Grad Project 01: Certified Thanks

description

TO INCREASE THE EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION FOR ALL THE AWESOME PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES.

Design often tells us that we need more and more, but can design also help us appreciate what we already have? Though there are many factors which contribute to unhappiness, social interactions, human connection, and a sense of belonging have been suggested to improve well-being. Can design strengthen relationships? Can design aid in making people happier without selling them a product?

The problem here is that we often don’t express appreciation for the little things or actions that others do for us on a daily basis. In general, advertising often tells us that we want something, but can it also help us appreciate what we already have? In terms of relationships, or services provided to us. We in turn don’t feel appreciated for all the things we do for others, maybe at our jobs or small actions like holding a door for someone or chasing after someone who has dropped something. 

There is a design opportunity to create a system or initiative to increase expression of appreciation. We are now working in the feild of communication design, so it is vital we take notice of our societies communication systems and their flaws. By using design to increase our appreciation for what we already have, we can continue to show society that design is capable of improving living conditions in ways that don’t involve selling products.