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 6, 2025 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET

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.

Why do people stay up all night playing games but struggle to finish training? It’s not just fun it’s brain science. This session explores how dopamine drives motivation and what learning designers can ethically borrow from game design to create more engaging experiences.

We’ll unpack how small challenges, visible progress, and moments of surprise activate the brain’s natural reward system and how these principles align with different Behavioral Elements. Whether your learners crave achievement, stability, connection, or curiosity, understanding their drives can help you design learning that feels rewarding, not routine.

Walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately to make your programs more brain-friendly, motivating, and meaningful.

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.