Orchestrating acts of kindness
An exploratory framework for designing beneficial kindness interventions
M.K.P. Johnson (Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, TU Delft - Form and Experience)
P.M.A. Desmet (TU Delft - Form and Experience)
H. Xue (TU Delft - Form and Experience)
P.P.M. Hekkert (Politecnico di Milano)
A.E. Pohlmeyer (TU Delft - Society, Culture and Critique)
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Abstract
Acts of kindness can enhance well-being for both actors and recipients. Consequently, numerous products and technologies have been created to foster such behaviors. However, existing design interventions often assume that any kind act will positively impact well-being, neglecting factors that determine whether acts will actually enhance actor and recipient well-being. To address this gap, we conducted an explorative investigation into everyday kindness dynamics. Through a diary study capturing 137 everyday acts of kindness, we identified 13 factors across three categories (context, characteristics, and outcomes) that influence actor and recipient wellbeing. We organized these insights into an exploratory framework and tested its application in a workshop with designers that explored the practical applications of these factors in intervention design. Our findings demonstrate that kindness impacts depend on complex interrelationships between factors such as timeliness and fit with individuals. These insights support designers in moving beyond encouraging random acts to orchestrating interventions that consider both actor and recipient experiences, creating more meaningful and impactful kindness interventions.
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