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Portfolio of Allison V. Leach, a San Francisco User Experience Researcher and Strategist

Graduate Blog

Graduate Design Portfolio

Filtering by Category: thesis

Cognitive Design Thesis: Book

Allison V. Leach

My year-long investigation in cognitive design culminated in a thesis book that documents my research. This work was submitted to (and approved by) the California College of the Arts Graduate Design faculty in May 2013.

Abstract

In a world of infinite distractions and temptations, how might designers leverage recent findings in cognitive science to create artifacts that preserve willpower and facilitate productivity for improved well-being?

Informed by the work of willpower experts such as Kelly McGonigal and Roy F. Baumeister, as well as the latest insights from psychology, economics, and neuroscience, my thesis intends to demonstrate the value of cognitive design to designers and non-designers alike. Cognitive design translates findings from cognitive science into design opportunities, and has the potential to create significant personal transformation for its users.

Rather than a traditional study of design’s visual and physical form, my thesis concerns design’s conceptual structure and intangible influence, with an emphasis on the user’s internal experience.

Each of my design probes exploits scientific knowledge on willpower and productivity to test cognitive science’s possible applications in products for personal productivity. For example, how might outsourcing trivial decisions to a network preserve willpower, saving it for more important tasks? Can electronic pulses on a bracelet instill mindfulness of one’s long-term goals and ward off impulsive behaviors? Ultimately, the findings of my design experiments are presented in a series of recommendations and a Cognitive Design Code to encourage future cognitive designers.


Cognitive Design Thesis: Final Presentation

Allison V. Leach

A narrated version of my thesis presentation on cognitive design. I presented this body of work to the graduate faculty at California College of the Arts on May 16, 2013.

A narrated version of my thesis presentation on cognitive design. I presented this body of work to the graduate faculty at California College of the Arts on May 16, 2013.



Cognitive Design Thesis: Interviews Video

Allison V. Leach

A synthesis of my in-depth interviews for my cognitive design thesis experiment, ImPulse.

In this video, I highlight participants’ key attitudes and pain points, and identify specific insights and recommendations for designing the ideal tool for productivity.

A synthesis of my in-depth interviews for my cognitive design thesis experiment, ImPulse. In this video, I highlight participants' key attitudes and pain points, and identify specific insights and recommendations for designing the ideal tool for productivity.