Short answer

When designing, explicitly consider and measure the long-term positive impacts on user health, social well-being, and environmental contribution, not just immediate user satisfaction.

Field
Sustainability
Source
Sustainability (2023)
Method
Literature Review and Workshop-based Model Development
Evidence
Moderate effect

Designing for positive user experiences should prioritize long-term societal and environmental impacts alongside immediate pleasure and health benefits. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Sustainability. Using Literature review and workshop-based model development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing, explicitly consider and measure the long-term positive impacts on user health, social well-being, and environmental contribution, not just immediate user satisfaction.

Study
SustainabilityRecentModerate effect

Integrate long-term impact into design for sustainable well-being

Designing for positive user experiences should prioritize long-term societal and environmental impacts alongside immediate pleasure and health benefits.

Sustainability · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01An impact-centered, sustainable positive experience design model was proposed.
  • 02The model identifies key impact dimensions: sensory experience and meaningful experience.
  • 03These dimensions influence user qualities of life across healthy living, harmonious community, and livable environment.
  • 04Formulas were developed for concept generation and evaluation within this framework.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When designing, explicitly consider and measure the long-term positive impacts on user health, social well-being, and environmental contribution, not just immediate user satisfaction.

How to apply

When initiating a design project, define metrics for long-term user well-being and environmental impact alongside usability and aesthetic goals. Use the model's dimensions (healthy living, harmonious community, livable environment) to brainstorm and filter design concepts.

Project actions

  • 01When defining your design brief, include goals related to sustainability and positive long-term user impact.
  • 02Use the framework's dimensions (healthy living, harmonious community, livable environment) to brainstorm potential benefits and drawbacks of your design ideas.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a design model be developed to systematically generate and evaluate concepts that prioritize long-term, sustainable positive experiences for users across multiple life dimensions?
MethodLiterature Review and Workshop-based Model Development
ProcedureThe researchers conducted a literature review to establish the foundational concepts of impact-centered and sustainable design. They then constructed a design model incorporating formulas for concept generation and evaluation. This model was subsequently validated and refined through a design workshop, with user feedback gathered using a technology acceptance questionnaire.
ContextProduct and service design, focusing on user experience and sustainability.

Variables

IVDesign approach (impact-centered vs. traditional experience design)
DVUser perception of long-term positive impact, sustainability, and overall experience quality
CVUser demographics, product type, context of use
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Provides a holistic framework for sustainable design.
  • +Integrates user experience with broader societal and environmental goals.

Limitations

It can be challenging to accurately predict or measure long-term impacts within the scope of a typical design project. User perceptions of long-term benefits may vary.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the model's formulas would need to be assessed through repeated application. Validity could be enhanced by comparing user outcomes across designs developed using this model versus traditional approaches.

Think critically

To what extent can immediate pleasure and long-term sustainable impact be simultaneously optimized in a single design, or do they often present a trade-off?

05

Design Principles

"Design for lasting positive impact by integrating user well-being with ecological and social sustainability."

This approach shifts the design focus from fleeting user satisfaction to creating products and services that contribute to a healthier planet and more connected communities over time. It encourages a more responsible and ethical design practice.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Think about how your design will make people and the planet better off in the long run, not just how fun or easy it is to use right now.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this model when justifying your design choices, particularly those aimed at long-term user well-being or sustainability.
  • 2.Use the identified impact dimensions to structure your analysis of existing products or your own design proposals.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research proposes an impact-centered, sustainable positive experience design model that prioritizes long-term user well-being and environmental contribution. By considering dimensions such as healthy living, harmonious community, and livable environment, designers can move beyond immediate gratification to create more responsible and beneficial products and services.

09

Source

Sustainability

An Impact-Centered, Sustainable, Positive Experience Design Model

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about integrate long-term impact into design for sustainable well-being?
When designing, explicitly consider and measure the long-term positive impacts on user health, social well-being, and environmental contribution, not just immediate user satisfaction. Evidence: Sustainability (2023).
Why does "Integrate long-term impact into design for sustainable well-being" matter for design?
This approach shifts the design focus from fleeting user satisfaction to creating products and services that contribute to a healthier planet and more connected communities over time. It encourages a more responsible and ethical design practice.
How can designers apply this research?
When designing, explicitly consider and measure the long-term positive impacts on user health, social well-being, and environmental contribution, not just immediate user satisfaction.
What were the main findings?
An impact-centered, sustainable positive experience design model was proposed.. The model identifies key impact dimensions: sensory experience and meaningful experience.. These dimensions influence user qualities of life across healthy living, harmonious community, and livable environment.. Formulas were developed for concept generation and evaluation within this framework.
What research method was used?
Literature Review and Workshop-based Model Development.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Sustainability.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When initiating a design project, define metrics for long-term user well-being and environmental impact alongside usability and aesthetic goals. Use the model's dimensions (healthy living, harmonious community, livable environment) to brainstorm and filter design concepts.
What are the limitations?
The effectiveness of the proposed formulas for concept generation and evaluation requires further empirical testing across diverse design projects. The study's focus on specific impact dimensions might not encompass all potential long-term effects.