D.I. Brand
Please Note
18 records found
1
Due to the fast changes the digital environment has suffered in the last year 2021 with the surge of the NFTs and the serious investments in the development of “metaverses”, I intend to understand what problems users have while interacting with NFTs to promote this change and remove possible barriers for the adoption of the technology. The focus, therefore, is on the uses of NFTs and how the consumers interact and experience them. The goal is to detect a problem in this regard and propose a solution that improves the current state of the art. Thus, the work conveyed consists of a study of the general environment, industries, users and their problems and a definition of a problem to solve. Afterwards, I provide a solution to the problem detected.
In the study conducted I pinpoint the current trends of NFTs as a hyped and niche market, but with potential to become mainstream in the mid future (5 years). Accordingly, a problem that could prevent this to happen is detected as result of engaging with the users and their current use of NFTs. Here, the present scenario for showcasing NFTs is highlighted as an issue and potential roadblock for the mass adoption of the technology.
The solution developed does not only focus on the user problem but also on the underlying limitation, the technical existing constraints when visualising NFTs. The result of the graduation project not only solves the problem detected, but also improves the current state of the art and sets a solid ground for NFTs to unlock their maximum potential. This is achieved with the use of advanced technologies like Augmented Reality and concentration on the user’s desires.
Finally, future recommendations are suggested to improve the deliverable, including all the functionalities required. A fully working prototype will shed more light to the results obtained and give the users the true complete desired experience. ...
Due to the fast changes the digital environment has suffered in the last year 2021 with the surge of the NFTs and the serious investments in the development of “metaverses”, I intend to understand what problems users have while interacting with NFTs to promote this change and remove possible barriers for the adoption of the technology. The focus, therefore, is on the uses of NFTs and how the consumers interact and experience them. The goal is to detect a problem in this regard and propose a solution that improves the current state of the art. Thus, the work conveyed consists of a study of the general environment, industries, users and their problems and a definition of a problem to solve. Afterwards, I provide a solution to the problem detected.
In the study conducted I pinpoint the current trends of NFTs as a hyped and niche market, but with potential to become mainstream in the mid future (5 years). Accordingly, a problem that could prevent this to happen is detected as result of engaging with the users and their current use of NFTs. Here, the present scenario for showcasing NFTs is highlighted as an issue and potential roadblock for the mass adoption of the technology.
The solution developed does not only focus on the user problem but also on the underlying limitation, the technical existing constraints when visualising NFTs. The result of the graduation project not only solves the problem detected, but also improves the current state of the art and sets a solid ground for NFTs to unlock their maximum potential. This is achieved with the use of advanced technologies like Augmented Reality and concentration on the user’s desires.
Finally, future recommendations are suggested to improve the deliverable, including all the functionalities required. A fully working prototype will shed more light to the results obtained and give the users the true complete desired experience.
Ambulance drones in The Netherlands
A vision + concept design for 2035
Design agency Modyn wants to profile themselves within the field of air mobility through a vision concept for an ambulance drone. This use case, they reckoned, would be a good starting point for Air Mobility and eVTOLs, as it attracts more public acceptance than commercial use cases, such as an air-taxi service.
Modyn’s vision project was turned into this graduation thesis: an ambulance drone concept for the scope of 2035. Far enough in the future to capture the imagination, but near enough for it to relate to our present day reality in 2021.
Keeping the project grounded was one of the main challenges. It required a good understanding of the current ambulance system in The Netherlands. Which was the first research subject. A visit to ambulance station Delft and interviews with people from the field were all valuable input.
After establishing the current status quo, a look into the future was taken. Here, plans towards Air Mobility were investigated, in order to see how much The Netherlands is interested in this idea. The influence of technological and societal developments that relate to Air Mobility were plotted on a timeline, creating a roadmap towards 2035. This roadmap would create an input for the technical architecture of the ambulance drone.
Having a good picture of the present and a potential future, the research was distilled into a vision and a mission. The focus now clearly went towards using ambulance drones to replace the current ambulance helicopters. Also, the design challenges were identified and a program of requirements was compiled.
The design phase started off with the ideation, in which Virtual Reality was used to generate interior layouts. The interior is the most fundamental part of the design, as it is responsible for 90% of the interactions that the users have with the ambulance drone. An inside-out design approach was therefore the most sensible.
From the VR based ideation, the most promising interior layouts were translated into concepts. The direction was still rather open at this point, so in order to converge towards the final concept, a lot of experts were consulted for feedback on the concepts and the direction of the project.
This led to the creation of the final design, which was loosely based on two of the concepts. Thanks to the feedback from experts, the final design underwent quite a metamorphosis compared to the concepts.
The result is an ambulance drone concept with novel features and interesting ideas regarding the interior layout. The final concept has a recognisable, yet unique identity from a visual standpoint, being professional and approachable at the same time. ...
Design agency Modyn wants to profile themselves within the field of air mobility through a vision concept for an ambulance drone. This use case, they reckoned, would be a good starting point for Air Mobility and eVTOLs, as it attracts more public acceptance than commercial use cases, such as an air-taxi service.
Modyn’s vision project was turned into this graduation thesis: an ambulance drone concept for the scope of 2035. Far enough in the future to capture the imagination, but near enough for it to relate to our present day reality in 2021.
Keeping the project grounded was one of the main challenges. It required a good understanding of the current ambulance system in The Netherlands. Which was the first research subject. A visit to ambulance station Delft and interviews with people from the field were all valuable input.
After establishing the current status quo, a look into the future was taken. Here, plans towards Air Mobility were investigated, in order to see how much The Netherlands is interested in this idea. The influence of technological and societal developments that relate to Air Mobility were plotted on a timeline, creating a roadmap towards 2035. This roadmap would create an input for the technical architecture of the ambulance drone.
Having a good picture of the present and a potential future, the research was distilled into a vision and a mission. The focus now clearly went towards using ambulance drones to replace the current ambulance helicopters. Also, the design challenges were identified and a program of requirements was compiled.
The design phase started off with the ideation, in which Virtual Reality was used to generate interior layouts. The interior is the most fundamental part of the design, as it is responsible for 90% of the interactions that the users have with the ambulance drone. An inside-out design approach was therefore the most sensible.
From the VR based ideation, the most promising interior layouts were translated into concepts. The direction was still rather open at this point, so in order to converge towards the final concept, a lot of experts were consulted for feedback on the concepts and the direction of the project.
This led to the creation of the final design, which was loosely based on two of the concepts. Thanks to the feedback from experts, the final design underwent quite a metamorphosis compared to the concepts.
The result is an ambulance drone concept with novel features and interesting ideas regarding the interior layout. The final concept has a recognisable, yet unique identity from a visual standpoint, being professional and approachable at the same time.
Stimulating seasonality in food consumption
From a restrictive perspective to a celebration of local and fresh products
The Nederlandse Vereniging voor een Vrijwillig Levenseinde (NVVE) is involved as the client of this project. They provide support and information to people who want to apply for euthanasia (Missie en visie, z.d.).
Every euthanasia process is different, every person deals with this differently, but design can support people to find a way to get through this carefully. In this project, the research focus is on the process of people with physical health issues. The process is looked at, from the moment the conversation with loved ones about euthanasia starts until the grieving with other loved ones afterward.
This project is based on an extensive context research process. During this stage the different players in the system of euthanasia within the NVVE were interviewed. The main research was focused on the loved ones and the NVVE. The loved ones were both interviewed and had a booklet to share their story. This resulted into a list of recognizable themes for loved ones. The analysis of the data resulted into a design vision and interaction vision.
Design vision:
“Design to foster the beauty of the process, by creating moments of silence and evaluation during the process of euthanasia.”
Based on these visions the concept “moments of silence” was created. Together with a roadmap for the NVVE which shows them possible next steps to give more support to the loved ones.
From the evaluation sessions it can be concluded that both the NVVE and the loved ones see potential in this concept. They both recognize the need for recognition and support for the loved ones. They recognize that standing still will help the loved ones to reflect about their own experience and help to create and cherish the beautiful moment together.
Moments of silence
The concept “Moments of silence” is a product-service combination for the NVVE which helps the loved ones to create moments of reflection during the process to be able to see/cherish the beauty of that process.
The folder will guide the reader through seven recognizable themes for loved ones during the process of euthanasia. Each theme consists of several stories which are based on real stories. They can either read or listen the stories, which fits their style of processing at that moment. Afterwards, the loved ones are asked to reflect on the theme in their own way. Positive questions and assignments are formulated to stimulate positive reflection. The folder emphasizes that the reader should take their own pace and way of using this folder, since it is such a personal and delicate topic.
...
The Nederlandse Vereniging voor een Vrijwillig Levenseinde (NVVE) is involved as the client of this project. They provide support and information to people who want to apply for euthanasia (Missie en visie, z.d.).
Every euthanasia process is different, every person deals with this differently, but design can support people to find a way to get through this carefully. In this project, the research focus is on the process of people with physical health issues. The process is looked at, from the moment the conversation with loved ones about euthanasia starts until the grieving with other loved ones afterward.
This project is based on an extensive context research process. During this stage the different players in the system of euthanasia within the NVVE were interviewed. The main research was focused on the loved ones and the NVVE. The loved ones were both interviewed and had a booklet to share their story. This resulted into a list of recognizable themes for loved ones. The analysis of the data resulted into a design vision and interaction vision.
Design vision:
“Design to foster the beauty of the process, by creating moments of silence and evaluation during the process of euthanasia.”
Based on these visions the concept “moments of silence” was created. Together with a roadmap for the NVVE which shows them possible next steps to give more support to the loved ones.
From the evaluation sessions it can be concluded that both the NVVE and the loved ones see potential in this concept. They both recognize the need for recognition and support for the loved ones. They recognize that standing still will help the loved ones to reflect about their own experience and help to create and cherish the beautiful moment together.
Moments of silence
The concept “Moments of silence” is a product-service combination for the NVVE which helps the loved ones to create moments of reflection during the process to be able to see/cherish the beauty of that process.
The folder will guide the reader through seven recognizable themes for loved ones during the process of euthanasia. Each theme consists of several stories which are based on real stories. They can either read or listen the stories, which fits their style of processing at that moment. Afterwards, the loved ones are asked to reflect on the theme in their own way. Positive questions and assignments are formulated to stimulate positive reflection. The folder emphasizes that the reader should take their own pace and way of using this folder, since it is such a personal and delicate topic.
...
Design of a Fully Electric Super Yacht
Research by design to find the drivers, enablers and barriers of electric yachting
First, a vision is developed using the ViP (Vision in Product design) method, in order to create a clear raison d’être (reason of being) for the concept to be successful.
Context and Technology analysis lead to the formulation of a design brief, which was used for the Ideation. A main idea is selected to be developed into a concept, which is used to answer the research questions.
The design of the final concept showed the possibilities for fully electric yachting within the boundaries as set in the design brief. A fully electric super yacht will be less flexible in usage and is potentially only suitable for a selected clientele. The main barriers are technical and related to the infrastructure and usage. ...
First, a vision is developed using the ViP (Vision in Product design) method, in order to create a clear raison d’être (reason of being) for the concept to be successful.
Context and Technology analysis lead to the formulation of a design brief, which was used for the Ideation. A main idea is selected to be developed into a concept, which is used to answer the research questions.
The design of the final concept showed the possibilities for fully electric yachting within the boundaries as set in the design brief. A fully electric super yacht will be less flexible in usage and is potentially only suitable for a selected clientele. The main barriers are technical and related to the infrastructure and usage.
Ginnasio
Home furniture to support physical exercise
For this project, the western home bathroom was chosen as a context of research, due to the personal interest of the author in the relaxing properties of bathing, and bathing related activities such as the Finnish sauna, and the Turkish steam bath.
The goal of the project was kept very broad in the beginning and gradually narrowed down during the analysis phase. A significant contribution to the creation of a well-defined design goal was given by the realization that, while relaxing practices are usually well accommodated in the domestic environment, little attention is paid to activities that influence people’s mood towards a high energy state such as exercising.
Eventually, the project’s objective became to design a piece of furniture, in which physical exercise-supporting features coexist with more relax-oriented attributes. This product would aim to make high energy state inducing activities an integral part of the everyday domestic routine.
Three concepts were generated by following an incremental process in which insights from one idea served as a starting point for the next. The third and last concept was then developed using a broad variety of techniques such as sketching, collage making, digital visualization, prototyping, and testing.
The final result is a piece of furniture to exercise and to relax on, which form stands somewhere in between a bench and a chaise longue. Its name is Ginnasio, a reference to the building that, in Ancient Greece, functioned as a training facility, but also as a place to relax, socialize and engage in philosophical discussion. ...
For this project, the western home bathroom was chosen as a context of research, due to the personal interest of the author in the relaxing properties of bathing, and bathing related activities such as the Finnish sauna, and the Turkish steam bath.
The goal of the project was kept very broad in the beginning and gradually narrowed down during the analysis phase. A significant contribution to the creation of a well-defined design goal was given by the realization that, while relaxing practices are usually well accommodated in the domestic environment, little attention is paid to activities that influence people’s mood towards a high energy state such as exercising.
Eventually, the project’s objective became to design a piece of furniture, in which physical exercise-supporting features coexist with more relax-oriented attributes. This product would aim to make high energy state inducing activities an integral part of the everyday domestic routine.
Three concepts were generated by following an incremental process in which insights from one idea served as a starting point for the next. The third and last concept was then developed using a broad variety of techniques such as sketching, collage making, digital visualization, prototyping, and testing.
The final result is a piece of furniture to exercise and to relax on, which form stands somewhere in between a bench and a chaise longue. Its name is Ginnasio, a reference to the building that, in Ancient Greece, functioned as a training facility, but also as a place to relax, socialize and engage in philosophical discussion.
An essential insight derived by analyzing the relationships of a product and its surrounding environment. Supportive countertop devices take a big amount of space. When managing bulky kitchen machines, the user has to restore the device after every use or leaving it on the countertop permanently. Additionally, every machine comes with its own, heavy motor block which is doing essentially the same thing - providing motion. The design principle was formulated, describing the idea of an universal motion port, submerged in the countertop surface of a kitchen. The seamlessly integrated hub provides motion and heat via an electromagnetic field, powering various modules placed on top of the counter.
Exploring the principle, became the focus of the project and a blender module was chosen as an example module. During the embodiment of the product, several ideas were tested to transfer a rotary momentum through a solid surface. The principle of an axial flux motor was sensed promising and got prototyped and tested by many iterations. A more elaborated prototype from machined parts was made, proofing the concept idea as valid. Due to the successful implementation of the axial flux motor principle an ultra slim motion port was achieved. To further enrich the product experience, a haptic input controller was designed. This completely detachable magnetic dial works with a digital user interface shining through the counter surface.
The final design of the blender module was strongly guided by the three design attributes - light, pure and effortless. The semi-transparent glass object can lock in on the submerged motion port on a perfectly unbroken surface. While processing food, the cook can perceive the color of the produce, even through the lid. The frosted glass finish combined with the light and pure appearance of the product, makes the device harmonize with its surrounding. Finally, The Gaggenau Sous Chef, was designed to be unobtrusively accessible to the user and to allow a flexible operation of modules by an universal motion port.
...
An essential insight derived by analyzing the relationships of a product and its surrounding environment. Supportive countertop devices take a big amount of space. When managing bulky kitchen machines, the user has to restore the device after every use or leaving it on the countertop permanently. Additionally, every machine comes with its own, heavy motor block which is doing essentially the same thing - providing motion. The design principle was formulated, describing the idea of an universal motion port, submerged in the countertop surface of a kitchen. The seamlessly integrated hub provides motion and heat via an electromagnetic field, powering various modules placed on top of the counter.
Exploring the principle, became the focus of the project and a blender module was chosen as an example module. During the embodiment of the product, several ideas were tested to transfer a rotary momentum through a solid surface. The principle of an axial flux motor was sensed promising and got prototyped and tested by many iterations. A more elaborated prototype from machined parts was made, proofing the concept idea as valid. Due to the successful implementation of the axial flux motor principle an ultra slim motion port was achieved. To further enrich the product experience, a haptic input controller was designed. This completely detachable magnetic dial works with a digital user interface shining through the counter surface.
The final design of the blender module was strongly guided by the three design attributes - light, pure and effortless. The semi-transparent glass object can lock in on the submerged motion port on a perfectly unbroken surface. While processing food, the cook can perceive the color of the produce, even through the lid. The frosted glass finish combined with the light and pure appearance of the product, makes the device harmonize with its surrounding. Finally, The Gaggenau Sous Chef, was designed to be unobtrusively accessible to the user and to allow a flexible operation of modules by an universal motion port.
Designing a new lighting product for Fatboy
Fatboy O-deer: a new way to make atmospheric lighting flexible and tactile
Fatboy is a Dutch design brand that provides accent furniture products which bring more (fun) to living. The company is especially known for its colourful and iconic bean bags. Besides these textile lounging products their relative younger lighting category especially distinguishes itself from other brands with portable and simplistic designed lamps. The products are playful and flexible in use, while iconic and simple in shape.
When looking at the future of the lighting market an important aspect is the shift in the functioning of light. For years the functioning and experience of light was mainly evaluated on its visual performance. Only recently researchers realized that light can accomplish a certain atmosphere and therefore affect people in their mood and emotions. Furthermore the development of LED technology creates new possibilities for this, by making light for instance smart and adjustable in colour. Besides the development in the connected lighting market, LEDs are also boosting the innovation in embedded lighting. The miniaturization of electrical components, results in LEDs the size of 1 mm2. This makes it possible to integrate light sources in flexible structures and architectural materials.
The future context of living was mainly defined by the population growth and urbanization trend. More people are moving towards big cities, which results in smaller living spaces. Furthermore the trend of small and compact living is also driven by the environmental awareness and mindful living. Experiences are becoming more important than the possession of physical objects. Furthermore the Danish hygge principle showed that there is a desire for experiencing more nostalgic and cosy moments of togetherness. Especially in a world where people are surrounded by technologies and distractions, there is the desire to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. For these reasons it was considered important for the new lighting product to be: flexible, sustainable, atmospheric and personal.
According to the Vision in Product (ViP) design method, a vision was created to form an inspiring basis for the conceptualisation phase. The statement was defined as: “I want to enable people to enjoy the simple pleasures (together) by creating a cosy atmosphere in a flexible way”. From this a few main product qualities were defined as: playful, affectionate, care-free and supportive.
With the vision as starting point ideas were generated, which resulted in various key ideas. From these ideas new insights were gained and a new focus was created. The flexibility in the use of the product is of great importance in this project. Therefore the concept should leave room for the personal interpretation of the user. The light experience is focussed on moments of cosiness and relaxation. Furthermore the interaction with the product especially should be playful and intuitive. Eventually it was decided to focus on ideas in which the combination of textile and light is the essence. The use of textile makes it possible to create flexibility in the lighting product, but the tactility of textile also refers to cosiness and comfort. Furthermore it creates a direct connection between the Fatboy product categories.
Further literature research was done on the integration of LEDs in textile (products). Different technological principles with supporting product examples were explored, that resulted in concept directions which were tested with material experiments. To maintain a low tech, simplistic and friendly experience of the product, which is important for the connection to the Fatboy design language, it was decided to integrate the LEDs underneath the textile. In this way the light experience becomes a surprising element in the design. The LEDs are connected to another textile material with the use of conductive yarn, which maintains the flexibility of the product. Furthermore it was decided to make use of a light pattern, which creates a natural, playful and cosy experience of light.
The essence of the idea is that the flexible lighting product shaped like a small slightly thicker blanket boosts the relaxing atmosphere at home. Due to its flexibility it is possible to bring the light close, even on soft unstable but comforting places like the couch or the bed. With the warm and soft light pattern an instant cosy atmosphere can be created. Furthermore with the looped rope makes it still possible to hang the product somewhere.
The final form of the product was inspired by the shape of an animal skin rug, which is playful but also refers to the cosy elements of the hygge principle. The product exists of a sleeve, an electronic inner part and some accessories like the rope. The embodiment of these parts were defined by their materials, measurements and manufacturing principles.
A working prototype was made and tested with participants on the qualities that were defined in the design vision. There was concluded that the product is validated on these different aspects. Some more qualitative insights were also gained from the making and testing of the product which resulted in recommendations for the further development of the product. ...
Fatboy is a Dutch design brand that provides accent furniture products which bring more (fun) to living. The company is especially known for its colourful and iconic bean bags. Besides these textile lounging products their relative younger lighting category especially distinguishes itself from other brands with portable and simplistic designed lamps. The products are playful and flexible in use, while iconic and simple in shape.
When looking at the future of the lighting market an important aspect is the shift in the functioning of light. For years the functioning and experience of light was mainly evaluated on its visual performance. Only recently researchers realized that light can accomplish a certain atmosphere and therefore affect people in their mood and emotions. Furthermore the development of LED technology creates new possibilities for this, by making light for instance smart and adjustable in colour. Besides the development in the connected lighting market, LEDs are also boosting the innovation in embedded lighting. The miniaturization of electrical components, results in LEDs the size of 1 mm2. This makes it possible to integrate light sources in flexible structures and architectural materials.
The future context of living was mainly defined by the population growth and urbanization trend. More people are moving towards big cities, which results in smaller living spaces. Furthermore the trend of small and compact living is also driven by the environmental awareness and mindful living. Experiences are becoming more important than the possession of physical objects. Furthermore the Danish hygge principle showed that there is a desire for experiencing more nostalgic and cosy moments of togetherness. Especially in a world where people are surrounded by technologies and distractions, there is the desire to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. For these reasons it was considered important for the new lighting product to be: flexible, sustainable, atmospheric and personal.
According to the Vision in Product (ViP) design method, a vision was created to form an inspiring basis for the conceptualisation phase. The statement was defined as: “I want to enable people to enjoy the simple pleasures (together) by creating a cosy atmosphere in a flexible way”. From this a few main product qualities were defined as: playful, affectionate, care-free and supportive.
With the vision as starting point ideas were generated, which resulted in various key ideas. From these ideas new insights were gained and a new focus was created. The flexibility in the use of the product is of great importance in this project. Therefore the concept should leave room for the personal interpretation of the user. The light experience is focussed on moments of cosiness and relaxation. Furthermore the interaction with the product especially should be playful and intuitive. Eventually it was decided to focus on ideas in which the combination of textile and light is the essence. The use of textile makes it possible to create flexibility in the lighting product, but the tactility of textile also refers to cosiness and comfort. Furthermore it creates a direct connection between the Fatboy product categories.
Further literature research was done on the integration of LEDs in textile (products). Different technological principles with supporting product examples were explored, that resulted in concept directions which were tested with material experiments. To maintain a low tech, simplistic and friendly experience of the product, which is important for the connection to the Fatboy design language, it was decided to integrate the LEDs underneath the textile. In this way the light experience becomes a surprising element in the design. The LEDs are connected to another textile material with the use of conductive yarn, which maintains the flexibility of the product. Furthermore it was decided to make use of a light pattern, which creates a natural, playful and cosy experience of light.
The essence of the idea is that the flexible lighting product shaped like a small slightly thicker blanket boosts the relaxing atmosphere at home. Due to its flexibility it is possible to bring the light close, even on soft unstable but comforting places like the couch or the bed. With the warm and soft light pattern an instant cosy atmosphere can be created. Furthermore with the looped rope makes it still possible to hang the product somewhere.
The final form of the product was inspired by the shape of an animal skin rug, which is playful but also refers to the cosy elements of the hygge principle. The product exists of a sleeve, an electronic inner part and some accessories like the rope. The embodiment of these parts were defined by their materials, measurements and manufacturing principles.
A working prototype was made and tested with participants on the qualities that were defined in the design vision. There was concluded that the product is validated on these different aspects. Some more qualitative insights were also gained from the making and testing of the product which resulted in recommendations for the further development of the product.
Enabling high-quality plastic recycling with the Virtual Chemist
A device that analyses the composition of plastic waste
The solution will facilitate a transition towards a data-driven recycling industry, increasing profitability in processing plastic waste by providing the industry with accurate and representative composition data, as processing large volumes is currently not possible. However, The Virtual Chemist was still in an early development stage (MVP) and required further development to be presented to clients as a sellable product (MMP). This was done by addressing the user needs and facilitating the right user experience, achieved through an analysis of the context, user, current system, and workflow to define a baseline for this project. Additionally, each step was completed by focussing on the user interaction and experience. The analysis results were used to formulate a design brief, which defined the goal and direction for the ideation and conceptualisation of the product. This report presents a summary of the completed design process, research findings, and concludes with recommendations that focus on further development of the Virtual Chemist. ...
The solution will facilitate a transition towards a data-driven recycling industry, increasing profitability in processing plastic waste by providing the industry with accurate and representative composition data, as processing large volumes is currently not possible. However, The Virtual Chemist was still in an early development stage (MVP) and required further development to be presented to clients as a sellable product (MMP). This was done by addressing the user needs and facilitating the right user experience, achieved through an analysis of the context, user, current system, and workflow to define a baseline for this project. Additionally, each step was completed by focussing on the user interaction and experience. The analysis results were used to formulate a design brief, which defined the goal and direction for the ideation and conceptualisation of the product. This report presents a summary of the completed design process, research findings, and concludes with recommendations that focus on further development of the Virtual Chemist.
The design process was focused on a making centred approach to have a first-hand experience of how movements and posture are percieved with constant referral to chronic pain research. Many prototypes and interactive technologies were designed and tested to find the correct mechanism for full-body movement and muscle stimulation. The final concept prototype focused on a seating device which can be used for work, and as well as a rehabilitation tool in connection with a computer game to practice and visualize movements, serving as a distraction towards pain. This device was eventually tested with chronic pain patients and a physiotherapist to check the quality of interaction. The qualitative results obtained were positive, showing easy control of the device along with a straight and healthy posture while making movements. The design and developement of this device was also addressed as a vision for the industrial design concept,provided it is taken further and developed. ...
The design process was focused on a making centred approach to have a first-hand experience of how movements and posture are percieved with constant referral to chronic pain research. Many prototypes and interactive technologies were designed and tested to find the correct mechanism for full-body movement and muscle stimulation. The final concept prototype focused on a seating device which can be used for work, and as well as a rehabilitation tool in connection with a computer game to practice and visualize movements, serving as a distraction towards pain. This device was eventually tested with chronic pain patients and a physiotherapist to check the quality of interaction. The qualitative results obtained were positive, showing easy control of the device along with a straight and healthy posture while making movements. The design and developement of this device was also addressed as a vision for the industrial design concept,provided it is taken further and developed.
This method has many values and advantages: the possibility to create non-withdrawable designs without seams (a new method with different restrictions), digitalisation in glass processing by generating sewing patterns, a fast, cheap and easy method to create easily adaptable moulds and finally a new aesthetic value by having a textile texture and in that way ‘soft’ glass. Possibilities have been explored and optimised and user evaluation showed that the contrast between textured and untextured areas was appointed as the most aesthetically pleasing aspect.
These values and results have been verified, proven and showcased in two final designs. A digitally generated sewing pattern was used to create a soft squirrel out of glass and the contrast in texture was applied in a planter design for Van Tetterode’s own product line, following the trend of bringing the outside inside. ...
This method has many values and advantages: the possibility to create non-withdrawable designs without seams (a new method with different restrictions), digitalisation in glass processing by generating sewing patterns, a fast, cheap and easy method to create easily adaptable moulds and finally a new aesthetic value by having a textile texture and in that way ‘soft’ glass. Possibilities have been explored and optimised and user evaluation showed that the contrast between textured and untextured areas was appointed as the most aesthetically pleasing aspect.
These values and results have been verified, proven and showcased in two final designs. A digitally generated sewing pattern was used to create a soft squirrel out of glass and the contrast in texture was applied in a planter design for Van Tetterode’s own product line, following the trend of bringing the outside inside.
Universal Motorcycle Swingarm
Providing riders with a low threshold option for motorcycle suspension upgrades
Wimoto’s unique combination of skills and the related quality of work is outstanding but the connection between the company and its potential customers leaves room for improvement. There is an opportunity to interact with customers in a more understandable, appealing and profitable way.
A low threshold option for custom suspension upgrades for multiple motorcycle models is provided to differentiate from the ‘shallow customs’ that currently dominate the custom scene. Connected to the values of the company, the product increases awareness of the importance and possibilities of suspension design and helps customers with decision making. In this way Veldkamp’s expertise can be used fully and new customers are more likely to make an inquiry.
The physical part of the design is a cantilever swingarm that can be adapted to the different motorcycle models. This is partly done with the use of a parametric model, which is constructed in Solidworks. The parametric model also allows Wimoto to apply new geometric design to the donor motorcycle, which is essential for improving driving characteristics. The design is theoretically validated for stiffness using finite element analysis. The simulations showed an improvement in stiffness compared to original swingarms.
The complete upgrade was validated with the build of a prototype and test rides. Building the prototype showed what the upgrade exactly means for the company. Test rides proved that the driving characteristics improved substantially and the subjects were sincerely surprised with the experience.
How the design should exactly be implemented, is not yet fully defined but recommendations are given.
...
Wimoto’s unique combination of skills and the related quality of work is outstanding but the connection between the company and its potential customers leaves room for improvement. There is an opportunity to interact with customers in a more understandable, appealing and profitable way.
A low threshold option for custom suspension upgrades for multiple motorcycle models is provided to differentiate from the ‘shallow customs’ that currently dominate the custom scene. Connected to the values of the company, the product increases awareness of the importance and possibilities of suspension design and helps customers with decision making. In this way Veldkamp’s expertise can be used fully and new customers are more likely to make an inquiry.
The physical part of the design is a cantilever swingarm that can be adapted to the different motorcycle models. This is partly done with the use of a parametric model, which is constructed in Solidworks. The parametric model also allows Wimoto to apply new geometric design to the donor motorcycle, which is essential for improving driving characteristics. The design is theoretically validated for stiffness using finite element analysis. The simulations showed an improvement in stiffness compared to original swingarms.
The complete upgrade was validated with the build of a prototype and test rides. Building the prototype showed what the upgrade exactly means for the company. Test rides proved that the driving characteristics improved substantially and the subjects were sincerely surprised with the experience.
How the design should exactly be implemented, is not yet fully defined but recommendations are given.