Short answer
Consider incorporating dimensions of spiritual and existential well-being into design strategies, drawing inspiration from theological frameworks of human flourishing.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- SUNScholar (Stellenbosch University) (2015)
- Method
- Systematic theological exploration and discourse analysis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Understanding human flourishing through theological lenses of reconciliation, liberation, and transformation can inform the design of products and services that foster deeper user well-being. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in SUNScholar (Stellenbosch University). Using Systematic theological exploration and discourse analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider incorporating dimensions of spiritual and existential well-being into design strategies, drawing inspiration from theological frameworks of human flourishing.
Human Flourishing as a Design Objective: Integrating Soteriological Frameworks
Understanding human flourishing through theological lenses of reconciliation, liberation, and transformation can inform the design of products and services that foster deeper user well-being.
SUNScholar (Stellenbosch University) · 2015
Key Findings
- 01Salvation as reconciliation (Calvin, Schleiermacher, Jonker) emphasizes flourishing through piety, joy, and comfort, driven by a logic of faith.
- 02Salvation as liberation (Gutirrez, Oduyoye, Botman) highlights flourishing as a fulfilled life, healing, and dignity, guided by a logic of hope.
- 03Salvation as transformation (Jones, Charry, Ackermann) focuses on flourishing as grace, happiness, and blessing, rooted in a logic of love.
- 04These three logics function synergistically to address contemporary human needs.
Application
Design takeaway
Consider incorporating dimensions of spiritual and existential well-being into design strategies, drawing inspiration from theological frameworks of human flourishing.
How to apply
When defining user needs or success metrics for a design project, consider incorporating qualitative measures related to a sense of purpose, connection, or inner peace, informed by the identified theological dimensions of flourishing.
Project actions
- 01When defining the 'problem' for your design project, think about what 'human flourishing' means in your context.
- 02Consider how your design could contribute to a user's sense of peace, dignity, or grace, not just utility.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a novel interdisciplinary perspective on user well-being.
- +Offers a structured framework for understanding complex human needs.
Limitations
The theological concepts are abstract and may be difficult to directly measure or implement in a design project without significant interpretation.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings depends on the thoroughness of the discourse analysis. Validity is enhanced by the systematic identification of key theologians and their contributions within each discourse.
Think critically
How might a designer ethically navigate the application of religious or spiritual concepts of flourishing in a secular design context?
Design Principles
"Design for holistic human flourishing by addressing spiritual, ethical, and aesthetic dimensions of user experience."
This research suggests that design can move beyond mere functionality or pleasure to address more profound aspects of human experience. By considering frameworks that define flourishing as piety, dignity, or grace, designers can create offerings that resonate with users on a more meaningful and lasting level.
What This Means for Your Design
This study looks at how different religious ideas about what makes people truly happy and fulfilled can give designers ideas for making better products and services.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the broader goals of design beyond functionality, particularly in the context of user needs or the 'why' behind a design.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research explores how theological frameworks of human flourishing, encompassing reconciliation, liberation, and transformation, offer profound insights into user well-being. By examining the logics of faith, hope, and love within these discourses, designers can gain a richer understanding of what constitutes a fulfilling human experience, thereby informing the creation of products and services that foster deeper meaning and satisfaction for users.
Source
SUNScholar (Stellenbosch University)
Imagining human flourishing? : a systematic theological exploration of contemporary soteriological discourses
journal · 2015
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about human flourishing as a design objective: integrating soteriological frameworks?
- Consider incorporating dimensions of spiritual and existential well-being into design strategies, drawing inspiration from theological frameworks of human flourishing. Evidence: SUNScholar (Stellenbosch University) (2015).
- Why does "Human Flourishing as a Design Objective: Integrating Soteriological Frameworks" matter for design?
- This research suggests that design can move beyond mere functionality or pleasure to address more profound aspects of human experience. By considering frameworks that define flourishing as piety, dignity, or grace, designers can create offerings that resonate with users on a more meaningful and lasting level.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Consider incorporating dimensions of spiritual and existential well-being into design strategies, drawing inspiration from theological frameworks of human flourishing.
- What were the main findings?
- Salvation as reconciliation (Calvin, Schleiermacher, Jonker) emphasizes flourishing through piety, joy, and comfort, driven by a logic of faith.. Salvation as liberation (Gutirrez, Oduyoye, Botman) highlights flourishing as a fulfilled life, healing, and dignity, guided by a logic of hope.. Salvation as transformation (Jones, Charry, Ackermann) focuses on flourishing as grace, happiness, and blessing, rooted in a logic of love.. These three logics function synergistically to address contemporary human needs.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic theological exploration and discourse analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2015 journal from SUNScholar (Stellenbosch University).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When defining user needs or success metrics for a design project, consider incorporating qualitative measures related to a sense of purpose, connection, or inner peace, informed by the identified theological dimensions of flourishing.
- What are the limitations?
- The study is primarily theological and philosophical, requiring translation into practical design methodologies. The specific theological frameworks may not be universally applicable or understood across all cultures.