From usability to experience and beyond: Designing technology with wellbeing in mind

Current trends in hi-tech, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data or new types of sensors, pose many technological challenges. However, Human-Computer-Interaction and Interaction Design’s (HCI/ID) endeavor to meaningfully embed those technologies into everyday life remains every bit as challenging. For quite a while the foremost concern of HCI/ID was to ensure the convenience of technology. This has changed. Nowadays technology is supposed to “feel good”, to create enjoyable and meaningful experiences and to increase individual and societal wellbeing. Of course, this is easier said than done.
In the talk, I will provide an introduction into the psychology of wellbeing and the challenges and opportunities of a wellbeing-driven approach to the design of technology.

Dr. Marc Hassenzahl is professor for “Ubiquitous Design / Experience and Interaction” at the University of Siegen, Germany. He combines his training in psychology with a love for interaction design. With his group of designers and psychologists, he explores the theory and practice of designing pleasurable, meaningful and transforming interactive technologies. Marc is author of “Experience Design. Technology for all the right reasons” (MorganClaypool), co-author of “Psychologie in der nutzerzentrierten Produktgestaltung. Mensch-Technik-Interaktion-Erlebnis” (“People, Technology, Interaction, Experience”) (Springer, with Sarah Diefenbach) and many peer-reviewed papers at the seams of psychology, design research and interaction/industrial design.

www.marc-hassenzahl.de