We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Rabindra Ratan
This course covers the latest and greatest psychological research on avatars and is relevant to current and future designers of any medium that includes user self-representations (e.g., video games, virtual worlds, robots, automobiles, social media, etc.). By taking this course, you will be able to define digital and non-digital avatars and identify how they are applicable in everyday life. You will be able to differentiate between the types of relationships people have with their avatars and motivations for using avatars that are more or less similar to the self. The course will help you discern the importance different avatar attributes (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, attractiveness, personality, humanity, body type, hair, controllability) and avoid common harmful stereotypes in your designs. Finally, you will gain the ability to design avatars that harness their psychological power to influence users toward specific (hopefully non-evil) outcomes, even beyond avatar use.
Read more
This course covers the latest and greatest psychological research on avatars and is relevant to current and future designers of any medium that includes user self-representations (e.g., video games, virtual worlds, robots, automobiles, social media, etc.). By taking this course, you will be able to define digital and non-digital avatars and identify how they are applicable in everyday life. You will be able to differentiate between the types of relationships people have with their avatars and motivations for using avatars that are more or less similar to the self. The course will help you discern the importance different avatar attributes (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, attractiveness, personality, humanity, body type, hair, controllability) and avoid common harmful stereotypes in your designs. Finally, you will gain the ability to design avatars that harness their psychological power to influence users toward specific (hopefully non-evil) outcomes, even beyond avatar use.
Read more
This course covers the latest and greatest psychological research on avatars and is relevant to current and future designers of any medium that includes user self-representations (e.g., video games, virtual worlds, robots, automobiles, social media, etc.). By taking this course, you will be able to define digital and non-digital avatars and identify how they are applicable in everyday life. You will be able to differentiate between the types of relationships people have with their avatars and motivations for using avatars that are more or less similar to the self. The course will help you discern the importance different avatar attributes (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, attractiveness, personality, humanity, body type, hair, controllability) and avoid common harmful stereotypes in your designs. Finally, you will gain the ability to design avatars that harness their psychological power to influence users toward specific (hopefully non-evil) outcomes, even beyond avatar use.
Dr. Ratan, the instructor of this one-of-a-kind course, is an internationally recognized scholar who actively publishes research on avatar psychology. He is also known for his jovial and engaging lecture style and believes that you learn and produce more when you are having fun. Hope you enjoy the course.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/e0rllm/avatar
Three deals to help you save
We found three deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until December 12
Annual Subscription Savings
Unlock programs from Google, Microsoft, and IBM and join 77% of learners who reported positive career outcomes.
Only $239!
Valid for a limited time only
Future-proof your career
Access O'Reilly books, live events, courses, and more. Save with an annual subscription.
Take
15%
off
What's inside
Syllabus
Avastart Here!
Introduction to the course, avatars, and attributes of avatars
Connections to Avatars
How do players connect with their avatars? How do players explore their identity through their avatar?
Read more
Syllabus
Avastart Here!
Introduction to the course, avatars, and attributes of avatars
Connections to Avatars
How do players connect with their avatars? How do players explore their identity through their avatar?
Read more
Gender, Race, and Other Traits
An avatar's physical features, including their race or gender, can feed into stereotypes or unfortunate implications. How can we design avatars to avoid common pitfalls?
Got any Change? Effects of Avatars
How do avatars influence their users even after the context of avatar use? How can you, as a designer, harness this power (for good, not evil)?
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches advanced topics, including how avatars can influence users beyond use
Explores the influence of avatars on their users
Develops foundational skills and knowledge, including how different avatar attributes can influence players
Taught by Dr. Ratan, who is known for his engaging lecture style
Provides guidance on designing avatars to harness their psychological power
Covers core concepts, including the definition and applications of avatars, and their influence on users
Save this course
Save Avatar Psychology for Designers to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Avatar psychology for designers
According to students, Avatar Psychology for Designers is a well-received course with engaging assignments and a kind and helpful professor. However, peer reviews can be a huge disadvantage, and learners may experience significant delays due to a lack of peers to grade assignments.
Assignments are engaging.
"You have to take the quizzes, complete the given assignments and interact with your peers in order to get the best full grade possible, and it really helped that it was all put together by a kind, funny and helpful professor who is passionate with teaching the aspects of psychology combined with avatars and design."
Instructor is knowledgeable and helpful.
"Good content & Excellent Instructor"
"it really helped that it was all put together by a kind, funny and helpful professor who is passionate with teaching the aspects of psychology combined with avatars and design."
Peer reviews can cause significant delays.
"It will cost you 7 times 10 days waiting for a mere 8 hours of study. Do not enroll."
"The peer-review process was a huge disadvantage, many people were mean or evaluated correct answers as wrong, and thus it is possible to have significant delays in finishing the course."
"You could be waiting weeks or months for a graded assignment and can NOT progress through the material until it is graded."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Avatar Psychology for Designers with these
activities:
Brush up on research methods
Show steps
Reinforce core concepts and methods crucial for the course
Browse courses on
Research Methods in Psychology
Show steps
-
Review key concepts of experimental design
-
Practice constructing operational definitions
-
Go over statistical analyses techniques
Review Psychology 101
Show steps
Brings core psychology concepts to the forefront, making it easier to learn how they apply to avatars.
Show steps
-
Go over your old textbooks or class materials from Psychology 101.
-
Review quizlet decks or other online resources to refresh your memory on concepts such as schemas, social cognition, and personality.
-
Attend a crash course or review session specifically designed for refreshing Psychology 101 concepts.
Review online psychology
Show steps
Research and review general psychology principles, especially those pertaining to the self.
Browse courses on
Psychology
Show steps
-
Research and identify key concepts in psychology, such as the self, identity, and motivation
-
Read articles and books on psychology and the self
-
Take practice quizzes and tests to assess your understanding
15 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 18 activities
Review relational databases
Show steps
Understand the fundamentals of relational database for writing queries in SQL
Browse courses on
Relational Databases
Show steps
-
Review tutorials on relational databases
-
Practice writing SQL queries
Find a mentor who can provide guidance on avatar design
Show steps
Find and connect with someone who can provide guidance and support as you develop your avatar design skills
Show steps
-
Attend industry events and meetups
-
Reach out to professionals in your field
-
Ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations
-
Search for mentors online
Complete avatar design tutorials
Show steps
Follow guided tutorials to learn industry-standard techniques for creating digital avatars.
Show steps
-
Search for and identify reputable avatar design tutorials
-
Follow the steps outlined in the tutorials to create your own avatars
-
Experiment with different design techniques and styles
Develop an avatar persona
Show steps
Foster a deeper understanding of avatar-user relationships
Show steps
-
Create a backstory and personality for your avatar
-
Consider the motivations for avatar use
-
Describe how the avatar reflects the user's self-concept
Follow tutorials on avatar creation
Show steps
Learn about different techniques for creating avatars by following guided tutorials
Show steps
-
Search for tutorials on avatar creation
-
Choose a tutorial that is appropriate for your skill level
-
Follow the steps in the tutorial to create your own avatar
-
Experiment with different techniques and styles
Practice avatar creation exercises
Show steps
Engage in regular avatar creation exercises to refine your skills and develop your portfolio.
Show steps
-
Set aside dedicated time for avatar creation practice
-
Create avatars based on different prompts or scenarios
-
Experiment with various design elements and techniques
-
Seek feedback from peers or mentors to improve your work
Experiment with different avatar designs
Show steps
Solidify your grasp of avatar design principles through hands-on exploration.
Show steps
-
Create several avatars with varying combinations of attributes (e.g., gender, race, body type)
-
Test the avatars in different virtual environments and scenarios
-
Observe and analyze the impact of different avatar designs on user behavior and experience
-
Refine your avatar designs based on your observations and research
Design an avatar
Show steps
Design and build an avatar that can be used in a multiplayer video game or virtual world by using the concepts learnt in the course
Show steps
-
Choose a software tool for avatar creation
-
Research different avatar design styles and techniques
-
Create a concept sketch of your avatar
-
Build your avatar in the chosen software tool
-
Test and iterate on your avatar design
Avatar Attribute Analysis
Show steps
Reinforces the importance of avatar attributes by requiring students to analyze and justify their choices.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific avatar from a game, movie, TV show, or other media.
-
Identify the key attributes of the avatar, including physical features, personality traits, and backstory.
-
Write a 500-word analysis explaining how these attributes contribute to the avatar's overall design and appeal.
Practice designing avatars for different purposes
Show steps
Practice designing avatars for different purposes, such as video games, virtual worlds, and social media
Show steps
-
Identify the purpose of the avatar
-
Research different avatar design styles and techniques
-
Create a concept sketch of your avatar
-
Build your avatar in a software tool
-
Test and iterate on your avatar design
Develop a presentation on avatar best practices
Show steps
Create a comprehensive presentation that showcases your knowledge of avatar design best practices.
Show steps
-
Research and gather information on avatar design best practices
-
Organize your content into a logical and visually appealing presentation
-
Practice delivering your presentation to an audience
Design an avatar that embodies a specific concept
Show steps
Put your understanding of avatar design and user psychology to the test by creating a unique avatar that embodies a specific concept or idea.
Show steps
-
Brainstorm and select a concept or idea that you want to convey through your avatar
-
Research and gather inspiration for avatar designs that align with your concept
-
Create a detailed sketch or prototype of your avatar, paying attention to its physical attributes, personality, and overall aesthetics
-
Test your avatar in a virtual environment or user study to evaluate its effectiveness in conveying your intended concept
-
Refine and iterate on your avatar design based on feedback and observations
Design an avatar for a specific user group
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of avatar psychology to create an impactful design
Show steps
-
Research the target user group
-
Consider their demographics, needs, and motivations
-
Design an avatar that meets their specific requirements
-
Present your design to the class
Write an essay on the psychological effects of avatars
Show steps
Write a paper that summarises the research on the psychological effects of avatars in different contexts
Show steps
-
Review the literature on the psychological effects of avatars
-
Develop a thesis statement
-
Write an outline for your essay
-
Write the first draft of your essay
-
Revise and edit your essay
Virtual World Facilitator
Show steps
Enhances understanding of avatar dynamics through real-world experience in a virtual environment.
Show steps
-
Contact organizations that host online communities or virtual worlds.
-
Inquire about opportunities to volunteer as a facilitator or moderator within these virtual spaces.
-
Observe and interact with users within the virtual environment, paying attention to how they create and use their avatars.
-
Reflect on your experiences and discuss your observations with other volunteers or the course instructor.
Brush up on research methods
Show steps
Reinforce core concepts and methods crucial for the course
Browse courses on
Research Methods in Psychology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key concepts of experimental design
- Practice constructing operational definitions
- Go over statistical analyses techniques
Review Psychology 101
Show steps
Brings core psychology concepts to the forefront, making it easier to learn how they apply to avatars.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go over your old textbooks or class materials from Psychology 101.
- Review quizlet decks or other online resources to refresh your memory on concepts such as schemas, social cognition, and personality.
- Attend a crash course or review session specifically designed for refreshing Psychology 101 concepts.
Review online psychology
Show steps
Research and review general psychology principles, especially those pertaining to the self.
Browse courses on
Psychology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify key concepts in psychology, such as the self, identity, and motivation
- Read articles and books on psychology and the self
- Take practice quizzes and tests to assess your understanding
15 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 18 activities
Review relational databases
Show steps
Understand the fundamentals of relational database for writing queries in SQL
Browse courses on
Relational Databases
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review tutorials on relational databases
- Practice writing SQL queries
Find a mentor who can provide guidance on avatar design
Show steps
Find and connect with someone who can provide guidance and support as you develop your avatar design skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend industry events and meetups
- Reach out to professionals in your field
- Ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations
- Search for mentors online
Complete avatar design tutorials
Show steps
Follow guided tutorials to learn industry-standard techniques for creating digital avatars.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for and identify reputable avatar design tutorials
- Follow the steps outlined in the tutorials to create your own avatars
- Experiment with different design techniques and styles
Develop an avatar persona
Show steps
Foster a deeper understanding of avatar-user relationships
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a backstory and personality for your avatar
- Consider the motivations for avatar use
- Describe how the avatar reflects the user's self-concept
Follow tutorials on avatar creation
Show steps
Learn about different techniques for creating avatars by following guided tutorials
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for tutorials on avatar creation
- Choose a tutorial that is appropriate for your skill level
- Follow the steps in the tutorial to create your own avatar
- Experiment with different techniques and styles
Practice avatar creation exercises
Show steps
Engage in regular avatar creation exercises to refine your skills and develop your portfolio.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set aside dedicated time for avatar creation practice
- Create avatars based on different prompts or scenarios
- Experiment with various design elements and techniques
- Seek feedback from peers or mentors to improve your work
Experiment with different avatar designs
Show steps
Solidify your grasp of avatar design principles through hands-on exploration.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create several avatars with varying combinations of attributes (e.g., gender, race, body type)
- Test the avatars in different virtual environments and scenarios
- Observe and analyze the impact of different avatar designs on user behavior and experience
- Refine your avatar designs based on your observations and research
Design an avatar
Show steps
Design and build an avatar that can be used in a multiplayer video game or virtual world by using the concepts learnt in the course
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a software tool for avatar creation
- Research different avatar design styles and techniques
- Create a concept sketch of your avatar
- Build your avatar in the chosen software tool
- Test and iterate on your avatar design
Avatar Attribute Analysis
Show steps
Reinforces the importance of avatar attributes by requiring students to analyze and justify their choices.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific avatar from a game, movie, TV show, or other media.
- Identify the key attributes of the avatar, including physical features, personality traits, and backstory.
- Write a 500-word analysis explaining how these attributes contribute to the avatar's overall design and appeal.
Practice designing avatars for different purposes
Show steps
Practice designing avatars for different purposes, such as video games, virtual worlds, and social media
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the purpose of the avatar
- Research different avatar design styles and techniques
- Create a concept sketch of your avatar
- Build your avatar in a software tool
- Test and iterate on your avatar design
Develop a presentation on avatar best practices
Show steps
Create a comprehensive presentation that showcases your knowledge of avatar design best practices.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather information on avatar design best practices
- Organize your content into a logical and visually appealing presentation
- Practice delivering your presentation to an audience
Design an avatar that embodies a specific concept
Show steps
Put your understanding of avatar design and user psychology to the test by creating a unique avatar that embodies a specific concept or idea.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm and select a concept or idea that you want to convey through your avatar
- Research and gather inspiration for avatar designs that align with your concept
- Create a detailed sketch or prototype of your avatar, paying attention to its physical attributes, personality, and overall aesthetics
- Test your avatar in a virtual environment or user study to evaluate its effectiveness in conveying your intended concept
- Refine and iterate on your avatar design based on feedback and observations
Design an avatar for a specific user group
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of avatar psychology to create an impactful design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the target user group
- Consider their demographics, needs, and motivations
- Design an avatar that meets their specific requirements
- Present your design to the class
Write an essay on the psychological effects of avatars
Show steps
Write a paper that summarises the research on the psychological effects of avatars in different contexts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the literature on the psychological effects of avatars
- Develop a thesis statement
- Write an outline for your essay
- Write the first draft of your essay
- Revise and edit your essay
Virtual World Facilitator
Show steps
Enhances understanding of avatar dynamics through real-world experience in a virtual environment.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact organizations that host online communities or virtual worlds.
- Inquire about opportunities to volunteer as a facilitator or moderator within these virtual spaces.
- Observe and interact with users within the virtual environment, paying attention to how they create and use their avatars.
- Reflect on your experiences and discuss your observations with other volunteers or the course instructor.
Career center
Learners who complete Avatar Psychology for Designers will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Virtual Reality Developer
Virtual Reality Developer
Virtual Reality Developers create virtual reality experiences for a variety of purposes, such as entertainment, education, and training. This course can help Virtual Reality Developers better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them create more immersive and effective virtual reality experiences.
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designers create the user interface and user experience for websites, software, and other digital products. This course can help Interaction Designers better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them create more engaging and effective user interfaces.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists study the human mind and behavior. This course can help Psychologists better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them develop more effective treatments and interventions for mental health disorders.
Game Designer
Game Designer
Game Designers create the overall experience and gameplay for video games. This course can help Game Designers understand how avatars can be used to create more immersive and engaging experiences for players.
UX Designer
UX Designer
UX Designers create the user experience for websites, software, and other digital products. This course can help UX Designers better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them create more engaging and effective user experiences.
Human Factors Engineer
Human Factors Engineer
Human Factors Engineers design products and systems that are safe, efficient, and easy to use. This course can help Human Factors Engineers better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them design more effective and user-friendly products and systems.
Product Designer
Product Designer
Product Designers create the physical and digital products that we use every day. This course can help Product Designers better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them create more appealing and effective products.
Web Designer
Web Designer
Web Designers create the design and layout of websites. This course can help Web Designers better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them create more engaging and effective websites.
Art Director
Art Director
Art Directors are in charge of the visual style and presentation of a variety of media, including video games, movies, and websites. This course can help Art Directors better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them create more engaging and effective visual experiences.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course can help Software Engineers better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them create more effective and user-friendly software applications.
Graphic designer
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course can help Graphic Designers better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them create more effective visual designs.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course can help Marketing Managers better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users, which can help them create more effective marketing campaigns.
Animator
Animator
Animators create movement for characters and objects in movies, video games, and other digital media. This course may be useful for Animators who are interested in creating avatars or who want to better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users.
Writer
Writer
Writers create content for a variety of purposes, such as entertainment, education, and marketing. This course may be useful for Writers who are interested in creating content about avatars or who want to better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users.
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designers design the shape and function of physical products. This course may be useful for Industrial Designers who are interested in designing products that incorporate avatars or who want to better understand the psychological impact of avatars on users.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/e0rllm/avatar
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Avatar Psychology for Designers.
Save
This good resource to have as a reference to more deeply understand the complexities of the relationship between physical embodiments and cognition. is useful for thinking about the ways in which avatars can influence cognition and behavior.
This text provides some introductory content to the psychology of appearance, which is essential knowledge for designing immersive digital experiences. This text is accessible and easy to follow.
This exhaustive reference book is useful for interrogating the relationship between the self and one or more representations of the self. It is useful for considering the psychological implications of digital and artificial selves.
Save
This is another foundational text on self in social psychology. It should provide useful context for understanding the psychological impact of avatars in social situations.
This text is useful for gaining a solid understanding of constructs related to the human self. The text provides a diverse range of perspectives.
Save
Provides an in-depth look at social identity theory. It includes helpful information on self-concept, self-esteem, and social categorization.
This useful text provides a theoretical orientation to the narrative self, including rhetoric, narrative identity, and life stories.
Save
Provides a descriptive account of the self from a philosophical and psychological point of view.
Save
Explores the spiritual self from a Jungian perspective and may be useful for understanding one's relationship to the digital self.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/e0rllm/avatar
Share
Similar courses
Here are nine courses similar to
Avatar Psychology for Designers.
Psychological First Aid
OpenCourser.com/course/vqnt37/psychological
Psychological First Aid
Love as a Force for Social Justice
OpenCourser.com/course/vp91li/love
Love as a Force for Social Justice
Creating Behavioral Change
OpenCourser.com/course/kl26u6/creating
Creating Behavioral Change
Build a Custom Profile Avatar with Inkscape
OpenCourser.com/course/trpxwx/build
Build a Custom Profile Avatar with Inkscape
Psychological Influences on Decision Making
OpenCourser.com/course/ts5vuz/psychological
Psychological Influences on Decision Making
Principles of Electric Circuits | 电路原理
OpenCourser.com/course/t4dl62/principles
Principles of Electric Circuits | 电路原理
How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing
OpenCourser.com/course/kll1em/how
How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving...
Psychology of Interaction Design
OpenCourser.com/course/hydmeh/psychology
Psychology of Interaction Design
Quantitative Research Methods
OpenCourser.com/course/r9tgw9/quantitative
Quantitative Research Methods
Effort
4 weeks of study, 3 - 5 hours per week.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Michigan State University
Instructor
Rabindra Ratan
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
Good to know
Teaches advanced topics, including how avatars can influence users beyond use
Explores the influence of avatars on their users
Develops foundational skills and knowledge, including how different avatar attributes can influence players
Taught by Dr. Ratan, who is known for his engaging lecture style
Provides guidance on designing avatars to harness their psychological power
Covers core concepts, including the definition and applications of avatars, and their influence on users
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser