Designing for Digital Wellbeing: From Theory to Practice a Scoping Review

Abstract

In a world that is highly dependent on digital connectivity, technology use is becoming unavoidable, intense, and possibly harmful. The pervasiveness of technology which has been in tandem with the increasing number of reported cases of harmful usage styles, with some exhibiting symptoms of behavioural addiction, raised concerns around users’ psychological health and well-being. Digital Wellbeing is a new facet of human well-being that has recently emerged. While the term is yet to have a commonly agreed definition, it typically denotes a technology that promotes positivity, personal growth, and a usage that is balanced and healthy. In this paper, we aim to examine the extent, range, and nature of Digital Wellbeing research activity in human-computer interaction- (HCI-) related literature. We conducted a scoping review analysing 87 articles that researched Digital Wellbeing and its interrelation with technology design. Our analysis identified different meanings and constructs of the Digital Wellbeing concept, research trends, and a gap related to incorporating it in the design process. Accordingly, we recommend that an agreed-on definition for Digital Wellbeing and validated tools and frameworks are needed to ensure its integration in the digital design process. We also recommend that a wider research direction for HCI researchers and practitioners interested in Digital Wellbeing is needed to include the role of designers and societal institutions in the digital design process to ensure a design that is inclusive and well-being sensitive.