Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
REFRAMING POSTURE HEALTH: EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN FOR DIGITAL WELLBEING
Jane PARK; Rayna CHEOK YUI LAW; Yasha ARGAL
Type:
Year:
2025
Editor:
Yong Se Kim; Yutaka Nomaguchi; Cees de Bont; Jianxi Luo; Xiaofang Yuan; Linna Hu; Meng Wang
Author:
Series:
Other endorsed
Institution:
Royal College of Art, London, United Kingdom
Page(s):
326-333
Abstract:
Young adults face growing challenges in maintaining healthy posture due to pervasive digital engagement. Conditions like "tech neck" and chronic back strain are common and often dismissed as minor student discomforts. Ergonomic tools and posture-correcting devices are widely available but often fail to drive lasting behavioural change as they address physical correction more than underlying motivation. This research adopts a service design perspective to explore how emotional engagement and environmental design can foster healthier posture habits among young adults. A series of interviews, observations, workshops, and diary studies were conducted to uncover patterns in awareness, motivation, and behaviour. The findings revealed that participants often view discomfort as a normal condition, dismissed app reminders as being intrusive, yet responded positively to social encouragement and environmental cues. Two final design outcomes were developed. Firstly, a posture awareness app prototype incorporating social nudges and reward systems, and secondly, a signage-based environmental intervention designed for university spaces. Together, these outcomes demonstrates that behavioural change in posture requires emotional engagement and contextually embedded experiences, which reframes digital wellbeing not as a technological issue but as a matter of human experience and environmental empathy.
Keywords:
