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Uncanny Valley

Debugging The Uncanny Valley

By Kenwright

A thought-provoking look at the uncanny valley and why almost-human creations trigger discomfort, fear, and fascination.

WHAT THE PUBLISHER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Understand why almost-human visuals and behaviors can provoke discomfort.
  • Explore the psychological roots behind the uncanny valley effect.
  • Gain insight into how realism, emotion, and perception interact in design.

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Catalogue reference: 89eb0c1c08c0e60d

INSIDE THE BOOK

About this book

Debugging The Uncanny Valley dives into the strange psychological space where realism becomes discomfort. When something looks nearly human but not quite right, our instincts react immediately. This book explores that unsettling threshold through the lenses of perception, design, emotion, and technology. From lifelike robots and digital avatars to synthetic voices and animated faces, it examines why imperfect realism can feel more disturbing than obvious fiction. Clear, accessible, and engaging, this book is ideal for readers curious about the intersection of psychology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and human-computer interaction.

From the publisher’s description

  • Understand why almost-human visuals and behaviors can provoke discomfort.
  • Explore the psychological roots behind the uncanny valley effect.
  • Gain insight into how realism, emotion, and perception interact in design.
  • Learn why robots, avatars, and digital humans can feel believable yet disturbing.

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ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

Readers, in their own words

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Reader review5

Excellent from start to finish

A superb guide. The examples are small but complete.

I had been on the fence about this one for a while, and I should have bought it sooner. The balance between theory and practice is well judged; neither side dominates. The progression from chapter to chapter is well thought out; nothing feels out of order. I particularly liked the way the author builds up from simple cases before introducing the harder material. If you have the prerequisites, this is an easy recommendation. I will be keeping it on my desk rather than the shelf.

Lucas EdwardsData scientist · Berlin, DE
Debugging The Uncanny Valley
Reader review5

Highly recommended

A genuinely enjoyable read that also taught me a great deal.

I came to this book already familiar with the basics, and it still had plenty to offer. The explanations are careful without being condescending, which is a difficult balance to strike. The early chapters move quickly through material I already knew, but the later sections were genuinely new to me. An easy five stars from me. I look forward to whatever the author writes next.

Isaac WilsonMachine learning engineer · Edinburgh, UK
Debugging The Uncanny Valley

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