Abstract
The use of computational systems to aid in the design of magic tricks has been previously explored. Here further steps are taken in this direction, introducing the use of computer technology as a natural language data sourcing and processing tool for magic trick design purposes. Crowd sourcing of psychological concepts is investigated; further, the role of human associative memory and its exploitation in magical effects is explored. A new trick is developed and evaluated: a physical card trick partially designed by a computational system configured to search for and explore conceptual spaces readily understood by spectators.
Highlights
With magic, as with most creative disciplines, there is little that is entirely new
A novel trick based on existing magical techniques is described, the creation of which has been aided by computational systems performing various tasks that would usually be performed by a human designer
The algorithm outlined is able to output suggested sets of categories, and words associated with these categories, which the trick designer may use to construct an Association trick
Summary
As with most creative disciplines, there is little that is entirely new. Most creations are modifications, or syntheses, of existing artefacts (the tricks themselves) [1]. The process of designing a new magic trick often highlights aspects that could be automated or improved via a computational technique—work has been done to use computers as magic trick design aids, assisting with the creation of a card trick, and a magical jigsaw that exploits properties of the human visual perception system [2]. A novel trick based on existing magical techniques is described, the creation of which has been aided by computational systems performing various tasks that would usually be performed by a human designer. The developed card trick, and the computational system used to help design it, rely on certain empirical observations, detailed and discussed below, about the way in which the human brain processes and reacts to language and imagery
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