What Can Designers Learn from Magicians?
Thursday, December 25th, 2008
The New Scientist has a thought-provoking article on the emerging field they call Magicology that focuses on the cognitive neuroscience of magic. Over the last five years, magicians and scientists have found out they have something in common namely, an interest in understanding how the mind works. Cognitive designers also share that interest but seek not to trick audiences or develop scientific theories but instead create artifacts that are optimized for how minds really work.
The article discusses three strategies – manipulating attention, forcing and false memories that magicians exploit to make it appear as though they can violate the laws of nature. Seven specific techniques are also discussed that could be adapted by designers. These include:
