For absorption, focus the participant on the present.
technique — attributed to Andrew Lacanienta
Lacanienta's levers for absorption experiences are three. Facilitating focus on the present moment; mindfulness increases absorption. Building anticipation; the anticipation itself becomes part of the absorption arc. Facilitating behavioral or social expression of positive emotion; the expression deepens the experience. The framework matters for designers of hospitality, wellness, and sensory experiences. Spa experiences that fail tend to fail because the participant cannot leave their day behind. Wine tastings that fail tend to fail because anticipation was not built. Restaurants that fail tend to fail because the room does not permit the social-positive emotional expression that would deepen the meal. Each lever is operationally specific.
For experience designers in hospitality, wellness, and culinary domains thinking about why their experiences are or are not landing. The technique is most useful as a diagnostic when participants are physically present but mentally elsewhere.
absorption-levers, present-moment, mindfulness, anticipation