is-a-puzzle-ball-a-fidget

A puzzle ball can be considered a type of fidget item, but it depends on how it's used.

1. Fidget - like aspects

• Stress - relief and tactile engagement: Many fidget toys are designed to help people relieve stress, anxiety, or simply keep their hands occupied. Puzzle balls, especially those with small, manipulable parts or a complex assembly process, can offer a similar tactile experience. Manipulating the pieces, turning the ball, and trying to solve the puzzle can be a calming and distracting activity, much like spinning a fidget spinner or clicking a fidget cube.
• Attention - diversion: Fidget toys are often used to help individuals focus better in situations where they might otherwise be distracted. A puzzle ball can serve this purpose. For example, someone waiting in a long line or sitting in a boring meeting might find that working on the puzzle ball keeps their hands busy and their mind somewhat engaged, allowing them to pay better attention to their surroundings.

2. Distinctions from traditional fidgets

• Complexity and goal - orientation: Some puzzle balls, especially those with elaborate designs and difficult assembly requirements, are more goal - oriented. The primary purpose is to solve the puzzle and complete the ball, rather than simply providing a mindless tactile activity. Traditional fidgets like fidget spinners or squishy balls are more about the repetitive, often non - goal - directed movement or sensation.
• Skill - based: Solving a puzzle ball may require a certain level of spatial awareness, problem - solving skills, and patience. This is different from many basic fidget toys that can be used without much thought or skill development.
• https://puzzleball.org Puzzle Ball is a free and wonderful little game that is fun to play by controlling the ball and realizing patterns to put together.