positivem

Positivem is a contemporary term used to describe an approach or framework that prioritizes empirically verifiable positive outcomes in systems, organizations, and societies. It combines elements of empirical positivism with ideas from positive psychology and user-centered design.

Origin: The term emerged in early 21st-century discussions among researchers in human-computer interaction, behavioral economics, and organizational studies; it is not tied to a single institution; it's been used in conference papers and thought pieces to contrast problem-focused methodologies with outcome-focused ones.

Core principles: Emphasize measurable positive states (well-being, efficiency, satisfaction); rely on transparent data collection; preregistration and replication when possible; minimize negative framing; consider equity and ethics.

Methods and practices: Use controlled experiments, A/B testing, longitudinal studies; use dashboards tracking positive indicators and failure modes; emphasize reproducibility; prioritize interventions with net positive effects.

Applications: Software design, education, workplace wellness, public health campaigns, urban planning.

Criticism: Risk of positivity bias or overlooking underlying problems; challenges in defining positive outcomes across contexts; potential to commodify well-being; requires governance and ethical oversight.

See also: positivism, positive psychology, evidence-based design, data-driven decision making.