Andrew Trousdale is a Researcher and Designer
Andrew Trousdale is a researcher and designer, and the co-founder of APOSSIBLE. His initiatives and projects bridge positive psychology, human-computer interaction, and the creative arts.
This interview was conducted by Bryan Wolff on behalf of APOSSIBLE.
Bryan
What is a ritual, practice, or routine in your life that is important for your psychological wellbeing and/or fulfillment? Why?
Andrew
Trying not to take myself too seriously.
There are a lot of ways to do it. Persuading myself I need something I don’t have. Thinking I know better. Fretting about reputation. This stuff feels like conscientiousness but often it's just self-involvement I think.
“No one cares” sounds a little harsh but something like that can do the trick. There are just so few things worth having a bad day over. Most of my bad days involve taking myself too seriously.
Bryan
What is a human-made creation that brings out the best in you? Why?
Andrew
I love outdoor clothes. I think it’s cool how what we’re wearing is an interface between us and our environment. That’s true aesthetically. The style of what we wear is an interface between our identity and our social environment. But I’m thinking about this functionally—how a jacket allows us to be out in a snowstorm. I find it elevating to get close to nature like that.
Bryan
When do you cherish the slow or hard way of doing something? Why?
Andrew
Leisure is hard for me and requires slowing down. I really enjoy when I’m able to spend a day without making plans in advance and without feeling like I wasted the day either.
Bryan
What is something you appreciate or long for from the past? Why?
Andrew
Fewer cars in cities. I think it's something we will get back to which I’m excited about.
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