Gladmaking

Gladmaking is the intentional practice of increasing feelings of gladness, happiness, or positive affect in individuals or groups through planned actions, design decisions, and social interventions. It is used in fields such as psychology, user experience, education, and community planning to enhance well-being and satisfaction. The term is a neologism derived from "glad" and "making" and is typically employed to describe discrete strategies rather than a single theory.

In practice, gladmaking encompasses activities that evoke positive emotions, reduce sources of annoyance, or improve perceived control and competence. Methods include acts of kindness and gratitude exercises, uplifting communication, anticipatory or surprise elements in services, and design choices that simplify tasks or create pleasant environments. In organizations, gladmaking may involve onboarding experiences, feedback processes, and recognition programs aimed at fostering morale and engagement. In public spaces, it can involve architecture and programming that encourage social contact and playful interaction.

Measuring gladmaking effects relies on self-reported mood, satisfaction scales, and behavioral indicators such as engagement or loyalty. Critics caution that effects can be short-lived or culturally dependent, and that the term risks vague use without clear evaluation criteria. Ethical considerations emphasize consent, respect for autonomy, and the avoidance of manipulation or pandering.

See also: positive psychology, well-being, happiness, user experience, social design, service design.