Mood in Experience Design: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive review of existing literature covering the topic of mood-focused design. It delves into how designers and design researchers currently address mood in the context of experience-driven design. Using a scoping review methodology, we identified and thematically analyzed sixty-six highly relevant articles. Our findings are categorized into four themes: (1) diverse features and impacts of mood that have been comprehended and explored in design; (2) mood-focused design innovations that support mood monitoring, expression, and regulation; (3) potential issues and considerations related to mood-focused design; and (4) methodological resources that support empathizing and ideation within a mood-focused design process. This scoping review advances our understanding of mood as a distinct facet of human experience in design and outlines the current state of mood-focused design as an emerging field. To facilitate progress in the field, we propose four avenues for further exploration, underscoring the need to expand mood-centric theoretical understanding, artifact creation, opinion sharing, and method development.