Virtually Embody The Change You Want to See
"Embody It till You Make It": Virtual Embodiment for Inspirational Career Orientation
As soon as Miami-Dade County Public Schools tasked me to design a career simulator to help kids navigate the future of work, it was clear that such a tech-enabled public service would not just be about virtually visiting workplaces. It would also empower students to embody diverse, inspiring, and often counter-stereotypical figures of professional success. This immersive approach provides a transformative experience where students don't just see a career—they inhabit the lives of successful individuals, gaining a deeper understanding and a real sense of what it means to walk in their shoes.
In every field, the presence of relatable mentors is crucial. However, it's particularly impactful when these mentors represent counter-stereotypical figures—those who challenge the norms and preconceived notions about who can succeed in a given profession. This aspect of the Career Sim is vital because it helps dismantle stereotypes that often deter talented individuals from pursuing certain careers due to cultural, gender, or racial biases. We were enthusiastic at the idea of having a female champion represent the field of the automotive industry. By embodying these diverse professionals, students can see firsthand that success is not monolithic and is attainable regardless of their background. This broadened perspective encourages them to think beyond traditional career paths and envision themselves in roles they might have previously thought were out of reach.
Leveraging the "Proteus Effect": The Science Behind Virtual Embodiment
The effectiveness of the Career Simulator is deeply rooted in substantial scientific research, particularly in the fields of cyber-psychology and cognitive neuroscience. These studies have shown that virtual embodiment—where individuals assume the virtual identity of another person—can significantly enhance both motivation and performance. This concept is supported by numerous experiments demonstrating that when people embody avatars representing figures they admire or view as highly capable, such as Einstein or Leonardo da Vinci, their performance in related tasks notably improves.
This improvement is primarily attributed to a psychological phenomenon known as 'the Proteus effect.' Named after the shape-shifting Greek god, the Proteus effect suggests that the characteristics and perceived abilities of an avatar can influence the behavior, attitudes, and performance of its user. For example, embodying an avatar of Einstein, who is universally associated with intellectual excellence, can lead individuals to perform better on cognitive tests. Similarly, embodying an avatar of Leonardo Da Vinci, a paragon of creativity and innovation, can boost individuals' creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
"(...) studies have shown that people infer their expected behaviors and attitudes from observing their avatar's appearance, a phenomenon known as the Proteus effect. For example, users given taller avatars negotiated more aggressively than users given shorter avatars.”
Pr. Jeremy Bailenson / Professor @Stanford University
In the context of the Career Sim, this means that students are not just passively learning about different professions; they are actively engaging with them by stepping into the roles of successful, inspirational figures. This virtual embodiment allows students to psychologically align themselves with the skills, attitudes, and problem-solving approaches of these professionals. By experiencing the daily routines and challenges of these avatars, students are motivated to emulate their successes and develop a mindset conducive to excelling in those fields.
Moreover, the Career Sim leverages this effect to help students overcome internal barriers and biases. By identifying with diverse and counter-stereotypical figures, students can break free from societal constraints and personal doubts, fostering a stronger belief in their potential to succeed in any career path they choose. This immersive experience not only enhances their immediate performance in educational tasks but also instills a lasting confidence and a proactive approach to their future professional endeavors. Thus, the Career Simulator serves as a powerful educational tool, using the science of virtual embodiment to transform students' perceptions and capabilities, preparing them to face the challenges of the modern workforce with enhanced skills and confidence.
Celebrating our Real-World Champions in a Virtual Pantheon
Implementing the Career Simulator as a transformative educational tool involved the creation of high-fidelity, photorealistic avatars representing real-world professionals. Unlike generic or fictional characters, these avatars are meticulously based on actual individuals who have achieved significant success through innovation, resilience, and the breaking of stereotypes. This approach ensures that the avatars are relatable and inspiring, providing students with authentic role models to emulate.
The process of creating these avatars is intricate and detailed. It begins with selecting exemplary professionals whose life stories and achievements resonate with the values of perseverance and excellence. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and have overcome various challenges to reach their current positions. Once selected, the next step involves detailed 3D modeling to capture their physical likeness accurately. This modeling is done with a high level of precision to ensure that each avatar is a true-to-life representation. The aim is for students to fully engage with and identify with these personas, enhancing the immersive experience. In addition to physical accuracy, the avatars are designed to reflect the professional environment and daily routines of these individuals. This includes their work attire, tools they use, and the settings they operate in. By providing such a comprehensive and realistic portrayal, the Career Simulator allows students to experience a day in the life of these professionals, gaining insights into their work and the qualities that have contributed to their success.
Developed with French government, the French version of the Career Sim even includes an innovative concept—a cyberpunk pantheon dedicated to contemporary figures who epitomize professional success against stereotypes. This virtual hall of fame features professionals from various fields who have shattered conventional norms and paved the way for others. The cyberpunk aesthetic adds a futuristic touch, symbolizing the forward-thinking and boundary-pushing nature of these individuals. This virtual pantheon serves a dual purpose. First, it acts as a source of inspiration, showing students that success can come from various paths and that breaking stereotypes is not only possible but commendable. Second, it educates students about the diverse faces of success in today's global society. By showcasing real-world professionals who defy traditional expectations, the Career Sim helps students broaden their understanding of what is achievable, encouraging them to pursue their unique paths with confidence and determination.
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Each design project I start is backed by thorough research into relevant scientific fields to support the design process and amplify its impact.
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