What makes people truly happy? This question has gained new significance in a world that’s rethinking the limits of materialism. As economic expansion continues to raise social and environmental concerns, designers are looking for a deeper sense of purpose. Many have embraced a modern form of humanism as a guide to creating designs that foster human capabilities. This philosophy, rooted in Socratic thought, advanced by Abraham Maslow, and reinvigorated by the positive psychology movement, adapts a holistic view on human existence, emphasizing the potential for human self-actualization—the flourishing of individuals and communities.

I always feel a sense of excitement when talking to designers who enter the arena of happiness-driven design: Adopting a humanistic ideology seems to reignite people's's passion for design, reconnecting their professional practices to deeply held personal values. In a way, design for happiness—Positive Design—is an act of love. Not the romantic kind of love, but a profound care for those who will use our designs combined with a genuine pleasure in the process of creating. In this way, design becomes a pursuit of happiness in and for itself, both for the user and for the designer.

Reflecting on the growing momentum behind designing for well-being, it’s clear that this movement is more than just a trend—it represents a transformation in how we approach the purpose and process of design practices. This transformation is especially visible in the work of the next generation of designers—our students. I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the student projects selected for the 4TU “Design for Health and Well-being” theme, showcased at the Dutch Design Week (DDW) expo. These projects, in all their diversity, are fresh and creative explorations of how design can support human flourishing. While each project brings its own unique perspective, I see three recurring well-being-driven themes: “empowerment and autonomy”, “sensory and emotional engagement”, and “inclusive design and social wellbeing”.

1. Empowerment and autonomy

A common theme in many of the projects is the objective to give people more control over their lives—whether it’s their health, personal growth, or life decisions. These projects are grounded in the fundamental psychological need for autonomy—a person's ability to make independent choices and take actions that align with their own values, desires, and preferences. The “HartEye” project exemplifies this by bringing ECG monitoring out of the hospital and into the home, enabling people to monitor their heart health themselves. I love how this design breaks down traditional healthcare boundaries while representing the ongoing evolution of autonomous healthcare solutions. Similarly, the “Design Your Life” toolkit empowers autistic young adults to take charge by designing their own supportive devices. More than a toolkit, it’s an invitation to define an own path in life. “Gaming Intentions” takes the concept of autonomy further by encouraging adolescents to experiment with their health behaviours and discover their personal intrinsic motivations—what truly drives them. These projects do more than just offer users control; on a deeper level, they facilitate self-understanding and long-term well-being.

2. Sensory and embodied engagement

Another noteworthy theme is the exploration of how design can engage our senses to support mental well-being. “4D Printed Textiles” is a perfect example—using fidget tools to help manage stress, it’s a reminder of how something as simple as touch can bring relief. The “Serene Textile Experience” explores how everyday textile artefacts can enhance serenity through softness, malleability, and flexibility. You can almost imagine yourself getting lost in the softness of the fabric, a rare moment of tranquillity in today’s chaotic world. “Pillow Talk” takes this sensory engagement even further, challenging the taboos surrounding sexual wellness and encouraging people to explore their bodies and sensations in a safe, thoughtful way. These projects show how design can address mental health through embodiment and sensuality, helping individuals navigate complex experiences like stress, anxiety, or intimate self-expression.

3. Inclusive design and social well-being

A third recurring theme is the commitment to inclusivity and social well-being. “Stimulating Engagement for Neurodivergent Children” illustrates how a seemingly simple interactive ball can foster inclusive play between children and therapists, building meaningful human connections beyond therapy. CapriXpress addresses another crucial issue—how to better support low-SEP patients during their rehabilitation journey. This project is about making healthcare more equitable, ensuring that everyone gets the support they need, when they need it most. Lastly, Perfect Day, a board game designed to bring people from different cultures together, reminds us how design can break down barriers and bring people closer, one conversation at a time. These projects beautifully highlight how design can contribute to environments where everyone feels seen and valued.

Walking through these projects, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the zest these students bring to their work. They design with both their heads and their hearts—aiming to empower individuals, engage the senses, and foster inclusive, supportive environments. Their joy in experimentation, pushing boundaries, and the pleasure of creativity shines through every project.

But more than that, these projects are about real people. They show a deep empathy for users and a commitment to making lives better. Whether it’s empowering people to take control of their own health, creating experiences that soothe and heal through sensory engagement, or fostering social inclusion, these projects aim to use the transformative power of design to contribute to human flourishing.

This brings me to my conclusion: Design students are heroes. They are developing their professional identities in the context of a world where cynicism tends to prevail, and where the design profession is often scrutinized and regarded with suspicion—even by our own community. In this context, these young designers show courage—they demonstrate a willingness to confront the unknown, listen, and continuously improve. Their love for people and their craft drives design practices that seek not only to solve problems but to foster well-being on a deeper level. They—all design students—deserve not just our encouragement and support, but our admiration for the resilience and optimism they bring to shaping the future of the design discipline.