It's All About FUN!

I just couldn't resist adding this little gem! 

I've titled my composition, "My Vibe." 

Press the large arrow and enjoy!

As Norman  posits, "Technology should bring more to our lives than the improved performance of tasks: it should add richness and enjoyment." (2004, p. 101) I was able to compose the above little tune on KissTunes,  an application that encourages pure fun! I agree wholeheartedly with Norman regarding the idea that information and/or tasks do not have to be presented or performed in a dreary, boring manner. Why not add elements of amusement and fun, pleasure and delight? To continue the musical theme here, watch this video clip created by FunTheory.com, which  is "dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better."

http://www.thefuntheory.com/

Now this may seem an over-the-top example, but bear with me! Imagine that you have been asked to develop an innovative product that encourages people to make healthier choices in their day to day lives. What could be more practical, and, equally as important, fun? By including the 'fun' component to the provision of the 'healthy' staircase, we have included a motivating factor in its development.  One aspect of successful product utilization is whether it continues to be used after the initial novelty has worn off. Adding fun and motivation may allow that to happen.

Norman continues, 

"Beauty, fun, and pleasure all work together to produce enjoyment, a state of positive effect...which trigger many benefits....They are essential to people's curiosity and ability to learn." (p. 103) 

As a teacher, I am always on the look out for products that combine utility, usability, and 'fun' as they pertain to a particular teaching concept, skill, or activity. For example, this penguin metronome was a hit on all measures. My students were certainly motivated to learn and apply concepts around tempo and beat, as well as attend to various Italian, musical terminology! 

Dr. Stuart Brown, in his book, Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul (2010) states that play, "...is intensely pleasurable....It energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities." (p. 4)

I recently witnessed the power of music to elicit a response at all three levels of processing (visceral, behavioral, and reflective), as my grandson, Rory, responded to several of my musical toys. He was immediately transformed to another state of being:  attentively listening, unconsciously dancing to the rhythms, and later returning, pointing and laughing, for a repeat of the experience! Of course, the fact that they were dancing and singing dogs may have played a part! 

Conversely, I am continually in 'discord' with my mobile phone which, without provocation, has decided to play a creative and somewhat annoying interpretation  of Beethoven's Fifth, instead of its normal ring-tone. My husband and I are mystified, as this is a recent phenomena. Sadly, as Norman points out, 
"much of our electronic equipment now bleats forth unthinking, unmusical sounds...the result is a cacophony of irksome beeps or otherwise unsettling sounds, sometimes useful, but mostly emotionally upsetting, jarring, and annoying." (p. 120)

Certainly, as my project group moves into creating a prototype, I will be very conscious  and cautious toward the addition of any sound components! Equally, I will be an advocate for motivational and/or pure fun aspects for our product. Both, however, need careful consideration and sensitive and sensible application. We need to incorporate these elements, together with attractiveness of design, in order to promote a healthy mix of response from the user(s): visceral, behavioral, and reflective.

So, on reflection, maybe it's not so uncomplicated  and simple to say, "It's All About FUN?"