Designing Exceptional Experiences

Design for Emotion and Flow

Boxes and Arrows has just published a new article by Trevor van Gorp called Design for Emotion and Flow that delves farther into how to apply the theory of flow to web design:

Remember, designing for flow doesn't require a new set of tools or skills - only a different way of thinking. Finding the right balance of design and challenge can help focus attention and create flow, which results in immersive and engaging user experiences.

I found the section on "Goal-directed vs. Experiential Use" especially interesting.

David Rakoff on his personal experience with flow

In this episode of This American Life, David Rakoff talks about flow (and gives you the correct pronunciation of "Csikszentmihalyi"). The first act, which is about the World Series of Poker, is also excellent.