bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROBLEMS: EASY TO SAY BUT DIFFICULT TO WRITE
Authors: Giordano Vito , Consoloni Marco , Chiarello Filippo , Fantoni Gualtiero
Published: June 2023

Patents are an invaluable source of data that can be beneficial for Engineering Design (ED). Patenting is one of the main means for disclosing the inventive process. For this reason, the description of the problem solved should also be included in any patents.

The ED literature lacks a proper definition of a problem, resulting in a fragmented scenario. Prior studies have employed Text Mining (TM) to extract problems from patents. We argue that TM can assist ED researchers in understanding how problems are articulated in text. Based on the literature, we propose two hypotheses: (1) problem-related text exhibits a negative sentiment polarity compared to other sections of patents; (2) problem-related keywords identified in the literature are predominantly used to describe problems rather than other aspects.

We analyse Japanese patents to validate our hypotheses, since they explicit Problem and Solution in the abstract. Finally, we compare our results with a set of problem-related sentences extracted from USPTO patents.

Our study reveals a higher positive sentiment in problem-related sentences compared to solution-related ones and highlights the inadequacy of using problem-related keywords alone to differentiate between the two.
PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT WITH DIGITAL TWINS FOR PRODUCT GENERATION DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Arnemann Lars , Winter Sven , Quernheim Niklas , Schleich Benjamin
Published: June 2023

Digital Twins are virtual representations of a product-service-instance and, as a technology, represent an important part of the realization of Industry 4.0. They manage data of the associat-ed product instance and can also have functions for simulation to achieve cost and resource savings while simultaneously increasing product quality. In this paper, a need for action for the implementation of a systematic approach for the returning of data of Digital Twins into the product design is identified and a methodology is developed as an answer. This methodology realizes an information management, which supports holistic data and information flows. It de-fines necessary steps for the implementation of data and information transport, starting from a data management up to information provision in product design. Based on a performed potential analysis for the identification of intended uses in the context of product design, the overall ap-plication focus is narrowed down to the development of new product generations to support the requirements development. The concept structure consists of Digital Twins, a data mining sys-tem for the transformation of data into information and a presentation system for managing the information provided.
A MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING APPROACH TO OPTIMIZE THE PART BUILD ORIENTATION IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
Authors: Sartini Mikhailo , Luca Manuguerra , Claudio Favi , Marco Mandolini
Published: June 2023

The part build orientation is a manufacturing variable that must be considered when designing a product to maximise AM opportunities. There are several approaches to selecting the best print direction in the scientific literature by considering different criteria. However, most of the studies are focused on specific AM technologies. It is missing a general method that evaluates a widespread number of criteria. Furthermore, such approaches expect designers establish weights for technical criteria that are too specific, especially during the preliminary design steps. Designers are familiar with criteria like cost-effectiveness, productiveness, quality and mechanical strength.

The paper presents a multi-criteria decision-making approach to optimise the build part orientation in additive manufacturing. The method considers five decision-making criteria (cost-effectiveness, rapidity, productiveness, quality and mechanical strength) and seventeen specific technical criteria. TOPSIS is the method used to optimise the build part orientation. A case study of three components exemplifies the five steps of the procedure.
RELATIONS BETWEEN COGNITIVE ABILITY AND CREATIVE DESIGN QUALITY
Authors: Yin Yuan , Childs Peter
Published: June 2023

The study aims to identify the relations between creative design quality and content of the memorising precedents, association, and combination of information processes in a design context. 71 participants were recruited to finish a creative design task. Think aloud and interview were conducted during and after the creative design task to understand the content of the memorising precedents, association, and combination of information processes. The 71 creative designs were then assessed by five experts in creative design. The results from this study revealed that participants who generated high-creativity design tend to memorize various topic-related precedents, associate items based on topic-related information, and combine topic-related information with products. Participants who generated low-creativity design tend to memorize characteristics of a specific space of the design topic, associate items based on specific topic-related information, and add the topic-related pattern to a product.
RENOVATING ENGINEERING DEPARTEMENTS’ CREATION HERITAGE TO MEET CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES: FRUGAL VALIDATION PATTERNS AND CONSTRUCTIVE PROOF LOGICS FOR NEW ENGINEERING RULES
Authors: Jibet Nafissa , Le Masson Pascal , Weil Benoît , Chazelle Blandine , Laousse Dominique
Published: June 2023

Engineering departments design infrastructure by applying rule systems. The latter are an old creation heritage, based on decades of engineering, that makes it possible to design and govern the operation of the physical heritage which is the infrastructure. Replacing the infrastructure is not sustainable in the meaning of grand challenges; renovating it by applying engineering rules is but could appear too expensive. The literature highlights situations where renovation by respecting the state of the art is too costly and so is the validation of new renovation rules. Are there forms of frugal validation that allow for sustainable renovation of existing systems? This paper tries to explore a third way, a renovation of the physical heritage from a renovation of the system of rules, conceiving in the system of rules, new propositions, and their validation. Using the C-K theory, a case analysis was performed within the French national rail network manager (SNCF Network), a company that has a historical engineering heritage and is at the same time implementing a renovation of it. The paper shows that the renovation of engineering departments’ creation heritage can go through frugal validation patterns and constructive proof logics.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A SMART PRODUCT-SERVICE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
Authors: Paliyenko Yevgeni , Heinz Daniel , Schiller Christian , Tüzün Gregory-Jamie , Roth Daniel , Kreimeyer Matthias
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, companies operate in increasingly competitive and dynamic markets with fast-changing customer needs. Simultaneously, major advances are being made in information and communication technologies, and the digitization of products is progressing. Based on these economic and technological trends, smart product-service systems (PSS) are emerging as a new form of business model. Recent studies show that the transition to developing smart PSS is a major challenge for companies and that they require methodological support, as their internal structures are undergoing significant changes.

In order to provide a sound basis for support, we have undertaken a comprehensive study to identify requirements for a smart PSS development framework. 24 interviews and 5 workshops with companies that have recently focused on the development of smart PSS provide a rich set of empirical data to explore the challenges faced by companies today. We systematically analyzed the data and evaluated the results with our respondents. To increase the robustness and generalizability of our findings, we performed a contextual literature review and analyzed additional cases. This led us to a set of 17 requirements for a smart PSS development framework.
SELECTION OF MODEL APPROACHES AND MODELLING METHODS FOR LIFETIME PROGNOSIS
Authors: Bauer Robin Steve , Inkermann David
Published: June 2023

Lifetime prognoses are fundamentally important to improve products regarding safety, costs, availability and sustainability. To modelling the lifetime of a system or its components and subsystems different methods and model approaches are available, which are not compatible in any case. Depending on the system, use case and available data, the existing model approaches and modelling methods are differently suitable for a precise lifetime prediction. In this contribution a procedure was developed to help in the selection of suitable approach-method combinations. For this purpose, the compatibility of method types with the different model approaches was assessed and criteria for the pre-selection of suitable approaches and methods for lifetime modelling were defined. The selection procedure was applied to the example of entities for electric powertrains of aircraft in early design stages. Finally, the results were summarized and evaluated. The insights gained in this paper can help to enhance lifetime models of products in early design phases.
SIMULATING BIORESORBABLE LATTICE STRUCTURES TO ENABLE TIME-DEPENDENT STIFFNESS IN FRACTURE FIXATION DEVICES
Authors: Hawthorn Barnaby , Triantaphyllou Andrew , Khan Farhan , Dyson Rosemary , Thomas-Seale Lauren E. J.
Published: June 2023

Additive manufacture (AM) enables a greatly increased design freedom owing to its ability to manufacture otherwise difficult or impossible geometries. However, design creativity can often present itself as a barrier to realising the advantages that AM could offer. In this study the use of AM, bioresorbable materials and lattice design is considered as a method of satisfying contradicting design requirements during fracture healing. Often, immediately after a fracture high stiffness fixation is required; contradictingly during the remodelling phase high stiffness can inhibit bone healing. This study proposes the use of a bioresorbable body centred cubic (BCC) or face centred cubic (FCC) lattice structure to meet the need for tailored variation in implant stiffness over time. To reduce computational expense of lattice modelling a method is outlined, including the use of homogenisation. Results show homogenised representations perform within 5.2% and 1.4% for BCC and FCC unit cells respectively, with a 95% reduction in computational expense. Using resorption rates from the literature, time-dependent change in unit cell geometry was also modelled, showing the way in which a decrease in stiffness over time could be achieved.
SOCIAL EARPLUGS: A CASE STUDY ON INTEGRATING HUMAN AUGMENTATION IN HEARING PROTECTION
Authors: De Boeck Muriel , Sempels Jill , Vaes Kristof
Published: June 2023

Social augmentation refers to a human-computer integration technology that aims to enhance the user's social skills by supporting empathy, interaction and communication. This study investigated the implementation of social augmentation in hearing protection within the context of entertainment. Through a user-centred analysis, potential social augmentation functions for earplugs were conceived. Three innovative conceptual prototypes were then developed, each enriched with three social functions. Accordingly, each of these concepts should ensure that social skill is enhanced, facilitated or improved. To assess whether the concepts were successful, the social impact of the prototypes on the user and bystanders was evaluated and compared through questionnaires and focus groups using video footage. The results provided promising conclusions regarding the applied methodology and the potential for optimizing the iteration process of innovative human augmentation concepts.
A MULTI-OBJECTIVE DECISION-MAKING APPROACH TO SUPPORT THE DESIGN OF SOCIAL INNOVATIONS IN THE ENERGY SECTOR
Authors: Samir Basma , Abi Akle Audrey , Lizarralde Iban
Published: June 2023

Social innovations in the energy sector (SIE) are essential for accelerating the transition to clean, renewable, and democratic energy while encouraging citizens' involvement. However, SIE lacks clear boundaries, making it challenging to make design decisions. Clear and effective design decisions can help identify opportunities and constraints that may impact the success of social innovations. To support decision-making in SIE design, this paper proposes a multi-objective decision-support model based on the definition and exploration of the SIE design space. The model integrates various objective functions related to economic, environmental, and social perspectives, to ensure that selected solutions are tailored to the needs of citizens. By exploring the SIE design space, the model allows designers to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of different design options and select the most suitable solutions. To illustrate the proposed approach, this paper applies the model to a specific case of SIE: photovoltaic self-consumption. The findings of this paper provide a decision support model to assist SIE designers in making informed design decisions.
SOLVING TOMORROW'S DESIGN CHALLENGES REQUIRES NEW TOOLS FOR LARGE WORLD DECISION-MAKING
Authors: Ferguson Scott , Drobac Kye , Bryden Kenneth M.
Published: June 2023

Engineering design research has largely focused on normative models of decision analysis based on small world causal frames where uncertainty can be resolved as probabilities or probability distributions. However, today we need to design solutions for our built environment that are sustainable, just, and able to adapt. Because of the scale and complexity of our world, designs that address sustainability, justice, and adaptability are dominated by unresolvable uncertainty. This requires large world frames and new engineering design frameworks and tools that provide a much broader and nuanced understanding of the impact of our engineering decisions. In this paper we propose that these tools will need to link quantitative and qualitative data and engineering judgment using narrative decision-making processes. To support this, we provide two examples where engineering decision-making is based in part on narrative processes. We then identify five research areas that require additional research to support large-world frames including (1) how can we create microcosms that enable transition between large- and small-world frames and (2) how engineers develop conviction to act using the narratives they create.
SYSTEMATIC OPTIMISATION PROCESS FOR AN EBIKE DRIVE UNIT IN A HIGHLY VARIABLE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Steck Marco , Husung Stephan
Published: June 2023

Drive units of eBikes are used in every type of bicycle and for different riding scenarios and riders. Due to the different riders and bike types, an enormous variety of influencing parameters and load spectra must be considered during the design process. Therefore, in this paper, a systematic approach for the optimization of the drive unit is presented, which adopts and combines several approaches from design theory. The focus is on efficient modeling and simulation of the relevant parameters and load spectra to minimize uncertainties in the design process.

Based on a system analysis, dimension-reduced parameter spaces are formed for the simulation of the system, meta-models are integrated into the simulation model and the results of the simulation are transferred into a data-based surrogate model to cover the parameter space in an efficient way with a minimum number of time consuming FE simulations. Furthermore, a coordinate-based evaluation method is presented for the FE model in order to form the input for the surrogate model, reduces the amount of data, and to allows a geometry- and mesh-independent evaluation to compare different models.
TEXT MINING OF RESILIENT OBJECTS ABSORBING CHANGE AND UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Panarotto Massimo , Giordano Vito , Chiarello Filippo , Brahma Arindam , Alonso Fernández Inigo , Fantoni Gualtiero
Published: June 2023

The current ways of coping with uncertainty such as changes during product design or use have been through methods such as easy restructuring (e.g., modularity with buffer in interface definition), by overdesign and so on. The present investments on maintaining products in the economy for “as long as possible” is challenging these strategies from a cost and environmental perspective. Moreover, these strategies often lead to highly overdesigned products. An alternative strategy is to introduce features in a design, called “resilient objects”, which are able to absorb such uncertainties without wasteful overdesign of other parts. By applying a ‘text-mining’ approach on patents, this paper has identified 5,552 candidates for such resilient objects that can be recombined and inserted in regions of the product that are likely to be most affected by current and future uncertainties. The application of resilient objects is demonstrated on a case study (a cooling system for battery electric vehicles). The case study highlights the ability of these objects to 1) significantly increase protection against uncertainties without the need for restructuring, 2 ) reduce the risk for overdesign and 3) dampen effects of change propagation.
THE ARISTOTELIAN CAUSALITIES IN LOCALISED DISTRIBUTED MANUFACTURING
Authors: Skouboe Esben Bala , Barros Mário
Published: June 2023

Half of the total greenhouse gas emissions and 90% of biodiversity loss come from resource extraction and processing. (EC 2020). To counter this, we must switch to sustainable, long-lasting products and slow down the use of resources. It is clear that these systems will not be fixed by incremental changes but by a series of disruptions. This article uses the Aristotelian causalities as a vehicle to break down the concept of “why” industrial design and discuss the underlying value propositions of distributed manufacturing. This critical perspective allows designers and engineers to bridge the knowledge-siloes and rewire the way a product is designed, sourced, built and consumed in relation to the four Aristotelian causalities. The paper discusses the limitations and potentialities for each causality in relation to a distributed manufacturing paradigm and argues for a new sustainable design concept: The Local Limited Edition. A site-specific product design, realised by brands to enrich brand value on local markets, improve market fit and increase attachment, ultimately improving the products' longevity and value of the products.
THE DESIGN MINDSET INVENTORY (D-MINDSET0): A PRELIMINARY INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING DESIGN MINDSET
Authors: Lavrsen Jakob Clemen , Daalhuizen Jaap , Carbon Claus-Christian
Published: June 2023

Mindset has been identified as an essential aspect of design and innovation, impacting both behaviours and performance. However, the concept of design mindset is elusive. Often design mindset is used indistinguishably from design behaviour, diminishing the complexity of the mechanisms and cognitive processes underlying design behaviour. As the initial step in researching these mechanisms, we operationalise the concept of design mindset and present the design mindset inventory (D-Mindset0) to measure it. The initial inventory centered around 16 agreement-to-value statements related to design practice. To analyse the inventory, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis based on 473 master students from different engineering disciplines participating in a course on innovation in engineering. The analysis revealed a four-factor structure with 11 final items. The four factors align with the concepts of ‘conversation with the situation,’ ‘iteration,’ ‘co-evolution of problem-solution,’ and ‘imagination.’
THE EMERGENCE AND IMPACT OF SYNCHRONY IN DESIGN TEAMS: A COMPUTATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Perišić Marija Majda , Štorga Mario , Gero John
Published: June 2023

Studies revealed that, while collaborating, humans tend to synchronise on multiple levels (e.g., neurocognitive or physiological). Inter-brain synchrony has been linked to improved problem-solving, decision-making, and creativity. Nevertheless, studies on synchrony in design teams started to emerge only recently. This study contributes to this stream of research by utilising a computational model of a design team to explore the relationships between team cohesion, synchrony, and team performance. The experiments revealed a positive link between team cohesion level and the emergence of (cognitive) synchrony. Furthermore, cohesive teams were found to be more efficient, converging quicker and producing solutions at a higher rate. In addition, the diversity of the solutions generated by highly cohesive teams tends to increase over time. Teams in medium- and low-cohesive settings initially generate highly diverse solutions, but such diversity decreases as the simulation progresses. Finally, highly-cohesive teams were found to be prone to premature convergence.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INDIVIDUAL WORK IN COLLABORATIVE DESIGN MEETING: IMPACT ON DESIGN TOOLS AND METHODOLOGIES
Authors: Chartres Izabella , Gidel Thierry , Moulin Claude
Published: June 2023

This paper demonstrates the importance of individual work in collaborative design meetings based on Granger’ causality and discusses how this impacts design tools and methodologies.

Based on Tucker's et al. CIAO model of globally collaborative work which allows distinguishing the main modes of interaction during a meeting, our research identifies the patterns or sequences of those interaction modes according to the Granger causality concept. Granger causality makes it possible to identify a temporal precedence of events without necessarily implying causality.

The results show that individual work plays a key role in achieving collaborative work. However, other factors such as the nature of the meetings and the objectives pursued also influence the sequences of interaction of the different modes.

These first results allow making recommendations on collaborative work methodologies and support mechanisms for collaboration. For instance, the ability of digital devices to facilitate the simultaneous individual work of participants in a collective space is a key factor and the ability to preserve sequences for individual work during a design meeting should be monitored to keep global efficiency.
THE INFLUENCE OF REPRESENTATION ON SYSTEM INTERPRETATION: A SEARCH FOR MOST COMMON SET PARTITIONS
Authors: Murphy Alexander R. , Patel Apurva R. , Zorn Stefan , Gericke Kilian , Summers Joshua D.
Published: June 2023

During engineering design, different representations are used to convey information about a systems' components, functionality, spatial layout, and interdependencies. These varying representations may have an impact on the interpretation of a system and consequently the decision-making process. This paper presents a research study that tries to capture these different interpretations by investigating how designers divide a system into subsystem clusters. These subsystem clusters can be considered partitions of a set-in combinatorial mathematics. Given designers' subsystem clusters for three products across three representation modalities, three different analysis methods for finding the most likely partition from observed data are presented. Analysis shows that the Variation of Information analysis method gives the most coherent and consistent results for the search of a most likely cluster. In addition, differences in clustering behaviour are observed based on representation modality. These results show that the way an engineer or designer chooses to represent a system impacts how that system is interpreted, which has implications for the decision-making process during engineering design.
THE INTERIOR DESIGN CHALLENGES OF A HYPERLOOP POD HOW TO ENHANCE THE PASSENGER EXPERIENCE
Authors: Cerron Gisela Zita , Liem Andre
Published: June 2023

Although still in its infancy, the Hyperloop project aims to develop a new type of public transport. The concept is to send a capsule, called “pod”, at about 1000km/h in a vacuum tube that would connect two places separated by 500km. One issue is that the pod will be windowless and travel inside a tube made of steel which will influence passenger comfort. This article brings together various domains to explore the different characteristics that can influence the travel experience. As the Hyperloop concept is still in an early stage of development, methods for analyzing the interior design of transportation vehicles, such as Kansei Engineering, Mayr's circle, and the comfort model by Looze have been proposed. Moreover, typical characteristics, such as “Environment”, “Running Factors” and “Service & Installation” have been discussed with respect to “passengers” experience, comfort and safety.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRODUCT ARCHITECTURE AND INNOVATION: A STUDY THROUGH DESIGN OF MOTORCYCLES
Authors: Chandra Sushil
Published: June 2023

How does the quantity and quality of innovation in an organization vary with the architecture of the product that the organization produces is a recurring theme in literature. This paper attempts to answer this question in quantitative terms and establishes an empirical relationship. While establishing this relationship, this paper also finds objective and quantitative expressions both for the product architecture and innovation in such a way that both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of innovation are accounted for. In this process three new formulations, which can be calculated using the data available in public domain, have been established for architectural modularity, architectural complexity and innovativeness of an idea respectively.These formulations have been verified by collecting innovation data in an automobile manufacturing company and analyzing it from the perspective of architecture and innovation. Finally, the relatioships between architectural parameters and innovativeness have been explored. Implications include the type of architecture more amenable to innovation, the impact of innovation on architectural complexity and a methodological contribution to operationalizing innovation.
THE REPRESENTATION-USAGE-IMPACT (RUI) METHOD TO BETTER FRAME THE POTENTIAL SOCIAL IMPACTS OF A HIGHLY DISRUPTIVE PRODUCT—APPLICATION TO THE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE
Authors: Lecomte Robin , Yannou Bernard , Cahen Roland , Thibaud Guillaume , Etienne Fabrice
Published: June 2023

Innovative products can be highly prospective and apt to disrupt usages profoundly. They can lead to multiple long-term social impacts influencing people's way of life and behaviour. So it is necessary to anticipate them without delay. Due to high uncertainty, designers may face the problem that conventional user-centred methods, which assess design performances from today's users, are not adapted. We think sociologists can help characterise the likely social impacts of future products. So we propose an original framework called the Representation-Usage-Impact (RUI) method to stimulate sociologists' projection and capture relevant knowledge about probable social impacts. The method includes a database structure encoding the knowledge of sociologists for further use in the design process. Its goal is to help designers avoid making choices today that may be regretted in decades. We illustrate the method and its process with the design of autonomous vehicle scenarios, as it will likely bring many new usages in the future. As the method is still under construction, we present an intermediate validation step involving sociologists. The first results suggest that the method might be a safeguard for the design of disruptive products.
THE RIGHT-TO-REPAIR MOVEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IMPLICATIONS: A FOCUS ON THREE INDUSTRIAL SECTORS
Authors: Saidani Michael , Kim Alicia , Kim Madeline
Published: June 2023

While products get more challenging to repair, the right-to-repair movement aims to empower consumers in their ability to “use, modify, and repair” a device “whenever, wherever, and however” they want. Here, the best design practices and remaining challenges of three industrial sectors – namely, consumer electronics, biomedical devices, and clothing industry – are investigated in light of the right-to-repair movement. Based on literature reviews and industrial surveys, a SWOT analysis is provided for each sector, and sustainable implications for product repair readiness are drawn. Concretely, recommendations to design, develop and sell products with right-to-repair in mind are given by sector. Future directions for a more quantitative assessment and implementation of design for product repair are discussed to ensure the augmentation of the circularity and sustainability performance of products.
THE ROLE OF DESIGN IN INTERDISCIPLINARY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT – CHALLENGES, RESEARCH APPROACHES AND FURTHER RESEARCH NEEDS
Authors: Stöhr Bernd , Koldewey Christian , Dumitrescu Roman
Published: June 2023

In global competition, companies are continuously searching for a competitive advantage. A growing number of companies have identified the design of their products as a major success factor. The promises for companies associated with outstanding design are extremely attractive, ranging from better customer experience to higher sales growth. But even though the advantages of design seem to be compelling, companies are still having difficulties in leveraging the benefits of design.

In this paper, we want to identify the underlying challenges that explain this gap. We are especially interested in the role and challenges of design in interdisciplinary product development. Therefore, we perform a literature review that clarifies terminology, analyses research approaches and identifies challenges. We determine seven key challenges for design in interdisciplinary product development. Furthermore, we observe a limited scope of research approaches in the reviewed literature. Based on these findings, we propose three further research directions to strengthen the role of design in interdisciplinary product development in the future.
THE ROLE OF STORYTELLING AS AN ANALYTICAL TOOL IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Authors: Singh Vishal , Tomar Reet
Published: June 2023

This paper reports the preliminary findings from ongoing research on the potential role of storytelling as an analytical framework in assessing a research project. It is noted that most existing research on storytelling in science is focused on science communication. There is limited research on storytelling as an analytical tool for analyzing and synthesizing research plans and design. This research is based on the premise that the assessment of a research project and design is based on reviewing one or the other form of research communication, whether it is a research plan, a research report, or a presentation. Thus, the assessment is mediated by how well the research plan, proposal, report, or presentation, communicates the research to the reviewer and how well it connects the dots. The reported findings are based on studies with two different storytelling frameworks applied to assess research representations made by doctoral researchers as part of their annual research progress review. The paper reports the details of the research approach, the empirical study, and preliminary findings from the collected data.
A NEW RESEARCH PROTOCOL FOR USING SYSTEM MAPS IN SYSTEMIC DESIGN RESEARCH
Authors: Moons Stine , Noëth Esther , Du Bois Els , Jacoby Alexis
Published: June 2023

System maps are established tools in design practice and education as well as non-design research, both as a process and an outcome of systemic analysis and synthesis. Applying causal loop diagrams (CLD's) in (systemic) design research could be of great value to tackle the growing societal complexity. At this moment there is, however, no clear research protocol to include the rich data necessary for systemic research and ensure a scientifically valid system map in the context of design research. In this paper, we propose a protocol using CLD's as a research method and outcome in design-inclusive research. The protocol synthesises rich data from qualitative research in a way that the representation yields higher validity compared to the regular approach to systems mapping, using a process of reflection and iteration on boundary setting. An iterative process of qualitative research methods with lean validation methods was used to come to a conceptual proposal. The protocol can support systemic design researchers and practitioners to include a scientifically grounded CLD in the explorative research actions phase, thus bridging the research towards a phase of creative design actions.
THE STUDY OF COGNITIVE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DESIGNERS AND USERS BASED ON SCHEMA THEORY
Authors: Guo Su , Fan Shengxi , Meng Yichen
Published: June 2023

This study is grounded upon the cognitive process and knowledge representation, analyzes the differences in perceptions between designers and users by applying schema theory. Per design process, we disassembled the semantic words that represent the design concept, and re-construct the representative visual imagery library. We experimented the imagery library with selective designers and users, and through their selections of the images, we uncovered: 1. The differences largely exist in concept interpretation and imagery selection between designers and users, which has strong relationship with their different schema; 2. The experiment revealed the fact that designers are inclined to understand the concept by disassembling the elements, and have obvious tendency of professionalism, while users’ interpretation prefers complete forms and life-oriented; 3. As compared with users, designers relatively prefer brand-new, creative elements in selecting visualized representation.
THE USE OF ORGANIC RESIDUES TO DEVELOP PACKAGING: TESTS IN MOLDED PULP
Authors: Sastre Ricardo Marques , Zeni Cristiane Ferrari , De Paula Istefani Carisio , Hauser Ghissia , Da Conceição Stéfanie
Published: June 2023

At the end of its life the packaging may become a residue if it is not correctly discarded, becoming a visible component of the waste produced on the planet, with a defined shape and communicating with the world. In the same way, large-scale agricultural production generates organic residues that, although representing fiber-rich materials, are discarded, such as rice husk, coconut husk, wood fibers, among others. To contribute with solutions to minimize the environmental impact of packaging and organic residues, the present study aims at performing preliminary tests of molded pulp packaging manufacturing from organic residues, in a circular economy context. Action research was used as the method to guide the collective construction (project team and partner companies), and the direction of the preliminary tests of packaging to be manufactured. The tests performed on coconut fibers in transfer molding and thermoforming were promising, but they required the addition of binder substances like byproducts from starch, especially in the transfer molding method. Besides using fibers from alternative sources to cellulose, the proposed packaging is potentially compostable and may replace non-renewable material like oil-based polymers.
TOWARD A HUMAN SYSTEMS INTEGRATION APPROACH TO THE DESIGN AND OPERATION OF A REMOTE AND VIRTUAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTER
Authors: Disdier Alexandre , Masson Dimitri , Brethomé Thomas , Jankovic Marija , Boy Guy-André
Published: June 2023

Remote and virtual centers have been studied for the past twenty years as an alternative to the traditional air traffic control tower environment. Designing such complex sociotechnical systems requires a systems engineering approach that appropriately integrates the human element as well as the technological and organizational components. In this paper, we identify the challenges of implementing this human-systems integration in the design of complex systems. We present the feedback we obtained from a series of semi-structured interviews with people involved in the development of military air traffic solutions. The participants' responses helped us establish methodological guidelines for designing and building a disruptive remote and virtual air traffic control center. We discuss how virtualized human- in-the-loop simulations in particular should help designers analyze user activity and be more flexible in system acquisition.
TOWARDS REALISTIC NUMERICAL MODELLING OF THIN STRUT-BASED 3D-PRINTED STRUCTURES
Authors: Dash Satabdee , Nordin Axel
Published: June 2023

The as-built geometry and material properties of parts manufactured using Additive Manufacturing (AM) can differ significantly from the as-designed model and base material properties. These differences can be more pronounced in thin strut-like features (e.g., in a lattice structure), making it essential to incorporate them when designing for AM and predicting their structural behaviour. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a numerical model with realistic characteristics based on a thin strut-based test artefact and to use it accurately for estimating its compressive strength. Experiments on test samples produced by selective laser sintering in PA 1101, are used to calculate geometrical deviations, Young's modulus, and yield strength, which are used to calibrate the numerical model. The experimental and numerical results show that the numerical model incorporating geometrical and material deviations can accurately predict the peak load and the force-displacement behaviour. The main contributions of this paper include the design of the test artefact, the average geometrical deviation of the struts, the measured material data, and the developed numerical model.
TRANSPORT EFFICIENCY OF DELIVERY TRUCKS: A STUDY OF COUPLING VEHICLE DESIGN AND TRANSPORT SYSTEM THROUGH FUNCTIONAL MODELLING AND OPTIMISATION
Authors: Shahrezaei Khashayar , O'Reilly Ciarán J. , Lähivaara Timo , Göransson Peter
Published: June 2023

To enable the emergence of new and efficient vehicle design from the transport system perspective, a formulation of a multifunctional vehicle-transport design optimisation problem is presented. System- wide measures of transportation and vehicle efficiency measures are conceptually considered in an integrative design approach to drive the transport solutions towards more resource-efficient and eventually more sustainable solutions. Considered efficiency measures associated with the system-wide aspect are namely, productivity and service efficiency, and measures associated with vehicle attributes are namely mass and shape efficiency. The conflicting nature of these measures is balanced using optimisation methodologies through multiple transportation scenarios with varying transport demand and deterministic drive cycles. The obtained optimisation results demonstrated that there is a strong interconnectivity between the vehicle's overall configuration and transportation aspects. Thus, conceptually demonstrating how the inclusion of various transport-vehicle efficiency measures simultaneously in an integrative design approach during the early vehicle design may yield a more efficient and better overall system performance.
TRASH TALK: WHO USES WHICH REUSABLE PRODUCT? USER INSIGHTS AND DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES FOR SINGLE-USE ALTERNATIVES
Authors: Herweyers Laure , Du Bois Els , Moons Ingrid
Published: June 2023

Single-use products often end up in the environment as waste, threatening ecosystems and human life. This indicates a need to transition towards sustainable reuse routines. In this study, we investigate to what extent reusable products are already established in society and what design properties users require. We compare the results between user clusters and countries. To create a meaningful list of reusable products to investigate, we distinguish four categories based on typical barriers by means of focus groups (n=3) and interviews (n=32). Next, we did a survey (n=3000) in three countries (Belgium, Russia, U.S.) to define user clusters and investigate product usage and design requirements. Most established products are hard-material products such as lunch boxes, while intimate hygiene products, such as menstrual cups, are not established yet. Multifunctionality and compactness are the most indicated product requirements. There are significant differences between countries and clusters for both research questions. We conclude that different types of users have different needs: while a sharing system might work for one group, a customizable option would be more suitable for others.
UNCERTAINTY MANAGEMENT IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PORTFOLIOS: THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY AGENDAS
Authors: Filipovic Andy Mattulat , Welo Torgeir , Willumsen Pelle Lundquist , Oehmen Josef
Published: June 2023

Increased focus on sustainability significantly impacts product development portfolio management in organizations. This paper focuses on the significant unaccommodated uncertainty caused by the green transition for current mid- and long-term portfolio management processes. These uncertainties arise in areas such as the regulatory environment, market demands, and technical capabilities. This paper makes four contributions: First, current product portfolio management literature is mostly employing deterministic practices. Uncertainties are incompletely addressed, and current methods fail to address the deep uncertainties of the green transition. Second, building a literature-based conceptual framework of the sources of uncertainty in 6 areas: Business Models, Technology, Regulation and Legislation, Finance and Insurance, Market and Consumer, and Organizational Context. Third, preliminary empirical evidence supports the usefulness of our model for product development portfolio management. Fourth, concluding with a suggested empirical research agenda to develop a deeper understanding of challenges towards method and theory development to support the green transition on the portfolio management level.
USING PLEASURABILITY TO COMPARE WRISTWATCHES AND IOT SMARTWATCHES: PROVIDING NOVEL INSIGHTS INTO UX DESIGN
Authors: Lin Zidong , Ahmed-Kristensen Saeema , Hall Ashley , Sommer Bjorn
Published: June 2023

The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought more challenges for designers to fully understand networked objects and develop pleasurable user experiences (UXs). Due to the radical change of products when they are connected, traditional experience design theories may not be applicable in this new context. Based on two well-established UX design theories, this paper presents a survey study that investigated the pleasurability of IoT devices by comparing a representative IoT device (i.e., the smartwatch) and its conventional form (i.e., the wristwatch). An online questionnaire was deployed to gather feedback from parallel wristwatch and smartwatch users. Their experiences using both types of watches were quantitatively and qualitatively compared by data analysis. The results highlighted the differences in UXs between smartwatches and wristwatches in three types of pleasure and five psychological needs. The study revealed design opportunities to improve the pleasurability of smartwatches and provides novel design insights informing the development of pleasurable UXs for future IoT devices.
VIBRATION REDUCTION BY TUNED MASS DAMPERS INSIDE CAVITIES OF TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZED LATTICE STRUCTURES
Authors: Janousek Marc Konrad Bernd , Xu Duo , Vazhapilli Sureshbabu Anand , Zimmermann Markus
Published: June 2023

Tuned mass dampers may be used to improve vibrational behavior of structures. However, they require space to move. This paper presents an approach to incorporate tuned mass dampers into a lightweight-optimized structure without extra space requirement. It is based on (1) topology optimization (TopOpt) with unit cells and (2) vibration reduction with multiple tuned mass dampers (m-TMD) within the unit cells. The topology optimization is performed with a physics-informed penalty factor, unique to the chosen unit cell. Subsequently, the weight optimal density distribution is realized by populating the design domain with unit cells of ten different densities. To reduce the induced vibration, m-TMDs are placed inside the cavities of the unit cells in the grey scale regions. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated for the design of a 2-segment robot arm. The resulting unit cell robotic arm (UC-Arm) is 3.6% lighter than the reference model, maintains the same static performance, and shows a 60% smaller dynamic displacement in the observed frequency range. No extra space is required for the motion of the m-TMD.
VISUAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL PROTOTYPES
Authors: Berni Aurora , Nezzi Chiara , Piazzolla Nadia , Borgianni Yuri
Published: June 2023

Product development stages are typically characterized by different forms of representations and degrees of specification, which potentially affect user's perception and evaluation. These effects are worth investigating more closely also because of the growing relevance of new technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) in the design field. The objective of this paper is to elucidate the mutual relations between forms of representation, visual behaviour, and people's evaluations. The focus is on differences between virtual and physical prototypes. In the illustrated experiment, participants visited a tiny house in an immersive VR (360° images acquisition). The results were compared with a past experiment where the physical prototype of the same product was similarly evaluated. The dwell times on Areas of Interest (AOIs) pertaining to the tiny house were compared and correlated to variables concerning subjective evaluations. The results show just a few similarities of visual exploration in terms of gazed AOIs. Substantial differences in terms of how the duration of gazing affects evaluations have been found too. The larger number of significant correlations between observations and evaluations in the virtual exploration emerged.
VISUALISING AND REVERGING: UNDERSTANDING THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND VISUAL THINKING
Authors: Jansen Alix , Heijne Katrina , van Oosterom Iren , Gonçalves Milene
Published: June 2023

We investigate reverging - the phase between the diverging and converging steps in a creative process - in the context of a visual thinking agency. Creative facilitation literature advocates for such a phase, aimed at revisiting and rearranging ideas generated during diverging, to prepare for converging. However, in practice this step is often neglected or not performed well, resulting into a sense of increased complexity or lack of client ownership.

Two studies were used to investigate reverging in context: a preliminary study consisted of interviews and observations to better understand reverging in current visual thinking practices. The follow-up study focused on co-creating a tool to solve the problem identified in the preliminary study.

While the preliminary study revealed the need to involve clients in both diverging and reverging phases, the follow-up study resulted in the creation of the Whiteboard Canvas. The tool was tested in practice and several benefits of reverging in visual thinking practices emerged.

The tool empowers visual thinking practitioners to involve their clients more actively in reverging, resulting into a more deliberate creative process and an increased sense of client ownership.