Left Brain, Right Brain
As we observe both of our children in their Brain Balance programs, we continue to be curious about the emerging research on the brain. Mercedes-Benz just produced a visually compelling advertisement which I think does a beautiful job representing the differences between the left and right sides of the brain.
You can click on the image to see a larger version, if you like, and you can see other versions of the imagery on AdGoodness.
Some time ago there was a test circulating on Facebook, which purports to tell people which side of their brain is dominant. I thought it was just another marketing agency gimmick until I realized that it was a creative preview for a new learning game called Lumosity which is intended to “challenge your brain with scientifically-designed training”. I’m not in a position to judge the value of the training, but the test was fun and generated a lot of discussion in our household and with friends who have kids on the spectrum.
You can take it yourself if you want. Here are my results:
I was a little surprised to be so evenly balanced, actually. But the reality is that I have spent most of my career in work environments (banking, IT, and engineering in a management consultancy) that privilege the left side of the brain. I think that’s why I’m so drawn to the disciplines of Anthropology and User Experience – they bring a perspective to environments that are otherwise missing for me.
We know that the brains of our children are incredibly neuroplastic, but I wonder if (as adults) we can continue to shape our way of looking at and responding to the world. I sure hope so – I want to do more to exercise the right as my life continues to unfold!
(y)