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Roger Caillois and flow experiences
Thanks to my latest bedside book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience from Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, I discovered the work of Roger Caillois, the French psychological anthropologist. In his book Man, Play & Games (1958), Caillois classifies games (in the broadest sense, as any pleasurable activity) into four types, according to the experience they offer:
- Agon (competition)
Games where participants are on equal terms and seek to prove their superiority. Classic examples are sports or board games. In the digital world, this translates into rankings, challenges and point systems that motivate users to measure themselves against others and outdo themselves. - Alea (random)
Games based on fate and not on the skill of the player. Dice, bingo or lotteries are traditional examples. In apps or digital platforms, this can be a daily draw, a random prize or surprise content. The excitement comes from uncertainty: you never know exactly what is going to happen. - Mimicry (simulation)
Here the player temporarily accepts a fictional universe, where he or she can escape from reality and assume different roles. Role-playing games, theatre or imaginary worlds are classic examples. In digital products, this translates into avatars, customisable profiles, virtual worlds or simulators that allow users to explore and express themselves. - Ilinx (vertigo)
Games that alter perception and generate intense sensations, such as dizziness or trance. Riding a merry-go-round or skydiving are classic examples. In digital environments, it is reflected in striking animations, fast transitions or micro-interactions that surprise and generate immediate fun.
If we think about it, these experiences are not so far from the mechanisms used by social networks: Twitter functions as an Agon, where people compete for followers and likes, while Facebook or virtual worlds are spaces of Mimicry, where alternative identities and scenarios are created.
Thinking about these four experiences can help us make products more entertaining and memorable. You don't have to choose just one: combining a bit of each category is often the formula for an engaging and enjoyable digital product.