Eudaemonia-Focused Design as Intentional Praxis: An Inclusive Approach to Realising Flourishing

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Author(s)
Mikus, Jenna
Rieger, Janice
Grant-Smith, Deanna
Griffith University Author(s)
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Fuglerud, Kristin S

Leister, Wolfgang V

Vidal, Juan Carlos Torrado

Date
2024
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Oslo, Norway

Abstract

In this paper, the authors consider a novel eudaemonic approach to spatial design, proposed by Mikus et al., and examine how researchers and practitioners can co-design with participants to achieve a flourishing interpretation of Aristotle’s concept of eudaemonia (i.e., being one’s best self). The approach was tested in doctoral research conducted during 2021 at a time when many areas were under lockdown, necessitating a virtual approach. The research engaged nine older adults, aged 65–80 and living alone in Australia, and nine design professionals via creative methods including interviews, cultural probes, and co-design workshops. Combining these methods in concert with respectful engagement was found to produce not only the aimed-for principles to guide eudaemonic home design but also unintended yet beneficial consequences resulting from meaningful inclusive praxis. Here, the authors reflect on the importance of recognising eudaemonic design as a means of careful methodological praxis to precipitate promising participant outcomes, ranging from individual intrinsic motivation to collective mutual inspiration, to enhance the research experience, and to promote flourishing.

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Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Universal Design (UD2024), Oslo, Norway, 20-22 November 2024

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Universal Design 2024: Shaping a Sustainable, Equitable and Resilient Future for All

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320

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© 2024 The Authors. This article is published online with Open Access by IOS Press and distributed under the terms Non-Commercial License 4.0 (CC BY-NC 4.0).

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Architecture

Social design

Health services and systems

Applied computing

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Mikus, J; Rieger, J; Grant-Smith, D, Eudaemonia-Focused Design as Intentional Praxis: An Inclusive Approach to Realising Flourishing, Universal Design 2024: Shaping a Sustainable, Equitable and Resilient Future for All, 2024, 320, pp. 90-97

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