Conceptualization and operationalization of empathy in design research
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A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
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Date
2022-01
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Language
en
Pages
16
Series
Design Studies, Volume 78
Abstract
In this research note, we bring clarity to the concept of empathy in design research by discussing issues in its conceptualization and operationalization. We review literature to identify and clarify the core concepts of empathy and to showcase its potential operationalizations, borrowing from closely related fields of social psychology and neuroscience. We identify five core concepts: empathic understanding, empathic design research, empathic design action, empathic orientation, and empathic mental processes. We also identify six potential operationalizations: empathic tendencies, beliefs about empathy, emotion recognition, understanding mental contents, shared feelings, and prosocial responding. By combining the core concepts and operationalizations, we provide a frame of operation for future empathy research in design.Description
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Surma-Aho, A & Hölttä-Otto, K 2022, ' Conceptualization and operationalization of empathy in design research ', Design Studies, vol. 78, 101075 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2021.101075