially open until autumn 2025, she is currently offering bespoke virtual workshops for businesses and educators to reconnect through hands-on problem-solving and creativity.
“Bothy Gardens will be a place where creativity thrives,” said Jules. “Whether you’re a teacher looking to re-engage your students or a business leader seeking fresh ideas, we want to create the perfect space to become inspired.”
To support her methodology, Jules has created the THINGS LAB app as a way to share her experience and knowledge remotely. The app was designed to inspire and support people worldwide, making creativity accessible to everyone, everywhere. It offers playful tools and programs to unlock creativity, including free games, resources, and access to workshops like the Education Founders Lab.
“It’s about using what you already have to create something extraordinary,” Jules said. “My method makes creativity accessible to everyone, everywhere.”
Starting 17 February 2025, the six-week virtual Education Founders Lab in the app will teach educators how to transform disengaged lessons into creative, object-based experiences. To sign up visit the app.
For those curious about the Bothy Gardens project, visit www.bothygardens.com
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