Flow Theory

"A key design goal of mobile learning is that its built-in experiences are enjoyable and proactive, empowering the learner with the knowledge and ability to self-manage. This implies that the benefits and critical success factors of mobile learning activities should not simply be based only on learning performance, but also on learners' experiences so that we can assess the added qualities of these activities over and above rote knowledge acquisition. To empirically demonstrate this premise, we report on an assessment of flow experience in three different learning spaces, where learners explore a built environment as part of a simulated security guard training program. Our results seem to show that the true cost-benefit ratio of mobile learning may not be evident in measures of learning performance or rote knowledge acquisition alone, but that mobile learning activities could provide a better learning experience by providing the conditions for optimal flow experience. Further, in the spatial navigation tasks given in our experimental context, it can be seen that simple learning performance measures can be highly dependent on the learner's spatial capability, but this was not the case for flow experience measures.

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(in press). In S. Tettegah & W. (D.) Huang. Emotions, Technology, and Games. New York: Elsevier. (Will be freely available for download through open access in October, 2015).
ABSTRACT.
Summary
This case study challenges the assumption that successful game-based learning requires flow experience. Analysis of player logs of gameplay behavior and self-reports of subjective experience (the experience sampling method adapted as the Flowometer with self-perceptions categorized through the channel model as flow, arousal, anxiety, worry, apathy, intrinsic motivation, boredom, routine expertise, control) establish that challenge often exceeds skill during the type of inquiry-based learning that occurs when instructional games scaffold player discovery and application of targeted concepts. This pattern persists when integrated game dashboards allow players to define and achieve expertise. The analysis follows three players during their trajectories toward expertise while playing the online instructional video game Selene: A Lunar Construction GaME: an undergraduate female (USA Midwest university) before and after she achieved an “aha!” learning moment, and two Spanish (non-USA, female and male, 15-year-old) players who used the game and dashboard to achieve expert status for targeted planetary geology concepts achieved by only 1% of Selene players (players = 3882). Theory and data suggest perceived experience during game-based learning (states such as anxiety, worry, and arousal) might be conceptualized as eustress, which is known to accompany successful adaptation.

Physical inactivity and academic underperformance in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects
are complex youth issues requiring multifaceted solutions. This exploratory study investigated a novel outdoor learning
approach to addressing both issues through an outdoor adventure education (OAE) STEM education programme designed
to enhance student engagement and self-determination in STEM subjects and physical activity. Twenty-two high school
(secondary school) students participated in a five-day alternative spring break snow science programme that integrated
STEM topics with winter outdoor activities (i.e., snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding). Results indicated that
the OAE STEM programme provided an autonomy-supportive learning climate characterised by experiences of optimal
engagement (i.e., flow) and self-determination (i.e., autonomy, relatedness, and competence). Findings suggested that OAE
STEM programmes have the potential to enhance high school/secondary school students’ engagement in both physical
activity and STEM education. Implications for research and practices that blend STEM education with OAE are explored.

This article reviews research into why people watch television. Christensen (2003) proposes businesses are best understood by looking at the way they help people address their jobs-to-be-done. If new forms of television are more likely to succeed to the extent that they do the jobs now done by traditional television; then to understand how people will use future forms of TV, we must understand how viewers use traditional TV.

La teoría del flujo sugerida por Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi fue cotejada en el medio publicitario bogotano. Los resul- tados obtenidos mediante la aplicación de encuestas, diarios de experiencias, sesiones de grupo y entrevistas a profundidad evidenciaron que conforme aumenta el nivel de desafío en el oficio publicitario, se incrementa la experimentación del estado de flujo (o negentropía psíquica), entendido este último como una dimensión perceptiva de la persona donde se siente una plenitud que conlleva el concepto del trabajo autotélico. El flujo, en palabras de Csikszentmihalyi (2008:20) “Es la manera en que la gente describe su estado mental cuando la conciencia está ordenada armoniosamente”. El trabajo a presión fue otra variable analizada: se encontró que los estados mayormente experimentados ante situacio- nes laborales de mucha presión fueron la ansiedad y la preocupación (no el estado de flujo); así mismo, desde la revisión de respuestas de orden cualitativo y cuan- titativo,...

Programimi Linear(PL) është një degë e matematikës që lidhet me zgjidhjen e një morie problemash praktike: posacërisht me gjetjen e zgjidhjeve optimale të tyre. Raste speciale të problemave të tilla janë problemat me rrjedhje në një rrjet dhe ato të fushave ekonomike (për planifikime optimale të prodhimit apo për shpërndarje optimale të produkteve). PL është e lidhur ngushtësisht edhe me sajimin e algoritmeve të shpejtë dhe sa më efektivë si dhe të programeve kompjuterike përkatës që përdoren për zgjidhjen e problemave PL. Si rezultat i përpjekjeve të bëra për këto algoritme ka lindur dega e vecante e matematikës: teoria e optimizimit e cila përfshin dualitetin, dekompozimin, konveksitetin dhe përgjithësimet e tyre. Idea e përgjithshme e probemave nga fusha ekonomike është maksimizimi i fitimit dhe minimizimi i kostove në mjedisin material me burime të kufizuara.

In this paper videogames and transmedia are examined from the perspectives of both creation (game design) and audience reception (gameplay experience), in light of the theories of the DPFi (Domain, Person Field interaction) systems model of creativity (Csikszentmihalyi 1988, 1996, 2006, 2014); its herein contended theoretical equivalent, evolutionary epistemology (Popper 1963, DT Campbell 1974, Simonton 2010) and the inherent biocultural evolutionary creative algorithm of selection, variation and transmission-with-heredity; ‘flow’ theory in creativity (Csikszentmihalyi 1975, 1990, 1996) as a determinant of ‘fun factor’ in games; ‘narrative transportation’ theory in fiction (Gerrig 1993, Green & Brock 2000, Van Laer et al 2014) as an additional (necessary but not sufficient) determinant of ‘fun-factor’ in ‘story’ videogames; and Boyd‘s (2009) general theory of creativity in the arts as ‘cognitive play with pattern’ – ultimately arguing that game play of any kind may potentially enhance animal intelligence, and therefore that videogames as an art form may potentially enhance human intelligence.

The WOrk-reLated Flow inventory (WOLF) measures flow at work, defined as a short-term peak experience characterized by absorption, work enjoyment, and intrinsic work motivation. Results of Study 1 among 7 samples of employees (total N= 1346) from different occupational groups offer support for the factorial validity and reliability of the WOLF. Study 2 examined the validity of the WOLF in more detail among some of the samples.

Flow represents a state of complete involvement and heightened intensity that leads to improved performance on a task (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975, 1990). The notion of flow has the potential to provide worthwhile insights into the area of task engagement, yet the construct has received relatively little empirical attention by second language acquisition (SLA) researchers. This article uses flow theory to investigate the relationship between flow and engagement in second language (L2) use for inter-cultural and intra-cultural task-based interactions in a Japanese classroom for English as a foreign language (EFL). The study employed a quasi-experimental design in which learners in the inter-cultural group (n = 18) and the intra-cultural group (n = 18) completed five dialogic, oral tasks. Tasks were then repeated, during which time the intra-cultural group continued to perform the tasks with Japanese peers, while the inter-cultural group performed the tasks with international interlocutors (n = 18). Analysis of flow questionnaires and task transcripts showed that inter-cultural contact had a significant positive effect on flow and one aspect of engagement in L2 use (turn-taking). In terms of the relationship between flow and engagement in L2 use, inter-cultural task interactions had a significant positive correlation between flow and turns. The findings are discussed in terms of two pedagogical implications: the provision of inter-cultural contact in language classrooms and the flow-enhancing potential of task design features.

The growing importance of Social Networking Sites (SNS) in today’s information economy has generated significant interest for understanding and managing shared fake news about brands on social media among academia and industry worldwide. In this context, we consider it is important to discuss the role of flow, also called optimal experience, in sharing fake news about brands on social media. Firstly, we will critically analyze the conceptualizations of the umbrella term „fake news‟ in the so-called „post-truth‟ era and assume a narrow definition from literature. Secondly, we will review different theories from literature (i.e., selective exposure theory, uses and gratifications theory, social comparison theory, rational choice theory and selfdetermination theory) in order to explain why users share fake news. Furthermore, we will refer to flow theory proposed by Csikszentmihalyi (1975), which could be used as a framework to better the understanding of the user’s behavior regarding the sharing of fake news about brands on social media. Flow is a hedonistic construct whose importance is widely recognized as having a major impact on the user’s behavior in relation to information systems. According to Csikszentmihalyi (1975, 1988), flow is a “crucial component of enjoyment” and is “the holistic sensation that people feel when they act with total involvement”. In a flow state, the consumer perceives an effortless action, loss of time and a sense that the experience stands out as being exceptional compared to daily activities (Csikszentmihalyi 1997). Flow is a continuous variable that can occur on different levels, ranging from none to an intense (or complete) state (Csikszentmihalyi & Csikszentmihalyi 1988). Flow experience has been studied as an independent variable, as a dependent variable, and lately, as a mediator variable. In this paper we propose a new conceptual model containing 3 variables: (1) fake news spread about brands in SNS, (2) flow state experienced by SNS human users (i.e., optimal experience), and (3) sharing fake news about brands on social media by SNS human users (i.e., social media behavior). We conclude by outlining the need to empirically test the new conceptual model proposed in this paper.

The flow theory with its components ‘anxiety’, ‘boredom’, ‘skills’ and ‘challenges’ can be associated with foreign language learning contexts. Although there are some attempts in several studies to examine the link between EFL context and the flow theory, no scale to measure the flow state in EFL context has been found in the related literature. The study presents the development and validation of the Flow State Scale in English as a Foreign Language Context (FSSEFL). A cross-sectional research design was used in the study. The scale was administered to a total of 438 students at Department of Foreign Languages at a state university in Turkey. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to the data collected from two separate participant groups in the study. The findings suggest that FSSEFL provides a valid and reliable instrument for the flow state in EFL context. The scale has three-factor structure with 10 items. The explained variance of the scale is 71.80% and alpha values are ranged from 0.78 to 0.82.

In dieser Arbeit möchte ich die Beschreibungen des Glücks in der Nikomachischen Ethik von Aristoteles auf seine Aktualität überprüfen. Dazu vergleiche ich sie mit den Grundzügen der Flow-Theorie von Dr. Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, einem modernen Psychologen.

The study investigate the subjective aspect of consumers' online information satisfaction within the frame of flow experience in two processes: ongoing and goal-directed information search. A total of 391 samples for ongoing processes and 415 samples for goal-directed processes obtained in this study were analyzed with structural equation modelling. Flow is conceptualized in the study with Enjoyment, Time Distortion, Curiosity, Perceived Control and Concentration dimensions. The results indicate that flow experience has significant effects on consumers' online information satisfaction in both processes. Enjoyment, Time distortion, Curiosity and Perceived Control dimensions affect online information satisfaction positively in the ongoing process, which is largely carried out with hedonic urges. In addition to Enjoyment, Perceived Control and Concentration dimensions have positive and Curiosity dimension has negative effects in goal-directed online information satisfaction, which is largely carried out with utilitarian urges. In addition, the results indicate that Enjoyment, Time distortion and Curiosity dimensions have significantly stronger positive effects on online information satisfaction in ongoing search processes compared with goal-directed processes, and Concentration dimension has significantly stronger positive effects on online information satisfaction in goal-directed search processes compared with ongoing processes.

OBJECTIVE: The present study examines the relationship between environmental resources (autonomy, social support from the coach, and performance feedback), flow, and performance among young talented soccer players. DESIGN: The design was non-experimental and involved both self-and coach-rated reports of environmental resources, flow experiences, and performance. METHOD: Both soccer players (N= 398) and coaches of 45 talented soccer teams in The Netherlands filled out a questionnaire.

This paper examines the relationship between immersion, flow and gameplay. Immersion, flow and gameplay are conceptual constructs, which in their own way are used to denote the quality of a game. Literature often chains the construct of flow and gameplay together, but exclude immersion as a part of gameplay. The relationship between the three constructs is reviewed by looking at how a player gets in to the state of play (playing), which in this paper is argued as a precursor for getting in to a game (gaming). I also examine the concept of gameplay from a formal definition that contains a subdivision of game and play, defined by their relationship to game rules, which together compose gameplay. I also examine flow and immersion separately, which in turn leads to a review of a potential lap between the two. I also suggest an approach to understand the concept of gameplay, as being composed of playing and gaming and how immersion and flow respectively could be understood as a source of respectively playing and gaming. In the end I suggest a model for analyzing a game, through the work of this paper and use this model to analyze the game Tetris.
General Terms: Design, Human Factors, Performance, and Theory
Additional Key Words and Phrases: Games, aesthetics, engagement, flow, information, immersion, gameplay and relational structure

We review the psychological theory of flow and focus on the notion of the autotelic personality , arguing that self-transcendence (understood within the existential tradition of Frankl and Längle as the individual's ability to establish inner relationships with values) can be viewed as a personality disposition conducive to flow experience. The study aimed to investigate the effects of situational task meaning and dispositional self-transcendence on productivity and flow experience. We present a pilot quasi-experimental study conducted in a student sample (N = 82) Students were asked to work in small-group settings on a creative task, which consisted in finding solutions to a social problem. Each group was randomly assigned to an instruction presenting the problem as happening either in a distant country (low-meaning) or in their home country (high-meaning condition). The outcome variables were measures of flow, perceived meaning of the task, and satisfaction with time spent working. The solutions generated by the students were rated by three experts. The experimental manipulation had a main effect on the quality of the resulting solutions, but not on the subjective experience of the participants. A number of significant interaction effects were found, indicating that the associations of self-transcendence with experiential outcomes tended to be linear under the low-meaning condition, but curvilinear under the high-meaning condition. The findings suggest that self-transcendence is particularly beneficial to flow in situations with unclear meaning, but very high levels of self-transcendence may hinder flow in highly meaningful situations. Overall, the findings suggest that self-transcendence can be considered as a disposition of the autotelic personality.

Outlines my thinking about contemplative computing, an idea I developed while at Microsoft Research Cambridge. It seeks to understand how we can create interactions with information technologies and digital media that do not make us more distracted or mentally fractured, but improve our ability to focus and concentrate.

Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of active learning methods and initiatives aimed at promoting them, lecture-and presentation-based teaching remains the dominant instructional strategy in many fields. Major reasons for this include teachers' lack of time for preparing more engaging learning activities, as well as their lack of know-how and confidence in applying active learning methods. However, not all active learning methods demand much additional effort on the lecturer's part or require a significant time investment to learn. A case in point is gamification, at least at the basic level of introducing immediate feedback, extrinsic performance rewards, and a playful frame. Combining such lightweight gamification with traditional presentation does not require much time for preparation, but may help increase audience engagement. When teaching various game-related courses, we designed classroom presentations in the form of a quiz: before providing a new piece of information, a question about the current topic was asked, and the audience had a chance to answer. Correct answers were rewarded with points and the winners of the quiz received a prize. Our objective was to find out what level of engagement a gamified presentation could reach. We used the model of flow and a short questionnaire at the end of every presentation in order to collect feedback from a diverse assortment of students both at the university level and in continuing education. An analysis of the resulting data suggests that gamification led to participants being moderately engaged in the activity. Comparing the results across various demographic categories indicates that such factors as age, gender, nationality, and occupation have little to moderate effect on participants' engagement.

This study evaluated phases of adventure experiences by identifying flow and reversal theory states over a 3-day white water river surfing course. Data were collected with novice river surfers (n = 5) via in-depth qualitative interviews using head-mounted video cameras. Findings suggested that “opposing” experiential phases (i.e., telic and paratelic) may be symbiotic in adventure experiences and may facilitate flow experiences. These results may account for the dynamic nature of enjoyment, flow, and motivational states within adventure experiences. Future research should seek to validate the phasic models presented herein and evaluate their potential applicability to other adventurous activities.

A presente pesquisa tem por objetivo explicar o modo como os elementos da gamificação podem ou não oferecer as condições para que os aprendizes se aproximem do estado de Fluxo durante o processo de aprendizagem de uma língua estrangeira, em uma ferramenta de autoria de recursos educacionais online. Os resultados indicam que os elementos de jogos presentes no Modo Gamificado e no Modo Estudo do ELO, aliados a atividades didáticas cuidadosamente planejadas ofereçam condições ideais para que a experiência virtual e presencial gere fluxo suficiente para inspirar os estudantes de línguas a tornarem suas aprendizagens mais eficientes.

Objectives: Flow states may explain motivation for continued participation in adventure recreation (e.g., sky-diving, kayaking). This review aimed to identify what is known about flow states that occur during adventure recreation. Design: Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Method: A systematic search of 10 databases (e.g., SPORTdiscus, PsychINFO) yielded 93 potentially relevant articles out of 9468 screened titles and abstracts. The thematic synthesis approach was used to appraise and synthesise 20 empirical articles, which fulfilled a priori eligibility criteria. Results: The findings from this review are based on insights gathered from 1179 adventure recreation participants. Participants were rock-climbers, surfers, mountaineers, kayakers, skydivers, ski jumpers, and adventure racers. The synthesis resulted in four analytical themes: antecedents and inhibitors of flow, characteristics of flow, consequences of flow, and conceptual differences. Adventure recreation may provide opportunities to experience flow in a unique context. For example, this review found that flow experiences can be influenced through immersion in nature and a desire to control and reduce risk. Conclusions: A central finding of this review of research that spanned from 1975 to 2019 is that flow, in the context of adventure recreation, is currently more descriptive than explanatory. Furthermore, evidence for flow in adventure recreation relies extensively on correlational and qualitative designs. Recommendations for future research include making use of quasi-experimental designs and emerging technologies for measuring psycho-physiological indicators of flow.

The paper examines Vietnamese learners' reflections on and perceptions of the application of computer-mediated communication (CMC) into collaborative learning. Data for analysis included an evaluation questionnaire, consisting of 24 4-point Likert scale items, appended with six open-ended questions, and transcripts of 15, out of 30, teacher trainees from a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) class who volunteered to participate in informal interviews. Several inferences were drawn from the results. The majority of participants enjoyed the technology-enhanced class in general. There were approximately equal numbers of students who preferred synchronous CMC, asynchronous CMC, or a combination of both. The students reported that the course helped improve their computer skills and collaborative experience, while they remained sceptical about improvements to their English language skills. More involvement in learning was observed during and after the course. In addition, the participants expressed confidence that they would attend similar courses in future and were willing to recommend this technology-embedded course to the next generations of students.

The demand framework is commonly used by game scholars to develop new and innovative ways to improve the gaming experience. However, the present article aims to expand this framework and apply it to problematic gaming, also known as trolling. Although still a relatively new field, research into trolling has exploded within the past ten years. However, the vast majority of these studies are descriptive in nature. The present article marries theory and trolling research by closely examining interdisciplinary empirical evidence from a single platform-video games-and applying the various forms of demands to propose a testable, dual-route model of trolling behaviour. Within the video game context, I argue the presence of two primary causal mechanisms that can lead to trolling: 1) Demand imbalance between players and the game; and 2) demand imbalance between players. The article discusses how these two types of imbalance can lead to trolling, which kinds of demands can be imbalanced, and how future researchers can use the demand framework to expand our understanding of trolling.

Games can be used to support learning in several domains, including the secure use of computers. However, emphasizing different types of knowledge in a game design can lead to different outcomes. This study explores two game designs that aim to enhance students' ability to identify phishing hyperlinks. One design focuses on procedural knowledge: developing students' tacit ability to recognize phishing hyperlinks through systematic practice. The other design focuses on conceptual knowledge: helping students to explicitly reflect upon and identify the features of phishing hyperlinks. The results of a double-blind randomized trial with 66 participants suggests that using a game designed for conceptual knowledge leads to a greater increase in learners' ability to identify phishing hyperlinks. Hence, the use of strategies that develop conceptual knowledge can enhance the efficacy of anti-phishing educational games.

Sırtçantalı hareket, turizm endüstrisi açısından önemli ve sürekli yükselen bir pazar olarak görülmektedir. Sırtçantalıların kitle turistinden farklı olarak, seyahatleri sırasında olağanüstü, yoğun bir deneyim olan akışı yaşadıkları, kendilerini mekânlara kaptırdıkları, zaman kavramını kaybettikleri, yüksek odaklanma, eğlence, merak hissi duydukları bilinmektedir. İlgili alan yazında, akış deneyiminin aynı zamanda önemli bir sırtçantalı motivasyonu olarak görülen kaçış deneyimine etkileri kuramsal olarak tartışılmış olsa da ölçülmemiştir. Mevcut çalışma, akış ve kaçış arasındaki bu ilişkiyi ölçmeyi amaçlamıştır. Araştırmada anket tekniğinden yararlanılmıştır. Anketler sırtçantalıların üye oldukları çeşitli çevrimiçi platformlardan toplanmıştır. Veri toplama süreci sonunda analiz edilebilir 231 anket formu elde edilmiştir. Akış ve kaçış deneyimlerini merkezine alan teori, yapısal eşitlik modeli ile test edilmiş, modelin iyi uyum endeksleri ürettiği ortaya çıkmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda eğlence/merak, odaklanılmış dikkat, zamanın kaybolması olmak üzere üç alt faktörden oluşan akışın, kaçış deneyimini pozitif yönde etkilediği saptanmıştır.

Abstract
Backpacking is an essential and rising market in the tourism industry. Other than mass tourists, it is known that backpackers have an extraordinary, intense experience during their vacations, immerse themselves to places/destinations, lose their sense of time, have a high concentration and sense of joy and curiosity. Although the effects of flow experience which is one of the primary motivations for backpackers on escape experience is discussed theoretically in the literature, it is not measured. The present study aims to measure the relationship between flow and escape experiences. Survey technique is used

Abstract
The expanding popularity of Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) has opened the doors for research on various aspects of online games. A robust body of research has explored how factors related to people’s psycho-social motives influence gaming experiences. Needs based theories are powerful in explaining media use for users of many different types of media. However, they cannot provide insights about a specific kind of media, such as video games. In video game research, scholars have started to note the importance to look at unique structural characteristics of video games to understand players’ experiences and behaviors. Hence, this project places emphasis on understanding how the structural characteristics of video games influence players’ in-game experiences. This research adopts flow framework and integrates with the concept of interactive affordances to explore how players' engagement to interactive features of World of Warcraft function as antecedents of gaming enjoyment and how they influence players' affective states and experiences. Twenty-five players of World of Warcraft were recruited for think-aloud protocol and semi-structured in-depth interview. First, six categories of interactive affordances that influence player experience are developed: achievement, exploration, sociability, control, reaction, and difficulty level selection. Then, three main themes are developed to illustrate associations among categories of interactive affordances, players' affect and experiences: attractiveness, social connectedness, and effectance. Finally, contributions of findings to game literature on player experience and flow theory are discussed.

THE INNER KNOWLEDGE: A Paradigm in the Resilience Learning and Teaching Processes. In this paper there is a proposal for a Personal Model of Education based on principles regarding the Theory of Resilience or Resiliency; in addition to definitions of terms such
as resilience, resiliency, cognitive processes, bi-cognitive process, the triune brain, multiple intelligences, origin of resilience, traditional model of learning, a model of energy-based learning, and also the introduction of the concept if Inner Intelligence, proposed as a paradigm for the resilient learning.

Different sources and theorists concerning human learning as well as the cognitive development theories have been reviewed in this paper. Philosophical positions such as Plato's and Aristotle's conception of matter, ideas, and perception have also been included in the review of literature.

New theories concerning universal learning and knowledge such as Quantum Vacuum, the Theory of the Seven Strings suggesting the idea of a source of eternal knowledge as well as principles concerning the concept of Flow Theory or Teoría Del Flujo as alternative learning processes are also included. In addition an overview of The
MINDSET Theory has been part of the research.

Finally, a phenomenological approach has been used as a Qualitative Method in addition to biographical as well as autobiographical methods are presented as case studies validating their contributions to sustain the resilience theory as well as the Inner THE INNER KNOWLEDGE; A Paradigm in the Resilience Learning and Teaching Processes
knowledge proposals; herein presented as main dish in this exquisite work of cognition, recognition, bi-cognitive development of the brain as a whole unit and seen the human beings as an integrative instrument of knowledge, wisdom and evolution of the thought.
Experience is also seen as main key to the adaptation as well as transformation capabilities in human beings.

Pablo Fernández Colón 
September 11, 2013

Key words: Resilience, Learning Styles, Cognition, Bi-cognition, Inner Knowledge, Experiential Learning, Multiple Intelligences, Spiritual Intelligence, Mindset, and Flow Theory.

La teoría del flujo sugerida por Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
fue cotejada en el medio publicitario bogotano. Los resultados
obtenidos mediante la aplicación de encuestas,
diarios de experiencias, sesiones de grupo y entrevistas
a profundidad evidenciaron que conforme aumenta el
nivel de desafío en el oficio publicitario, se incrementa
la experimentación del estado de flujo (o negentropía
psíquica), entendido este último como una dimensión
perceptiva de la persona donde se siente una plenitud
que conlleva el concepto del trabajo autotélico. El flujo,
en palabras de Csikszentmihalyi (2008:20) “Es la manera
en que la gente describe su estado mental cuando la
conciencia está ordenada armoniosamente”. El trabajo
a presión fue otra variable analizada: se encontró que
los estados mayormente experimentados ante situaciones
laborales de mucha presión fueron la ansiedad y la
preocupación (no el estado de flujo); así mismo, desde
la revisión de respuestas de orden cualitativo y cuantitativo,
se evidenció que los profesionales del medio
publicitario tienen una opinión dividida sobre si la presión
incide favorablemente en el desempeño creativo.
Según la investigación, deben darse ciertas condiciones
para que la presión laboral redunde positivamente en el
pensamiento creativo.

This research investigates the influences of product presentation modes, decision behaviour and the consumer experience on Internet shopping. The growth of online shopping brings with it cognitive challenges for consumers attempting to assess large numbers of options in purchase decisions. Further, there is little guidance for vendors in terms of presenting large numbers of product. In this study, online shopping is viewed as an information processing, decision task. This approach is ameliorated with our study of the experiential aspects of shopping online. Flow, the theory of optimal experience, is introduced as a lens to study experiential aspects in online shopping scenarios.

This study provides guidelines to vendors seeking to support decision making, and to optimise consumer experience in online shops. The evidence presented indicates that optimising the consumer experience during their shopping trip may be of greater importance for vendors than supporting better decision behaviour. The findings relating to online shopper flow experience are more substantial than those relating to decision behaviour, though both hold significance. In our study, consumer experiences online influenced behavioural intent to a large degree. As such, influencing flow experiences online is a fruitful avenue for research and has important implications for online vendors.

Answering the questions of how and why people engage with videogames or why they enjoy certain videogames more than the others has been a perennial effort in videogame studies. On the one hand, designers and developers strive to discover novel ways to make videogames more enjoyable, immersive, and gratifying. On the other hand, researchers mobilize gameplay data to cluster players into categories depending on how they engage with videogame content and explain their behavior types. One prevalent resource to explain videogame engagement behavior has been the adaptation of previous psychological theories and frameworks to the field (Boyle et al. 2012; Şengün 2016; Balkaya and Catak 2016). Typically, these theories and frameworks were developed for non-game contexts (e.g., sports, job performance, self-motivation, technology-use, economic behavior, risk-taking, etc.) and they are accompanied by a readily available rich literature. In this article, several of the most-cited and most-adapted psychological theories are summarized and discussed. Although various other frameworks and player typologies emerged with contemporary videogame research and gameplay data (e.g., Bartle’s player types, 1996; 2004; Lazzaro’s gaming emotions, 2004; Sherry et al.’s play motivations, 2006; etc.), here specific focus is given to the psychological frameworks developed for non-game contexts first and adapted into the field later.

"This research investigates the influences of product presentation modes, decision behaviour and the consumer experience on Internet shopping. The growth of online shopping brings with it cognitive challenges for consumers attempting to assess large numbers of options in purchase decisions. Further, there is little guidance for vendors in terms of presenting large numbers of product. In this study, online shopping is viewed as an information processing, decision task. This approach is ameliorated with our study of the experiential aspects of shopping online. Flow, the theory of optimal experience, is introduced as a lens to study experiential aspects in online shopping scenarios. This study provides guidelines to vendors seeking to support decision making, and to optimise consumer experience in online shops. The evidence presented indicates that optimising the consumer experience during their shopping trip may be of greater importance for vendors than supporting better decision behaviour. The findings relating to online shopper flow experience are more substantial than those relating to decision behaviour, though both hold significance. In our study, consumer experiences online influenced behavioural intent to a large degree. As such, influencing flow experiences online is a fruitful avenue for research and has important implications for online vendors."

‽hiloSo‽oly™ is a free (downloadable print & play) board game designed to teach players about-and spark interest in-Philosophy as a domain of knowledge. It has been described as a cross between Trivial Pursuit™ and Philosophy. This article details the creation (conception and production) of the game. Principles of tabletop board game design are discussed, including the history of board games, player `flow' theory, game-balancing, and solving the creative problem of the gamification of Philosophy. Also included is a summary of the creative process behind the game (as designed by a Doctor of Philosophy) investigating the research question: What makes a creative (new, useful, and surprising) board game?