A research paper by Associate Professor Kazutoshi Sakaguchi has received the Research Encouragement Award at the 14th Annual Conference of the Society of Serviceology.

The study proposes a novel multi-layered service design process that integrates speculative design and systemic design to envision quality of life (QOL) in space habitation in 2050.

As commercial space habitation becomes increasingly feasible, improving QOL beyond basic life support will become an important challenge. By envisioning future life in space, the research also encourages us to reconsider what we take for granted about well-being and QOL on Earth.

The research findings have already been incorporated into a space-focused training program, which has welcomed 120 participants to date. The proposed methods have also been introduced into the Service Design course at Yamaguchi University, demonstrating how collaborative research can be applied to interdisciplinary design education.

【Related Links】
・Society of Serviceology – Award Information
http://ja.serviceology.org/introduction/award.html

・Yamaguchi University – Previous Announcement (January 6, 2026)
https://www.yamaguchi-u.ac.jp/gss/news/blog/2026/01/06/56/index.html