Eudaimonic HCI: a research agenda for designing technologies that support purpose, growth, and meaning

The field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has increasingly turned its attention to “digital wellbeing," yet the discourse remains narrowly focused. A significant portion of current research concentrates on mitigating the negative effects of technology—such as addiction, anxiety, and the harms of excessive screen time—or on a limited set of wellbeing domains, primarily social connection and physical health. This paper identifies a critical research gap: the need to move beyond a fragmented, nascent focus on eudaimonic wellbeing toward a systematic research agenda. Eudaimonia encompasses deeper aspects of human flourishing such as purpose, personal growth, reflection, and meaning. Through an extensive literature review, this paper confirms that while pioneering efforts exist, these eudaimonic domains remain significantly under-researched within mainstream HCI. In response, this paper proposes a new research agenda aimed at establishing “Eudaimonic HCI” as a critical sub-field. It articulates key open research questions concerning measurement, design patterns, human-AI collaboration, and the specific needs of vulnerable populations, aiming to unify and build upon current foundational work. Finally, it introduces a preliminary design framework to guide the creation of technologies that move beyond optimizing for engagement and instead aim to actively support users in living more meaningful and fulfilling lives.