Design Conversations: An exploratory study of teacher and student interaction in the design studio

The purpose of this thesis is to describe the process of teaching and learning how to design. Knowledge about design education has thus far lacked a foundation in empirical studies. As such, the thesis is built by four case studies conducted in real-context settings; the case studies are direct observations and analysis of four different teacher...

To craft, by design, for sustainability: Towards holistic sustainability design for developing-country enterprises

Current sustainable design initiatives and approaches are already looking at using industrial techniques and technologies to recontextualize renewable materials to create innovative products and systems to suit global markets. However, the design outputs from these initiatives—while being mindful of ecological sustainability and targeting...

Cork Design: A Design Action Intervention Approach Towards Sustainable Product Innovation

The study Cork Design: A Design Action Intervention Approach Towards Sustainable Product Innovation comprises the systematic implementation of sustainable product innovation within the Portuguese cork sector, through action research. Cork is a natural, recyclable, non-toxic, and renewable resource, which stems from the bark of the cork oak in...

Assisting Driver Sovereignty: A Fail-Safe Design Approach to Driver Distraction

This thesis investigates the potential of a fail-safe approach to driver distraction through novel interface concepts for integrated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Traffic accidents are a negative side effect of the universal and economical desire for mobility. The year 2009 saw the alarming numbers of 34.817 fatalities and 1.565.151...

Anticipating Soft Problems with Consumer Electronic Products: How do soft problems interact with user characteristics and product properties?

Over the last decade consumer electronic product industries have been confronted with an increase in consumer complaints. Interestingly about half of the reasons for product return are based on so called ‘soft problems’, consumer complaints that cannot be traced back to technical problems. Probably this phenomenon results from technological...

Product Innovation Knowledge Transfer for Developing Countries: Towards a systematic Transfer Approach

The transfer of knowledge on product innovation to small- and medium-sized enterprises and local knowledge institutions in developing countries is expected to be one of the key drivers for competiveness and economical growth, and a part of the solution to environmental and social challenge. In that respect, this PhD study focuses on how the...