Designing for wellbeing

the contrary, they have a flavour of being necessary expenses and thus a
burden for the taxpayer. Apart from the cost, these services also easily fall
into the NIMBY category – not in my back yard. Design – unlike these services
– is a celebrated activity in Finland, where it is seen as an important
part of the national cultural heritage, with young designers often treated
as minor celebrities in the media. Could it be that participation in design
and feeling part of World Design Capital activities is motivating, even
without instrumental expectations? Did the design collaboration provide
an opportunity to be on the more sunny side of the street for a while? Was
being involved in design a way for healthcare and social sector units to
get some positive attention, or at least a break in their routines? If it was,
was that enough of a design contribution?
24 · Design, wellbeing and design for wellbeing