P3D kids and 3-D

[boris@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Boris Starosta)]

Hello:

My current efforts on the sell-3d list got me to thinking more about stereo
images and kids.  Why is it that stereo remains a viable entertainment
medium only (or at least primarily) for kids?  Is it because stereo is seen
as a gimmick or toy (i.e. Viewmaster), or is it because kids are
particularly receptive and/or impressed with stereo?  What came first, the
chicken or the egg?

Some buyers of my computer generated stereo slides have reported that the
users who seem to react most strongly to the slides are children.  Kids
love these slides!  Although their content is sophisticated and complex and
intended for an educated audience, it seems that kids take the greatest
surprise and pleasure in seeing them.

I never expected this, and it is still a little bit of a mystery.  As
stereo slides, these images are rather static (non moving) - quite far
removed from the quick cutting, high speed, action packed TV or Videogame
programming most kids are used to today.  What gives?

Perhaps the depth and wealth of detail makes up for the lack of motion?  As
their eyes rove over the different parts of the image, perhaps this motion
of their MINDS makes up for the lack of motion in the image...  I have seen
kids transformed by these slides.  They agree without great enthusiasm
(Yea, sure, man, I'll have a look...) to view a slide for the first time,
and then you can't get them to give it back (WOW, this is GREAT.  COOL.
No, no, let me look some more...)!

Does anyone want to comment on this effect?  What are the implications for
developers of stereoscopic content?  What about marketing?  Should we
concentrate on kids?  Or should we concentrate on their parents or
relatives?!

And if you know any kids in need of calming down, take the hint!  Last
chance before Christmas...  Visit sell-3d or contact me directly off list.

Cheers,

Boris



Boris Starosta            boris@xxxxxxxxxxxx
                          http://www.starosta.com
usa 804 979 3930          http://www.starosta.com/3dshowcase



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