Behavioral Science SIG Designing for Dopamine: What Learning Designers Can Learn from Games, led by Jay Johnson

Designing for Dopamine: What Learning Designers Can Learn from Games

Presented by Jay Johnson

Location: Zoom Online Virtual Platform (link provided after registration)

Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and other local Chapter Members &

$10.00 for Guest

Date & Time: Thursday, November 21, 2025 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET
Location: Zoom (link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit & Local Chapter Members | $10 for Guests

Description:
Join us for Designing for Dopamine: What Learning Designers Can Learn from Games—a session that explores how the science behind play can elevate your learning design.

Games capture attention not because they tell us to “play,” but because they’re built on psychological patterns that spark motivation, persistence, and reward. This session unpacks how those same elements—grounded in Expectancy Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and neuroscience—can transform the way we design learning and development experiences.

Participants will explore how anticipation, feedback loops, autonomy, and a sense of belonging operate beneath the surface of every great game and how these principles can be applied to create learning that feels natural, not forced.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the psychological principles that drive motivation and engagement

• Apply proven game design strategies to enhance learning impact

• Reimagine your programs using neuroscience-based design insights

Jay's Bio

Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents.

For more information about the ID SIG or the upcoming Meet-up, contact SIG Organizer Jay Johnson at jay@behavioralelements.com 

Note: SIGs are an exclusive member benefit for ATD Detroit and other local ATD chapter members. 

What's a SIG?

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small groups of members who share an affinity for a particular aspect of Talent Development. Whether it's a specific approach, a certain skill, or a common role in the industry, a SIG helps bring chapter members together to share in an interest.  

Anyone can start a SIG - all it takes is a shared interest and a meeting place! To learn more, contact the Chapter President, president@detroitatd.org.