Designing the Delightfully Useless

Lessons in Emotional Value and the Future of Meaningful Design

LOVOT by GROOVE X, sitting on LOVOT CHAIR designed by Takram and manufactured by KARIMOKU.

As designers and architects, we’re often driven by utility — the notion that every structure, tool, or object must serve a clear purpose, maximize efficiency, or solve a tangible problem. But what if the future of design isn’t about function at all? What if, instead, we lean into creating things that are, as Nobuyuki Hayashi describes, delightfully useless?

In the heart of Tokyo, a cultural movement is challenging our Western obsession with productivity and practicality. Through creations like LOVOT, the cuddly robot designed with zero functional intent, we’re reminded of a powerful design truth: sometimes, the most meaningful creations aren’t practical at all. Japan’s “useless” creations offer something unique — a moment of emotional resonance, a spark of joy, a reminder of our humanity.

Here are a few ways to bring that ethos into our own work.

1. Design for Connection, Not Just Function

In a world that celebrates the efficient, LOVOT stands as a lovable anomaly — a robot designed to ask for hugs, to interrupt, to create moments of connection. This is where design meets humanity. As architects and creators, we’re too often taught that design must…