Humanness Index for Designed Experiences

Abstract

In the experience economy, where experiences are meticulously crafted, the measurement of Humanness of these designed experiences holds significant advantages for users, designers, and experience providers. Humanness comprises of ‘human nature’ and ‘human attributes’. Enhancement and degradation of humanness in an experience, manifests as emotions. The occurrence and absence of these emotions is observable and measurable. The qualitative segment of this study delves into existing definitions of humanness and emotions. Overlapping this knowledge, one can discern emotions that signal enhancement or degradation of humanness. This can be synthesised into new models for the connectedness and disconnectedness in an experience. The quantitative phase of the study tests these models by asking 250 participants to rank key emotions and the perceived level of Humanness during the most significant 'peak-experience' of their lives. Statistical tools process this data to generate coefficients linking humanness with emotions. Further developed into an equation, this measurement of emotions can forecast the Humanness Index of a designed experience. This Index shall serve as a valuable tool for users to make informed choices between different experiences, thereby motivating organisations to prioritise humanness in the design of their experiences.