E237 | Dr. Celia Hodent: What the Psychology of Video Games & UX Can Teach Us About Building Buy-In

Video games - Good? Bad? It Depends? No matter your current opinion of video games, I’m going to ask you to open your mind and consider that there is something of value to be learned from the research-backed way they are created.  In the same way that coaches creatively craft an experience to build buy-in with their athletes, UX (user experience) is an art and a mindset.  It is a mindset that requires you to shift your perspective to that of your users (athletes), because what each individual experiences happens in their own mind. Easier said than done.  As Dr. Celia Hodent explains, “It's not because you're aware of your own biases that you can control them - and that's just not possible because by definition, they are implicit.” So how do we do it?  In addition to explaining the secrets behind shifting our perspectives to that of our audience, she also unveils What one question you should be asking when creating a product or service (29:50) How to debunk the notion that video games are “bad” (34:30) How to distinguish between ethical and unethical marketing and design ( 48:00) Strategies to help your business not fall victim to its vices (1:01:00)   Dr. Celia Hodent holds a PhD in psychology and has over ten years experience in the development of user experience (UX) strategy in the entertainment industry, and more specifically with video game studios through her work at Ubisoft, LucasArts, and as Director of UX at Epic Games (Fortnite).  She currently leads an independent UX consultancy, working with a wide range of international media and enterprise companies. Celia is the author of:  The Gamer’s Brain: How Neuroscience and UX can Impact Video Game Design (2017)  The Psychology of Video Games (2020)  What UX Really Is: Introducing a Mindset to Great Experiences (2021)  Co-editor: Game Usability: Advice from the Experts for Advancing UX Strategy and Practice in Videogames (2022)  Connect with Celia:  Twitter: @CeliaHodent Blog: celiahodent.com As always, we want to make sure we thank our sponsors for their continued support.  In addition to Dynamic Fitness & Strength and HōM-GRōN, we are excited to introduce another company who believes in our mission and wants to help us achieve our vision of changing the world when it matters most - Helix. Helix mattress has given me the best experience, by far.  If you’re like me, getting a good night’s sleep is not easy.  I’ve checked all the boxes of sleep routines, breathing exercises, caffeine and blue light exposure, and the like.  But none of these can compete with having a mattress that is customized to your needs.  Go to helixsleep.com/brett to take a quiz that will match you to your perfect mattress, and receive exclusive discounts for being an Art of Coaching podcast listener!  Dynamic Fitness & Strength is our go-to equipment partner. Fully customizable and manufactured in the heartland of America- whether you’re looking to outfit your home gym or entire weight room, visit mydynamicfitness.com to get started. Tell them Brett and the Art of Coaching Team sent you! HōM-GRōN High Protein Bars are a healthy grab and go snack, a chef curated line of functional nutrition based bars that are designed for today’s discerning individual. With 20 grams of protein in a single serving bar with no fillers, added sugar or sugar alcohols, this bar is perfect for the athlete on the go. Whether you’re fueling your workout, picking up the kids, going for a hike or heading to work, we’ve got your back.  Enter promo code BRETT10 for 10% off and all orders over $30 earn FREE SHIPPING.  Stock up!