Reference Index
Andrew Trousdale
Advisor: Yuliya Parshina-Kottas
The APOSSIBLE reference index is an interactive data visualization and design methodology that systematically classifies and rates technologies based on their capacity to foster the psychological strengths of mind, heart, and will—shifting the focus from mere convenience to genuine human flourishing.
Project Description
The APOSSIBLE reference index is an interactive data visualization and design methodology rooted in positive psychology. Central to our framework is the notion that personal fulfillment emerges from actively exercising psychological strengths—rather than passively experiencing positive states. Drawing on established literature that identifies three domains of strengths (mind, heart, and will), we propose that flourishing is supported when technology meaningfully engages these strengths.
Instead of merely optimizing for convenience or pleasure, we argue that technological design should empower individuals to exercise virtues and capabilities. Our work begins by grounding this claim in psychological and neuroscience research, articulating how existing knowledge of strengths-based development informs both the classification and the evaluation of creative technology projects.
From there, we curate and rate a corpus of technology applications and projects, examining which particular strengths they foster and how effectively they do so. These analyses then form the basis of an interactive platform developed in D3.js, where projects are positioned in a two-dimensional semantic space according to their psychological and conceptual alignments. Users can explore patterns, secondary themes, and connections among the technologies, as well as trace the supporting research that links each project to foundational theory in psychology and neuroscience.
By integrating a strengths-based framework with user-centered interaction design, the APOSSIBLE index illustrates a new paradigm: rather than focusing solely on ease or entertainment, emerging technologies can be intentionally structured to promote growth, resilience, and well-being.
Technical Details
Data Organization
All project information is compiled in a single Google spreadsheet.
Each entry includes a project title, brief description, relevant psychological strengths (mind, heart, will), type of project, and any supporting references or links.
Rating & Curation Methodology
Drawing from established psychology frameworks, we assess each project’s capacity to cultivate the strengths of mind, heart, and will.
A small team rates the projects independently, then meets to reconcile any discrepancies.
These ratings inform how each project is categorized and highlighted in the final visualization.
Content Management System (CMS)
The spreadsheet data feeds into a simple CMS for easy maintenance and updates.
New projects can be added or removed directly through the CMS, ensuring the dataset remains accurate and up to date.
D3 Visualization
The interactive front-end, built in D3.js, maps each project onto a 2D semantic space.
Users can hover over any data point for a project summary, including its strengths ratings and relevant research references.
Filters and highlighting tools allow users to explore specific themes, strengths, or categories, revealing connections and patterns across the entire dataset.