Objects with symbolic meaning: 16 directions to inspire design for well-being

Mafalda Casais, Ruth Mugge, Pieter Desmet

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
125 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The symbolic meaning of a product can contribute to people’s well-being. Previous research (Casais et al., 2016) has identified six distinct well-being enhancing symbolic meanings in products (based on Ryff, 1989): positive relations with others, personal growth, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. To support design activities with a focus on symbolic meaning, the current paper introduces 16 design directions that can be used for ideation and conceptualisation. These directions were developed in a two-stage process. First, 50 product examples were selected for their ability to encourage one or more of the six symbolic meanings. Second, these examples were used as stimuli in individual sessions with seven designers and design researchers. Participants analysed the product examples to infer the underlying design intentions, which were used to formulate the 16 symbolic meaning-focused ‘design for subjective well-being’ strategies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)247-281
Number of pages35
JournalJournal of Design Research (online)
Volume16
Issue number3/4
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • positive design
  • design directions
  • symbolic meaning
  • well-being

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