What if I told you that joy and pleasure can actually make your work more efficient and effective? It sounds counterintuitive, but research has shown that incorporating subtle sparks of delight into serious work can have a significant impact on productivity and user experience. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of joy in serious work, and how designers and professionals can apply this concept to improve their work.
Designing for Delight
When we think of serious work, we often associate it with boredom, drudgery, and a lack of creativity. But what if we could change that? What if we could make serious work feel more human, more enjoyable, and more engaging? The concept of “deep delight” suggests that it’s possible to create experiences that are not only functional but also pleasurable. By incorporating elements of joy and pleasure into our work, we can create a more positive and productive work environment.
A great example of this is the Hitachi ATM study, which found that users perceived an attractive ATM as more usable, even if it wasn’t actually more functional. This study highlights the importance of appearance and simplification in shaping user experience. By making our work more visually appealing and user-friendly, we can create a more enjoyable and efficient experience for ourselves and others.
The Psychology of Joy
So, how does joy actually impact our work? Research has shown that joy and pleasure can reduce mental burden and improve efficiency. The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) is a tool used to measure mental burden, and it’s been applied in a variety of contexts, from aviation to healthcare. By understanding how joy and pleasure can reduce mental burden, we can create work experiences that are more sustainable and productive.
The concept of “deep delight” is also closely tied to the idea of variable-ratio reward schedules. This concept suggests that unpredictable rewards can be more motivating than predictable ones. By incorporating elements of surprise and delight into our work, we can create a more engaging and motivating experience. But how can we apply this concept in practice?
Case Studies in Joyful Design
Let’s take a look at some examples of designs that incorporate joy and pleasure. Asana and Slack are two popular productivity tools that use micro-animations and playful elements to create a more enjoyable user experience. These designs are not only functional but also visually appealing and engaging. By incorporating elements of joy and pleasure, these tools can help reduce mental burden and improve efficiency.
The work of Charles and Ray Eames is also a great example of joyful design. Their concept of “serious fun” suggests that work and play are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. By incorporating elements of play and joy into our work, we can create a more positive and productive work environment. But what does this look like in practice?
Applying Joy to Serious Work
So, how can we apply the concept of joy to our serious work? One approach is to focus on simplification and appearance. By making our work more visually appealing and user-friendly, we can create a more enjoyable and efficient experience. Another approach is to incorporate elements of surprise and delight, such as variable-ratio reward schedules. By making our work more engaging and motivating, we can improve productivity and reduce mental burden.
But it’s not just about individual work experiences. Joy and pleasure can also have a broader impact on our work culture and environment. By creating a more positive and enjoyable work environment, we can improve collaboration, creativity, and overall well-being. So, what can we do to start incorporating joy into our serious work?
Putting Joy into Practice
It’s time to summarize the main points and takeaways from our discussion. We’ve explored the importance of joy and pleasure in serious work, and how designers and professionals can apply this concept to improve their work. We’ve also looked at examples of joyful design, from Asana and Slack to the work of Charles and Ray Eames. So, what’s the next step?
By incorporating elements of joy and pleasure into our work, we can create a more positive and productive work environment. We can improve efficiency, reduce mental burden, and create a more enjoyable and engaging experience for ourselves and others. So, let’s get started on bringing joy to our serious work. What will you do today to incorporate joy into your work?