The concept of flow is used extensively in HCI, video games, and many other fields, but its prevalent definition is conceptually vague and alternative interpretations have contributed to ambiguity in the literature. To address this, we use cognitive science theory to expose inconsistencies in flows prevalent definition, and introduce fuse, a concept related to flow but consistent with cognitive science, and defined as the fusion of activity-related sensory stimuli and awareness. Based on this definition, we develop a preliminary model that hypothesizes fuses underlying cognitive processes. To illustrate the models practical value, we derive a set of design heuristics that we exemplify in the context of video games. Together, the fuse definition, model and design heuristics form our theoretical framework, and are a product of rethinking flow from a cognitive perspective with the purpose of improving conceptual clarity and theoretical robustness in the literature.
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