Engineering Thrills: Merging Technology with Human Experience in Modern Attractions

Overview:

In an exciting session of “Live with Sondra,” Gatemaster’s CEO, Sondra Shannon, sat down with Brendan Walker, the world-renowned “Thrill Engineer” and founder of Studio Go Go Limited. Their conversation focused on the intersection of technology and human experience in modern attractions, offering a deep dive into what makes rides thrilling from both a psychological and technological perspective. Brendan shared insights from his unique career path, which took him from aeronautical engineering to designing experiences that push the boundaries of thrills in attractions worldwide.

Insights from This Live:

•  Thrill is not just about adrenaline.
  Brendan emphasized the delicate balance between pleasure and arousal in creating thrilling experiences. It’s not only the rush
  of fear or excitement that makes a ride thrilling, but the mix of joy and fun that elevates the experience.
• The timeless appeal of thrill.
  Humans are biologically wired to seek thrills, making thrill design an ever-evolving yet constant aspect of attractions. This innate drive keeps the industry alive as technology continues to enhance the ways we deliver these experiences.
• Technological evolution in attractions.
  Brendan discussed how new technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), go through waves of popularity. While marketing may push the initial excitement, the true test of a technology’s value lies in how well it serves the purpose of enhancing guest experiences.
• The social and emotional aspect of thrill.
  Beyond the tech, it’s the shared experience—laughter, fear, and joy—that truly enhances the thrill. Riding alongside someone who finds joy in the experience can amplify it for everyone involved.
• Sensation and human experience at the core of thrill.
  Brendan reminded us that the true power of an attraction lies not just in its technology, but in how it engages the senses and emotions of its riders. Whether it’s the sensation of a gravity-fed coaster or the awe of a synchronized projection effect, the thrill is born from the emotional journey.

Quotes from This Live:

• “Thrill is a sudden and large increase in pleasure and arousal at the same time.” This quote from Brendan is a powerful reminder that thrill isn’t just about adrenaline—it’s about creating a balance between excitement and pleasure that engages both body and mind.
• “Go on with the right person who laughs, and you’ll realize that laughter can elevate your thrilling experience by another 100% at least.” Laughter and joy are key components of the thrill. Brendan highlighted how sharing a ride with someone who finds joy in the experience can amplify the thrill for everyone involved.
• “Thrill isn’t an emotion—it’s a movement between different emotional states.” Brendan provided a fascinating perspective on how thrill isn’t a singular feeling but rather a shift between various emotional states, such as fear, excitement, and joy, making it a more complex and engaging experience.
• “We feel alive when we’re thrilled, but we don’t often face those kinds of situations in our modern lifestyles, which is why we need to fabricate these places to go and experience living on the edge.” This quote perfectly encapsulates why thrill experiences resonate so deeply with people—modern life often lacks the danger and excitement that we are naturally wired to seek.
• “Technology will always be a part of thrill design, but no matter how much we evolve, the core emotions we target with thrill have remained the same for millennia.” While the technology behind attractions continues to evolve, Brendan reminds us that the fundamental emotions driving the thrill experience— excitement, joy, fear—remain timeless.

Brendan’s Approach:

Brendan’s background as an aeronautical engineer gives him a unique perspective on ride design. His firm, Studio Go Go, takes a holistic approach, combining technology, psychology, and design to create attractions that focus not just on the physical sensation of the ride but also on the emotional and social aspects of the experience. He has designed attractions for global clients and is excited about how technologies like VR are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the attractions industry.

Technology & Preferences:

While discussing the role of technology, Brendan expressed a preference for rides that incorporate themed storytelling rather than purely mechanical experiences. He praised attractions that use theming, movement, and music to heighten the emotional arc of the experience. He is especially excited about projects like Radical Playground, which merges rides with virtual reality in museums for educational purposes. This innovative approach blends thrills with learning, setting the stage for the next generation of immersive attractions.

Sondra’s Perspective:

Sondra Shannon brought her own valuable perspective to the conversation, discussing how technology like Gatemaster’s software can support the guest experience in ways that go beyond just the physical ride. She highlighted how data collection and real-time interaction can improve guest satisfaction and ensure that the attractions industry continues to evolve with guest-centric solutions.

Improving Guest Experience:

Both Sondra and Brendan agreed that the future of attractions lies in creating experiences that are not only exciting but also memorable and tailored to the individual.

By understanding human behavior and emotions, operators can craft experiences that resonate deeply with guests, making their time at the park more than just a fun day out but a meaningful memory.

Creating Memories and Guest-Centric Culture:

Brendan’s vision aligns perfectly with Gatemaster’s commitment to improving guest experiences through innovation and technology. Gatemaster’s software solutions are designed to enhance every aspect of the guest journey, from the moment they enter the park to the thrills they experience on the rides, ensuring a seamless, guest-centric culture.

Gatemaster’s Guests’ Appreciation and Value:

Sondra took the opportunity to thank Gatemaster’s clients and industry partners for their ongoing support. She emphasized that events like these live sessions are designed to foster collaboration and encourage the exchange of ideas that can drive the industry forward.

Connecting with the Speakers:

As the session concluded, Sondra and Brendan invited listeners to continue the conversation. Whether you are an industry professional looking to collaborate or someone curious about the future of attractions, the doors are open.