The flow theory

Flow is a mental state where a person is fully immersed and focused on what they are doing, involving complete mental engagement and enjoyment in the process. It’s the ideal state between boredom and anxiety, where challenges match skill levels, creating a sense of effortless action and deep involvement. You might have gone through this experience when you were doing something that brings you a lot of joy, like riding a bike, playing a video game, or playing a violin. You forget about time and don't notice when you get hungry.^[1] That’s what Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who’s considered one of the co-founders of positive psychology, called “flow.”

Flow is hard to guarantee, but designers can create conditions that help it happen. They can balance challenge and skill, set clear goals, and provide immediate feedback. This approach helps users stay deeply engaged and motivated.