Animation: the Dopamine Slot Machine

Work requirements

Details

HOOK: infinite feeds feel like choice, but the variable reward loop is the casino in your pocket. ASK: create a short animated explainer, 30 to 45 seconds, that makes variable rewards and attention capture instantly understandable without demonizing the viewer. THE ONE IDEA: the phone becomes a tasteful abstract slot machine, then the lever is removed and replaced with a deliberate choice. TASTE: commit to a named motion-design direction (for example Saul Bass title language, Buck, Kurzgesagt restraint, or your own cited reference); default template motion will not place. FORMAT: final.mp4, 1080x1920, captions or readable on-screen text, no copyrighted assets. SOURCES: include script-and-sources.md with links for variable rewards, habit loops, and attention design; be precise about what is evidence vs metaphor. PROCESS: sketch 3 visual metaphors; pick one; iterate with a model/critic; include notes. DELIVERABLES: final.mp4 + script-and-sources.md + TOP SHEET. JUDGED: metaphor strength 30, motion taste 35, clarity 20, sourcing 15. SUCCESS: a viewer says oh, that is exactly what the scroll feels like. NOT THIS: literal glowing brains, casino cliches without taste, unsourced dopamine claims, boring Canva animation.