Sessions at SXSW Interactive 2011 about Neuroscience and Psychology

View as grid

Monday 14th March 2011

• Neurons Sparking!: Design with the Brain in Mind!

  by M A Greenstein

  **Are you curious about the new brain game design industry?

  **Have you explored the options of including a neuroscientist on your team of interactive and immersive media designers?

  Today, interactive and immersive media design draws on contemporary neuroscience to leverage the best odds of playing "somatosensory," "memory," "dopamine reward” and “inhibitory control” systems in the human brain and extended nervous system. From animated narrative scripting to skill building brain games or “apps”, functional knowledge of the human brain gives the 21st media designer an edge in working across the spectrum of interactive and immersive game media.

  This session starts with two simple, critical questions: What does neuroscience and cognitive science hold for the future of interactive and immersive media design? How can media designers prepare now for a future where "brain smart" games will be the means by which we learn, play, invent and transform lives through interactive media? Join us and find out.

  LEVEL: Advanced

  • Design
  • Game Design
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology

  At 9:30am to 10:30am, Monday 14th March

  In Salon D, Hilton Austin Downtown

Tuesday 15th March 2011

• Long After the Thrill: Sustaining Passionate Users

  by Stephen Anderson

  Suffering from "game fatigue" yet? While many sites have slapped on badges and points to make things more engaging, the companies that "get it" have a better understanding of the psychology behind motivation. They know how to design sites that keep people coming back again and again.

  So what are the secrets? What actually motivates people online? How do you create sustained interest in your product or service? We'll look at everything from game design to learning theories to neuroscience to understand what motivates--and demotivates--people over the long haul.

  NOTE: This is a follow-up to the 2010 SXSW presentation "Seductive Interactions" where I focused primarily on initial engagement. Where that presentation discussed "getting to first base" with our users, this one looks much farther out at how to create "lifelong love and devotion."

  LEVEL: Intermediate

  • Game Design
  • Motivation
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology

  At 9:30am to 10:30am, Tuesday 15th March

  In Ballroom A, Austin Convention Center

  Coverage slide deck