RtD: How might Millennials form a meaningful emotional connection with plants?
5 May 2022
Plants—due to their insentient and stationery nature—may not feel as 'alive' and, thus, not invite an emotional investment from some. In particular, Millennials—who, as a consequence of commonly not having a permanent residence and, hence, frequently moving—may find it difficult as plants are hard-to-move which, in turn, makes it unlikely for them to witness their gradual growth. Working under the umbrella of 'smart growing,' the study explores if Design for Attachment—an approach that helps foster emotional bonding with objects by turning them into something more meaningful—could help ensoul plants and, thus, turn them into heirlooms. In addition, with their temporary residential status in mind, it explores the impact of these heirlooms being inherited among tenants—and not family. By turning them into heirlooms, the study hopes to evoke an emotional connection, which will generate genuine interest in growing within the demographic.