Flow!

It was awesome to see this video on TED. I read Csikszentmihalyi's research papers on Flow when I was working on my research on online shopping. I actually used this in the online shopping model that we built - which helped us in understanding all the aspects of shopping and the experience.

I have found the Flow Theory to be highly relevant in user experience design. It is a good way to measure a "very compelling and engaging experience". If a user gets immersed in your design - that is the highest level of experience. And this can be applied to all levels of design - be it a complete application/site or a small component.

Also it a good way to design - 'think of the experience (design) as a flow'. I recommend Flow Theory to all designers. It is a really useful read.

Anyways, listen to this video. Its an amazing feeling to "see" the person you have read and admired.