Cognitive Design

Movies and short films are designed experiences. As such they should be fertile ground for the cognitive designer.  A recent PhD thesis by Gregory Hale explores A Cognitive Schematic Analysis of Films.  As far as a I can tell it is a unique contribution using schema theory from cognitive science to research and provide design insights into short-film experiences.The study reveals some 23 design implications for how film makers can have greater impact via surprise, conflict resolution, interest, causality, intensification, rapid orientation and other effects using schema.  

In addition, the thesis provides some reusable methods (Schematic Analysis Design Method) that might be useful in other domains. I don’t plan on digging any deeper into this but would love to hear from any readers that do.