Enjoying joy: a process-based approach to design for prolonged pleasure

Abstract

User experience research has reached a good understanding of the importance of hedonic attributes and how to evoke emotions through design. Yet, there is only little knowledge on how to sustain and optimize positive emotions derived from a positive experience. This article introduces a novel approach to design for pleasure: by embracing savoring as a design principle, affective benefits of positive experiences can be prolonged and enhanced. Three corresponding design examples will illustrate this approach.