Embodiments of compassion in caring and non-caring products: Exploring design for values with a multisensory approach

Authors

Benedetta Lusi, University of Twente, Netherlands, The
Geke Ludden, University of Twente, Netherlands, The
Randy Klaassen, University of Twente, Netherlands, The
Charlotte Marie van Lotringen, University of Twente, Netherlands, The
Matthijs Noordzij, University of Twente, Netherlands, The

Abstract

This paper explores how to design for the value of compassion by means of multi-sensory design. It reports on a study with 77 university students, carried out in the context of a design master course. The study, divided in two phases, focuses on: 1) identifying sensory qualities as requirements to design for the value of compassion; 2) embedding these requirements in caring and non-caring products. To describe the design process, we present a student-led case study. Subsequently, we analyse the results of the study and critically reflect on the different expressions of compassion and competing values. This paper provides methodological exploration into designing for values, and practical experimentation on embedding compassion in design. Finally, it contributes to research on designing compassionate technology for wellbeing and healthcare.

Keywords

value sensitive design, compassion, mental health, design exploration.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2022.288

Citation

Lusi, B., Ludden, G., Klaassen, R., van Lotringen, C.M., and Noordzij, M. (2022) Embodiments of compassion in caring and non-caring products: Exploring design for values with a multisensory approach, in Lockton, D., Lenzi, S., Hekkert, P., Oak, A., Sádaba, J., Lloyd, P. (eds.), DRS2022: Bilbao, 25 June - 3 July, Bilbao, Spain. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2022.288

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Conference Track

Research Paper