Academic Research · Figments Experience Lab

Use human behaviour to influence human behaviour

Papers

Two stippled faces turned towards one another, a red half-circle between them

Humanness Index for Designed Experiences

In today's experience economy, measuring the humanness of designed experiences is crucial for users, designers, and providers. Humanness, defined by ‘human nature’ and ‘human attributes,’ can be measured through emotions experienced during an interaction.

Our study reviews definitions of humanness and emotions to identify those indicating enhancement or degradation of humanness. We tested these concepts by asking 250 participants to rank emotions and perceived humanness during peak experiences. Statistical analysis produced an equation predicting a Humanness Index. This Index helps users make informed choices and motivates organizations to prioritize humanness in their designs.

A young hand resting on the hand of an older person

Seniority Club.SG

This paper explores eldercare challenges in Singapore, comparing it with practices in Japan, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, the UK, and Finland. It examines the impact of an ageing population, reviews international healthcare systems, and addresses sustainability, ethics, and advocacy.

The study identifies key constraints and potential solutions, including policy changes, technological advancements, and global collaboration. It offers strategic recommendations to improve eldercare and ensure the well-being of elderly citizens in Singapore and beyond.

A family welcomed with drinks on a timber veranda surrounded by palms

Shifting the Experience in Hospitality to Enhance Humanness

The hospitality industry is evolving to prioritize exceptional guest experiences beyond standard services. This paper examines humanness — comprising human nature and attributes — and its influence on guest interactions. Positive experiences enhance humanness, promoting warmth and community, while negative ones can lead to isolation.

Understanding this connection allows hospitality professionals to create service models that boost satisfaction and loyalty. A “Pay it Forward” experiment in a local café illustrates the benefits of integrating humanness, highlighting its role in enhancing customer engagement.

A cyclist in the rain, an umbrella held over him by the person riding behind

Humanness

Humans and humanness, the connoted meaning of these words lie at the overlap of many others: humankind, the human race, humane, homo sapiens, humanity, etc. While humanness is a relevant term for many disciplines, it has special relevance for the work of designers. The design team can design their process in a way that the outcomes enhance humanness.

The work of a designer, in its earnest, is an endeavour to channelize human behaviour into experiences. The process followed by the designer determines the quality of the experience. These experiences are most memorable when they are created in nurturing environments through functional objects and meaningful exchange.

Humanness Index for Designed Experiences

Seniority Club.SG

Shifting the Experience in Hospitality to Enhance Humanness

Humanness

User-Centric Research

Narrative Research