Happy affect: harnessing chance and uncertainly in design practice

This paper engages with recent discourses on affect and design research, arguing that such dialogue offers a particularly useful set of ideas to extend our understanding of design research as a creative and active force for rethinking ideas about design across disciplines. Calling upon the theory of affect as explored by Sara Ahmed, the authors analyse two object-making case studies—one from an American graphic design practice, and another from a French architectural practice. Recognizing the uncertain nature of creative practices, the paper offers an understanding of ‘sticky’ and happy affects embodied in the making of, and use of everyday objects, such as mailboxes and recycled pallets, which keep bodies in the present because of a non-cathartic, less forceful affectual condition. Indeed ‘sticky’ happy affects propose alternative ways of comprehending the multiple forces involved in creative practices invested in design research. Such exploration illuminates not only the work of the designer, but also the engagement as users, where the work is never complete.