The document provides a design brief to create an object that will make people happier and more optimistic during an economic recession in the UK. Several concepts are generated, including a microwave that allows recording messages, a device to make commuting more entertaining, and technology to program LEDs on public transportation. The concept of a paperclip designed to cheer people up is selected for development. Further work is done to improve the presentation and packaging of the paperclip, with the goal of maximizing sales while keeping costs low. Final packaging designs and a technical specification for laser cutting the paperclip are presented as the result.
2. Thebrief
The UK is in a recession. Individuals are
concerned about their homes, their jobs and
their finances. Design an object that will
make people happier and optimistic about
the future.
Thebrief THE BRIEF
Thebrief
Thebrief
12. What makes us happy?
Three “Happy” Lives
The pleasant life
Having as many pleasures as possible
The Good Life (engagement)
Flow. Losing yourself in your work and activities
The Meaningful life
In service of something larger than yourself
“Have a beautiful day”
Design the perfect day
“The Gratitude visit”
Write a 300 testimonial to someone who has changed your life
for the better. Visit them and read it to them.
“Fun vs Philanthropy”
Helping other people provides longer lasting happiness
Three elements - work, play and love
www.ted.com
13. What makes us happy?
Happiness is synthesised
No matter the outcome of an event, our happiness is not affected
We basically convince ourselves that whatever happened was
for the best.
Natural happiness - what we get when we get what we wanted
Synthetic happiness - what we make when we don‟t get what we
wanted
Not getting what we want could make us just as happy as
getting it!
Reduced freedom of choice actually helps us synthesise
happiness
Our longings and our worries are overblown because we have
the capacity in us to manufacture our own happiness.
www.ted.com
14. What makes us happy?
Flow
After a certain level, additional money does not make you any
happier.
Pleasure and lasting satisfaction comes from activities that
bring about a state of “flow”
Losing yourself in an activity
How does it feel to be in flow?
-completely involved in what you are doin
-A sense of ecstacy. Of being outside of everyday reality
-great inner clarity
-knowing that the activity is doable
-a sense of serenity
-timelessness
-intrinsic motivation
www.ted.com
20. Design direction
What do I want the product to do?
Entertain
make people smile
help people be more optimistic
Find ways of making daily actions more
entertaining and enjoyable.
What areas of our lives can be improved?
work commute home
30. Design direction
Paperclip chosen for development given the
time constraints and its simplicity.
Visited a shop with the product
Response:
“It looks nice but it‟s all about the packaging”
Direction of development:
Improve the presentation of the product
33. Packaging objectives
Present the product so customers „get it‟
low cost
prevent theft of product
maximise sales
doesn‟t add too much time to the production process
Minimal environmental impact
