EN 
PT “Joyful” by Ingrid Fetell Lee is a book that explores how design can influence our emotions and generate happiness in our daily lives. The author, a designer and joy expert, starts from a fundamental premise: the environment around us has a direct impact on our emotional well-being. Based on this idea, she proposes an in-depth analysis of the shapes, colors, textures and other visual elements that can evoke positive feelings.
How Design Can Be a Source of Joy
Ingrid Fetell divides the book into different chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect that can be a source of joy: color, light, rounded shapes, symmetry, abundance, nature, among others. She uses an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from psychology, neuroscience, and practical examples from design to show how small adjustments in the environment can have significant effects on our mood and behavior, and consequently, on our health.
The narrative is enriched with inspiring stories and case studies that illustrate how joyful spaces and objects have the power to transform human experiences. For example, Lee discusses how hospitals, schools, and even offices can be reimagined to foster joy through vibrant colors, natural lighting, and the use of playful forms.
Accessibility of Joy in Everyday Life
One of the book’s central ideas is that joy is accessible and can be found in everyday details, from the design of a park to the kitchen appliances we use. Fetell argues that by prioritizing design that brings joy, we can create environments that not only make us feel good, but also promote a better quality of life.
The Importance of Design for Well-Being and Happiness
“Joyful” is an invitation to rethink how design can be a powerful tool for well-being, highlighting that aesthetics are not superficial, but essential to our happiness. For designers, architects, or anyone interested in improving their surroundings, the book is an inspiring read that challenges us to underestimate the power of joy in interior design.