Design for Wellbeing

1    Setting the scene for design for subjective wellbeing

Ann Petermans and Rebecca Cain

Wellbeing: A hot topic

‘Wellbeing’ is a major, if not the ultimate goal, for every human being. Therefore, it is unsurprising that many institutions, governments and organisations worldwide are continuing to pay more attention to this important subject. There are four reasons why we are demanding more attention for ‘wellbeing’:

First, there is a growing societal need to focus on the wellbeing of people. There is a growing interest for people to pay the necessary time, effort and attention to the fulfilment of immaterial aspects in life, their re-appreciation of the search for and fulfilment of personal values, a good work–life balance, a healthy life, ...