Guttastemning in a Box - Fostering Emotional Connections Beyond the Screen

Abstract

This study explores the Norwegian gendered term of guttastemning through the design and creation of a digital box (the “Guttastemning Box”) that captures moments of lively and cheerful atmosphere when a group of people is having a great time together. The paper recognizes the importance of capturing and reliving such moments, emphasizing the challenges posed by the digital era, such as fluctuations in emotions, digital overload, and the lack of emotional resonance in digital photos. We carried out a Research through Design (RtD) process to assess the effectiveness of the Guttastemning Box in capturing and preserving these moments while fostering emotional connections. We evaluated this artifact through a pilot study in a natural setting in addition to a pre- and post-questionnaire. The results shed light on the Guttastemning Box’s ability to capture and preserve guttastemning moments, as well as foster connections. The box has shown promising results, with high overall impressions, positive usability feedback, and intention to use among participants.