[August 06, 2014] |
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Introducing TRACES - the Messaging App with Added Dopamine
LONDON --(Business Wire)--
It's something we intuitively know to be true and now research has
proven it: social media and mobiles are making us less happy and more
anxious.
Traces is the world's first immersive messaging app - letting you send video, pictures and music to specific locations. Photo credit: Ljudmilla Socci
So how can we use digital technology to connect with each other in a
more meaningful, human way?
That's a question that world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Beau Lotto set
out to answer. Using his research into how human perception works, Beau
and a team of designers and mobile innovators have created a new
messaging app called Traces.
Traces is different.
Using a unique combination of GPS, augmented reality and peer-to-peer
messaging, Traces lets you blend digital content with the world around
you and share it with your friends. But there's a twist. Your friends
can only unlock messages when they're in the right place, at the
right time.
By adding the context of place and time to messaging, Traces introduces a
completely new layer of meaning and creativity.
With Traces, you can hide messages in the real world for your friends to
discover; add a soundtrack to your street; share private videos in
public places; create a digital treasure hunt in your city.
The journey of discovery involved in receiving messages makes the
content more memorable and has been shown in research to enhance
feelings of wellbeing, trust and empathy between friends.
Dr. Beau Lotto said; "When you understand how the human brain
processes information, you can begin to design mobile and social
experiences that actually bring people closer together, increase
well-being and to re-engage with the real world. Rather than a
repetitive and instantly forgotten click, Traces requires the brain to
embark on a process of discovery, generating dopamine and generating
empathy between connections. This is a wonderful example of what we
call "neurodesign".
Traces is a living experiment.
Beau said; "Our research shows that <>people rate content received
through Traces as better and more meaningful than the same content
received through conventional messaging apps. It also increases their
sense of closeness to the person or brand sending it."
For video of real people using Traces, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGgrUv8IlGk
To request a copy of Beau and the team's research findings, email tamara@traces.io.
All research was conducted with the informed consent of participants and
in accordance with the Helsinki declaration.
Traces is currently working building relationships with a network of
creative brands, agencies, artists, educators, publishers and musicians. The
platform will open to commercial partners soon, allowing them to
engage with audiences in completely new, location specific ways.
The Beta version of the app is available free for iOS devices in the UK
App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/traces/id893624958?ls=1&mt
An Android (News - Alert) version of Traces and a global launch will follow in the near
future.
About Traces www.traces.io
Traces is a messaging app that lets you hide videos, pictures and music
in the real world. Only friends in the right place at the right time can
receive your message. The app was conceived by neuroscientist Beau
Lotto, as an experiment to see how the principles of neurodesign can be
harnessed to create more meaningful, human digital experiences. The
Traces team includes leading research scientists, designers, developers
and mobile innovators. Traces is privately-funded by angels on the West
Coast and in the UK.
To download Traces, visit: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/traces/id893624958?ls=1&mt
For research findings, video and images, please visit: www.thisistraces.tumblr.com
For video of real people using Traces, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGgrUv8IlGk
Twitter (News - Alert): www.twitter.com/tracestheapp
Facebook (News - Alert): http://www.facebook.com/tracestheapp
About Dr. Beau Lotto
Beau Lotto is a globally renowned professor of neuroscience who
specialises in the biology and psychology of perception, which is at the
core of complexity, well-being and innovation. His work - which has been
published in two books, and over 60 papers and reviews in international
journals - blurs the boundaries between neuroscience, design and the
arts.
His experiential approach to communicating science has won him a wide
audience through BBC TV's Horizon programme, the National Geographic
Channel, three TED talks, the RSA series, G8, Google (News - Alert) and Wired.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140806005060/en/
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