Find the Flow: Demonstrating the Eight Emotional States of Creativity Through Gameplay
Presentation Type
Presentation
Release Option
Event
Description
.
Abstract
“Creative flow” is a seemingly elusive force that guides some of the best works into being. However, philosophers and scientists alike believe there is more than the hand of the mysterious muse involved. "Find the Flow" is a board game inspired by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's psychological theory of creative flow. Csikszentmihalyi's model proposes that flow (the “effortless, spontaneous feeling” and ideal emotional state for producing creative work) is a combination of heightened challenge and ability. "Find the Flow" demonstrates the eight emotional states of Csíkszentmihályi's model (apathy, boredom, worry, relaxation, anxiety, control, arousal, flow) through engaging gameplay. Players move from an empty desk towards the ultimate flow state by drawing action cards, which either advance or stymy their progress. Players also collect “ability” and “challenge” tokens to combat negative effects, just as creatives overcome obstacles like burnout or boredom. Developing the game required a closer examination of each emotional state, working to understand its impact on the creative process. The deck reflects that every emotional state has the ability for growth or regression and that the creative can cultivate skills to access their flow state more readily. Ultimately, the game encourages individuals to seek that balance of challenges and abilities to achieve that most desired state of work.
Faculty Mentor
Laura Valeri
Department of Primary Presenter's Major
Department of Writing & Linguistics
Location
Room 1015
Symposium Year
2023
Find the Flow: Demonstrating the Eight Emotional States of Creativity Through Gameplay
Room 1015
“Creative flow” is a seemingly elusive force that guides some of the best works into being. However, philosophers and scientists alike believe there is more than the hand of the mysterious muse involved. "Find the Flow" is a board game inspired by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's psychological theory of creative flow. Csikszentmihalyi's model proposes that flow (the “effortless, spontaneous feeling” and ideal emotional state for producing creative work) is a combination of heightened challenge and ability. "Find the Flow" demonstrates the eight emotional states of Csíkszentmihályi's model (apathy, boredom, worry, relaxation, anxiety, control, arousal, flow) through engaging gameplay. Players move from an empty desk towards the ultimate flow state by drawing action cards, which either advance or stymy their progress. Players also collect “ability” and “challenge” tokens to combat negative effects, just as creatives overcome obstacles like burnout or boredom. Developing the game required a closer examination of each emotional state, working to understand its impact on the creative process. The deck reflects that every emotional state has the ability for growth or regression and that the creative can cultivate skills to access their flow state more readily. Ultimately, the game encourages individuals to seek that balance of challenges and abilities to achieve that most desired state of work.
