Misery Matters is the dissertation of MA Interaction Design student Karen Barrett.
The project uncovers and communicates alternative narratives of misery. Philosophical readings, conversations, personal observations and societal trends triggered investigation on this topic. The project reacts against the current dominant neoliberal stance that all members of society should strive for consistent happiness.
In contrast it initiates methods of embracing and celebrating the miserable aspects of human experience. Interactive research employing cultural probes, public space interventions, prompts and experimental workshop activities opened up this critical conversation to both individual and communal experiences.
Reflection on these activities and the type of insights they provoked resulted in refined engagement activities presented in the form of workshop proposals. This series of participatory design workshops are specialised to specific user groups, thereby tackling misery issues from various perspectives be it political, therapeutic or social.