Can we apply the Resonance Theory to Design Thinking ?
Well. We can’t.
We can’t stress it !
We have to be conscious of the elusiveness & unpredictability of Resonance. A moment of Resonance is never guaranteed, even in the best conditions ever.
We can not really institute Resonance, neither instrumentalized it:
A Change of Path of Life is Necessary
So how Design could help in the search of Resonance ?
As Designers, we can not force Resonance on people, but we can recreate the conditions of opportunities of resonance. Therefore we can limit the negative concepts that affect Resonance such as:
It’s not because we can that we should:
Limit user’s Alienation:
We create tech dependance, that alienates users. Younger people are being crushed by tech accessibility and frictionless designs. (Calculator use vs Mental Calculus)
Remove Aggressivity: “Alarm !”
Daily Agressions are a limitation to Resonance, because we will most likely NOT Resonate if we are in a bad mood. The day starts with an Alarm, like being back to Reality from the Dreams beginning with a War’ shelling warning.
Stop Quantification & Comparaison:
The logic of “Data Optimization” age carries on the Acceleration of our World: “You meditated 23 min today” It’s +2.3 minutes more than last week.
Therefore can we emphasize positive concepts that could potentially foster Resonance :
Integrate Digital Patina
Let’s imagine that our digital data would be affected by the effects of time. To bring back value to it, we should give it a time aspect.
Immortality of data make it less valuable, because you can’t lose it.
Use Positive Friction:
Friction can help people to adapt, build skills, to improve decision quality.
Video Gaming is based on frictions.
Too easy, Games are boring. Too hard, games are impossibly boring.
The IKEA effect:
Ikea’s UX seems to be the polar opposite of good experience design. Yet, it demonstrates their deep understanding of a core psychological principle:
People like to feel a sense of accomplishment
Instant Reward increases Dopamine:
Dopamine rush decrease Serotonin, the “molecule of Happiness”
Therefore how can we create more serotonin centred products in a digital world focused on dopamin stimulus ?