Creating Emotional Service design : An investigation in how to support people in coping with social isolation by enabling for opportunities to be alone together

Abstract: How might we through emotional service design investigate how to support people in coping with social isolation by enabling for opportunities to be alone together? This is the research question this interaction design bachelor thesis, through applying theories of emotional and service design, has been aiming towards investigating. What is presented in the work is a merge of the terms, emotional service design. In addition to this, a service to help improve its user’s well-being and ability to cope with the effects of an isolated stay-at-home life is proposed.The conducted research has taken a qualitative approach, using methods of semi-structured interviews, affinity-diagramming, cultural probes, co-creative workshops and prototype testing, insights indicating that loneliness can be combated through two main ways: by finding an activity-based escape or by connecting with people or others. What is argued for is the importance of keeping emotional reactions in mind when designing for experiences.