I have been looking for a replacement word for user for a long time
a person who makes use of a thing; someone who uses or employs something
a person who uses something or someone selfishly or unethically – exploiter
Yesterday I came across the word 'enjoyer'...
a person who delights in having or using or experiencing something
What a delight!
Incorporating 'joy' it implies that people enjoy the spaces designed for them and others
Something we need to aim for, always
Thinking back to Newcastle Uni when I taught ‘User Studies’
Imagine how much more interesting ‘Enjoyer Studies’ would have been?!
Questions could have led to some interesting discussions with aspiring architects :-)
Rather than implying a transactional user relationship
We can imagine more relational interactions between our work and those it is designed for
Who could be humans, non-humans and more-than-humans
Another opportunity to ensure the language we use positively directs us
Considering our ‘footprints’ which record the damage we do in the world
Keeps us focusing on how we can do less damage…
What about starting with how we can do good?
This is a strong reason behind our development of ‘handprints’
Which calculate the good that results from what we do
How exciting is it to start with ideas about the wonder that our work can create?
How can we improve things for the ‘enjoyers’ for whom this is intended
As we improve things for the systems within which we are all located?