Design fiction (DF) is gaining ground as an approach that helps designers to explore possible futures. As a method founded upon critical attitudes and creative thinking, DF may be challenging for design students. In this study, we explore how design students use DF during creative design activities. Students engaged in an individual digital brainstorm and an in-depth, semi-structured interview about their experiences with the brainstorm based on DF. The results show that DF can be challenging for students who do not have a clear appreciation of what is technologically feasible for a particular time frame in the future and do not yet have the breadth of knowledge to argue about broader topics that DF is particularly attuned to into the discussion as, for example, economics and societal norms. This study contributes insights into how DF impacts the students’ design thinking, as well as difficulties they had regarding their individual thinking process.

Based on fractal theory (FT) and fractional calculus (FC), a new fractally fractional diffusion model (FFDM) of composite dual-porosity has been developed to evaluate performance of multiple fractured horizontal wells (MFHWs) with stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) in tight gas reservoirs (TGRs). More specifically, FT is used to characterize the complex and heterogeneous fracture network (FN) both inside and outside of SRV, while anomalous behavior of diffusion processes both inside and outside of SRV is quantified by applying the temporal fractional derivatives. The FFDM is then solved by the Laplace transformation, line source function, the numerical discrete method, and superposition principle. The transient pressure responses are then inversely converted from Laplace domain into real time domain with the Stehfest algorithm, and the FFDM is also validated, and type curves are generated as well. Flow stages are subsequently identified together with analysis on characteristics of the type curves, especially the anomalous features different with those generated from the conventional Euclidean model. Sensitivity analyses of some related parameters have also been discussed as well. And the FFDM is then also matched with the real field well-testing data of a MFHW with SRV in a TGR. The proposed FFDM provides a new understanding of the performance of MFHWs with SRV in TGRs, which can be used to interpret the field pressure data more accurately and appropriately.

For a better understanding of how different diseases (e.g. neurovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and musculoskeletal pain conditions) affect human motor function, a uniform, standardized and objective evaluation is a desirable goal expressed within the clinical community. We explore the capabilities of an augmented reality (AR) game that uses free hand interaction to facilitate an objective assessment of the upper extremity motor dysfunction. First, the design process of the game and the system architecture are described. Second, a study about usability of the AR framework and game engagement is presented based on an experiment we conducted with five patients and ten healthy people. Lastly, a short analysis of the accuracy of the hand data when participants performed “fingers tapping” gesture is done. The results of the study show that even though users experienced the system as physically and mentally demanding, it was engaging enough to make them complete the game. The study also shows that hand data captured is accurate enough to allow a high degree (95%) of pinching gesture recognition.