Title: Art therapy techniques as a novel creative method for exploring design for home happiness

Authors: Emily Corrigan-Kavanagh; Carolina Escobar-Tello

Addresses: University of Surrey, 388 Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK ' Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK

Abstract: Home can play a central role in influencing societal practices, being, among other conceptualisations, a social system supportive of basic and psychological needs. Art therapy techniques can be used for exploring home happiness from this perspective. They appear to enable the identification of systemic facilitators of happy home moments, informing design opportunities. This paper discusses art therapy techniques as a new tailored creative method for exploring this within design research. It begins by describing relevant home and happiness concepts, art therapy techniques and similar creative methods. This is followed by an explanation of how art therapy approaches were used to examine practices for home happiness. Subsequently, research results are highlighted, such as how 'design for home happiness' can create applicable design products and services. Finally, implications of employing art therapy techniques in 'designing for home happiness' are suggested.

Keywords: art therapy techniques; design tools; research methods; home; designing for home happiness; creative methods.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2018.099533

Journal of Design Research, 2018 Vol.16 No.3/4, pp.175 - 195

Received: 17 Jan 2018
Accepted: 01 Aug 2018
Published online: 08 May 2019 *

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