Publication Type

Conference Proceeding Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

6-2026

Abstract

Savouring positive work experiences can promote positive affect and well-being at work, yet there is limited guidance on how digital applications can support workers to engage in savouring. We developed HappyCal, a work-focused savouring application offering two forms of savouring support: text-based, a common modality in workplace reflection tools, and images, a largely unexplored approach in work-related savouring. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study where participants (N=36) used HappyCal over five days and engaged in savouring through either a text-only modality (n=17) or text input paired with image output (n=19). We found that (1) participants in both groups reported heightened awareness of work-related emotions through positive reflection, (2) Text-based support fostered conscious emotional processing, while image-based support offered quick overviews and amplified the positive experience, and (3) image-based support introduced a sense of playfulness into savouring. Informed by our results, we discuss implications for designing savouring supporting technologies for work contexts.

Keywords

Savouring, Design, Positive Computing, Work

Discipline

Databases and Information Systems | Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces

Research Areas

Software and Cyber-Physical Systems

Areas of Excellence

Digital transformation

Publication

CHIWORK '26: Proceedings of the 5th Annual Symposium on Human-Computer Interaction for Work, Linz, Austria, June 22-25

First Page

1

Last Page

23

Identifier

10.1145/3808045.3808067

Publisher

ACM

City or Country

New York

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1145/3808045.3808067

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