User-Centered Narrative & Brain Computer Interaction: A Systems Thinking Approach

Much of the explorations in the narrative space have focused on how the experience can change in order to engage the user; how can replayability be achieved? How can the market audience grow? However, there has been a lack of exploration around the influence of a single narrative, and the role of connection and immersion within those experiences. In fact, depending on the medium, the roles and responsibilities of an audience member can drastically shift throughout a single experience, highlighting the importance of understanding what is being communicated in an experience, and how. Rooted in speech acts as a theoretical basis, this thesis explores the concept of a user-centered narrative that responds to inputs in order to best present its underlying message. A systems-thinking framework allows user feedback to inform how narrative experiences are presented, resulting in immersive and ultimately more impactful narratives.