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.
(27 reviews)
Skills you'll gain
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There are 4 modules in this course
Introduction to the course, avatars, and attributes of avatars
What's included
4 videos3 assignments2 peer reviews
How do players connect with their avatars? How do players explore their identity through their avatar?
What's included
4 videos2 assignments3 peer reviews
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?
What's included
5 videos2 assignments2 peer reviews
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)?
What's included
2 videos2 peer reviews
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Software Development
California Institute of the Arts
University of London
University of Colorado Boulder
Coursera Project Network
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Learner reviews
27 reviews
- 5 stars
55.55%
- 4 stars
18.51%
- 3 stars
0%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
25.92%
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Reviewed on Jan 2, 2019
Good, interesting information. Gave me something to think about. Neat quirky instructor. Gave it 4 stars because it has peer review. Hate peer review (people are mean on the internet).
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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