Making wellbeing

Abstract

We consider the role of making in current HCI design practices and how it may affect the wellbeing of those who participate in these processes. Through an exploration of psychological concepts of wellbeing and their connection to making experiences, we suggest that making can facilitate and support both hedonic and eudemonic facets of wellbeing. We illustrate this in the context of three case studies that engaged people in creative making activities as part of user-centered design processes. Based on our experiences, we argue that researchers ought to be mindful of the potential impact our design processes have on our participants and provide considerations for those designing for and with participants where wellbeing is a concern.

Time to Reflect. Exploring wellbeing, emotional work and research identity following a PhD.

“…Using Research through Design (RtD) and a person-centred approach recognising participants as the 'experts' (Marshall et al, 2014), my doctoral research explored the making and use of interactive textiles for wellbeing primarily within two dementia friendly communities in Scotland. It compromised of 3 studies represented by 3 images below; E-textiles; Crafting Connections for wellbeing (Figure 1), Sonic Flock (Figure 2) and Creative Clans (Figure 3).…”

“…My research worked with those living with dementia during my studies which added an additional level of emotion and need for empathy and understanding (Branco et al, 2016;Lim & Nevay, 2016;Marshall et al, 2014;Van Rijn et al, 2009;Wallace et al, 2013). Working with those living with dementia was a new experience for me, before my PhD I did not know of anyone living with dementia and therefore learnt during my research about how dementia can affect everyone differently (WHO, 2023).…”

“…Alongside building trust and relationships with participants, it was important to gain the confidence and engagement of collaborators for example project coordinators, carers or family who can help facilitate research activities. Marshall et al (2014) highlights that without this investment and trust from stakeholders who are 'experts' the whole project can be undermined. This trust can be built in various ways such as volunteering with the community, facilitating workshops or setting projects for the communities to get involved with.…”

Ethical Encounters in HCI

“…CHI 2017, May 6-11, 2017, Denver, CO, USA proposals that explicitly consider the wellbeing of the participant when involved in research activities [11]. Care for, and consideration of, the participants can mitigate potential discomfort and aid the formation of a closer relationship that enables a more nuanced understanding of the person.…”