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I.A. Ruiter
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11 records found
1
Since everyone’s body, needs, and goals are unique, frequent and close interactions with unsuitable products can result in negative physical and mental experiences. Yet breast pumps are still mass-produced products, and finding the right product for themselves can be challenging for mothers. As a result, a new design strategy, product personalisation, is offered to address the problem of users’ particular demands not being satisfied.
This collaboration between Philips Experience Design and the NEXT UPPS project team explores the UPPS framework’s application possibilities in its MCC (Mother and Child Care) context. NEXT UPPS team, on the other hand, intends to complete different aspects of its design approach through the application of concepts to real-world case studies.
This graduation project aims to help mothers better engage in the co-creation process to obtain a more personalised breast pumping product that truly fits their needs. To design a co-creation experience that can motivate participation, research activities were carried out to understand mothers’ needs and concerns regarding breast pumping from multiple perspectives and to explore appropriate design opportunities across the whole breast pumping journey.
The research revealed that it could be challenging for inexperienced moms to articulate their needs to get personalised products. In addition, the mother’s high reliance on medical professionals in the early stages of childbirth shows that the co-creation of unfamiliar products is even more difficult. To overcome this problem, the goal of the design phase was to design a supportive and informative process that guides mothers to finish the task easily within co-creation. The design should provide an experience that mothers can feel secure, as easily facing unknown challenges with the support of medical professionals.
This project presented a product customisation webpage and a self-scanning mobile App to conquer the challenge. The product customisation webpage guides participants step-by-step through a question-and-answer interaction to customise breast pump products while allowing them to explore and understand their needs. The self-scanning mobile app guides women to easily and independently complete body measurement through clear and simple instructions, so as to obtain more personalised offers in product personalisation.It has been proven in user testing that the Q&A interaction can motivate users’ participation while stimulating them to reflect on their product needs. However, although the guidance of the body scan can help users complete body measurement quickly and effectively, users still have concerns about data sharing. ...
This collaboration between Philips Experience Design and the NEXT UPPS project team explores the UPPS framework’s application possibilities in its MCC (Mother and Child Care) context. NEXT UPPS team, on the other hand, intends to complete different aspects of its design approach through the application of concepts to real-world case studies.
This graduation project aims to help mothers better engage in the co-creation process to obtain a more personalised breast pumping product that truly fits their needs. To design a co-creation experience that can motivate participation, research activities were carried out to understand mothers’ needs and concerns regarding breast pumping from multiple perspectives and to explore appropriate design opportunities across the whole breast pumping journey.
The research revealed that it could be challenging for inexperienced moms to articulate their needs to get personalised products. In addition, the mother’s high reliance on medical professionals in the early stages of childbirth shows that the co-creation of unfamiliar products is even more difficult. To overcome this problem, the goal of the design phase was to design a supportive and informative process that guides mothers to finish the task easily within co-creation. The design should provide an experience that mothers can feel secure, as easily facing unknown challenges with the support of medical professionals.
This project presented a product customisation webpage and a self-scanning mobile App to conquer the challenge. The product customisation webpage guides participants step-by-step through a question-and-answer interaction to customise breast pump products while allowing them to explore and understand their needs. The self-scanning mobile app guides women to easily and independently complete body measurement through clear and simple instructions, so as to obtain more personalised offers in product personalisation.It has been proven in user testing that the Q&A interaction can motivate users’ participation while stimulating them to reflect on their product needs. However, although the guidance of the body scan can help users complete body measurement quickly and effectively, users still have concerns about data sharing. ...
Since everyone’s body, needs, and goals are unique, frequent and close interactions with unsuitable products can result in negative physical and mental experiences. Yet breast pumps are still mass-produced products, and finding the right product for themselves can be challenging for mothers. As a result, a new design strategy, product personalisation, is offered to address the problem of users’ particular demands not being satisfied.
This collaboration between Philips Experience Design and the NEXT UPPS project team explores the UPPS framework’s application possibilities in its MCC (Mother and Child Care) context. NEXT UPPS team, on the other hand, intends to complete different aspects of its design approach through the application of concepts to real-world case studies.
This graduation project aims to help mothers better engage in the co-creation process to obtain a more personalised breast pumping product that truly fits their needs. To design a co-creation experience that can motivate participation, research activities were carried out to understand mothers’ needs and concerns regarding breast pumping from multiple perspectives and to explore appropriate design opportunities across the whole breast pumping journey.
The research revealed that it could be challenging for inexperienced moms to articulate their needs to get personalised products. In addition, the mother’s high reliance on medical professionals in the early stages of childbirth shows that the co-creation of unfamiliar products is even more difficult. To overcome this problem, the goal of the design phase was to design a supportive and informative process that guides mothers to finish the task easily within co-creation. The design should provide an experience that mothers can feel secure, as easily facing unknown challenges with the support of medical professionals.
This project presented a product customisation webpage and a self-scanning mobile App to conquer the challenge. The product customisation webpage guides participants step-by-step through a question-and-answer interaction to customise breast pump products while allowing them to explore and understand their needs. The self-scanning mobile app guides women to easily and independently complete body measurement through clear and simple instructions, so as to obtain more personalised offers in product personalisation.It has been proven in user testing that the Q&A interaction can motivate users’ participation while stimulating them to reflect on their product needs. However, although the guidance of the body scan can help users complete body measurement quickly and effectively, users still have concerns about data sharing.
This collaboration between Philips Experience Design and the NEXT UPPS project team explores the UPPS framework’s application possibilities in its MCC (Mother and Child Care) context. NEXT UPPS team, on the other hand, intends to complete different aspects of its design approach through the application of concepts to real-world case studies.
This graduation project aims to help mothers better engage in the co-creation process to obtain a more personalised breast pumping product that truly fits their needs. To design a co-creation experience that can motivate participation, research activities were carried out to understand mothers’ needs and concerns regarding breast pumping from multiple perspectives and to explore appropriate design opportunities across the whole breast pumping journey.
The research revealed that it could be challenging for inexperienced moms to articulate their needs to get personalised products. In addition, the mother’s high reliance on medical professionals in the early stages of childbirth shows that the co-creation of unfamiliar products is even more difficult. To overcome this problem, the goal of the design phase was to design a supportive and informative process that guides mothers to finish the task easily within co-creation. The design should provide an experience that mothers can feel secure, as easily facing unknown challenges with the support of medical professionals.
This project presented a product customisation webpage and a self-scanning mobile App to conquer the challenge. The product customisation webpage guides participants step-by-step through a question-and-answer interaction to customise breast pump products while allowing them to explore and understand their needs. The self-scanning mobile app guides women to easily and independently complete body measurement through clear and simple instructions, so as to obtain more personalised offers in product personalisation.It has been proven in user testing that the Q&A interaction can motivate users’ participation while stimulating them to reflect on their product needs. However, although the guidance of the body scan can help users complete body measurement quickly and effectively, users still have concerns about data sharing.
Designing SeaBubble docks
A handbook for guidance on the design process for a SeaBubble dock
The project that is performed is for the master thesis of the master study ‘Integrated Product Design’ at the faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at the TU Delft. The final product is a handbook that functions as a tool to create a dock for SeaBubbles, and it is developed for the company Advier.
The process started with exploring the scope. The scope can be split up in three directions: the business direction in which the company Advier and its stakeholders is analysed. It becomes clear that Advier will give the handbook to a design agency that will create the actual dock design. The second direction is the analysis of the location. The network is situated in the area of Dordrecht, also known as Drechtsteden. The effect of the weather and tide on this area is analysed and the conclusion is drawn that the design of the dock must deal with changing water levels. The third direction focuses on the SeaBubble, in which the SeaBubble for seven passengers and twelve passengers are presented. The reservation system is mapped out and shows that the SeaBubble will define its route on the demand, in between it is possible that the SeaBubble will change its route. This has a large impact on the passenger journey.
In the passenger journey, two types of passengers are presented: a prepared and an unprepared passenger. The prepared passenger has bought a ticket at home, while the unprepared passenger must buy a ticket at the dock. From this point in the process, the focus will be on the experience of the passenger. By creating a building that fulfils the needs of the passenger when the passenger is being guided, is waiting, and is boarding, the experience of the passenger will be good.
The next part that is being analysed is the elements that is needed for guiding, waiting and boarding. For guiding, first the crowd flow is analysed. Based on this crowd flow, a general layout of the building is created for the location of ticket vending machines, waiting areas and potential one-way systems. Secondly, the needed information is analysed and tested in an online 3D environment. The location and the initial way of communication for several information elements is determined.
For waiting, literature is analysed, and people are interviewed and observed. The passengers will find distraction on a smartphone or while enjoying the view, having a seat is preferred.
For creating a comfortable boarding experience, two supports are needed in an area with even floor and no gaps. By getting inspired from the results, different configurations of docks were created.
By determining the principles behind the configurations, the design choices are mapped out. These design choices are structured with a morphological map and explained in the handbook, which is the final product of this master thesis. After finalising the handbook, interviews were held with the client and an architect to evaluate the final product. ...
The process started with exploring the scope. The scope can be split up in three directions: the business direction in which the company Advier and its stakeholders is analysed. It becomes clear that Advier will give the handbook to a design agency that will create the actual dock design. The second direction is the analysis of the location. The network is situated in the area of Dordrecht, also known as Drechtsteden. The effect of the weather and tide on this area is analysed and the conclusion is drawn that the design of the dock must deal with changing water levels. The third direction focuses on the SeaBubble, in which the SeaBubble for seven passengers and twelve passengers are presented. The reservation system is mapped out and shows that the SeaBubble will define its route on the demand, in between it is possible that the SeaBubble will change its route. This has a large impact on the passenger journey.
In the passenger journey, two types of passengers are presented: a prepared and an unprepared passenger. The prepared passenger has bought a ticket at home, while the unprepared passenger must buy a ticket at the dock. From this point in the process, the focus will be on the experience of the passenger. By creating a building that fulfils the needs of the passenger when the passenger is being guided, is waiting, and is boarding, the experience of the passenger will be good.
The next part that is being analysed is the elements that is needed for guiding, waiting and boarding. For guiding, first the crowd flow is analysed. Based on this crowd flow, a general layout of the building is created for the location of ticket vending machines, waiting areas and potential one-way systems. Secondly, the needed information is analysed and tested in an online 3D environment. The location and the initial way of communication for several information elements is determined.
For waiting, literature is analysed, and people are interviewed and observed. The passengers will find distraction on a smartphone or while enjoying the view, having a seat is preferred.
For creating a comfortable boarding experience, two supports are needed in an area with even floor and no gaps. By getting inspired from the results, different configurations of docks were created.
By determining the principles behind the configurations, the design choices are mapped out. These design choices are structured with a morphological map and explained in the handbook, which is the final product of this master thesis. After finalising the handbook, interviews were held with the client and an architect to evaluate the final product. ...
The project that is performed is for the master thesis of the master study ‘Integrated Product Design’ at the faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at the TU Delft. The final product is a handbook that functions as a tool to create a dock for SeaBubbles, and it is developed for the company Advier.
The process started with exploring the scope. The scope can be split up in three directions: the business direction in which the company Advier and its stakeholders is analysed. It becomes clear that Advier will give the handbook to a design agency that will create the actual dock design. The second direction is the analysis of the location. The network is situated in the area of Dordrecht, also known as Drechtsteden. The effect of the weather and tide on this area is analysed and the conclusion is drawn that the design of the dock must deal with changing water levels. The third direction focuses on the SeaBubble, in which the SeaBubble for seven passengers and twelve passengers are presented. The reservation system is mapped out and shows that the SeaBubble will define its route on the demand, in between it is possible that the SeaBubble will change its route. This has a large impact on the passenger journey.
In the passenger journey, two types of passengers are presented: a prepared and an unprepared passenger. The prepared passenger has bought a ticket at home, while the unprepared passenger must buy a ticket at the dock. From this point in the process, the focus will be on the experience of the passenger. By creating a building that fulfils the needs of the passenger when the passenger is being guided, is waiting, and is boarding, the experience of the passenger will be good.
The next part that is being analysed is the elements that is needed for guiding, waiting and boarding. For guiding, first the crowd flow is analysed. Based on this crowd flow, a general layout of the building is created for the location of ticket vending machines, waiting areas and potential one-way systems. Secondly, the needed information is analysed and tested in an online 3D environment. The location and the initial way of communication for several information elements is determined.
For waiting, literature is analysed, and people are interviewed and observed. The passengers will find distraction on a smartphone or while enjoying the view, having a seat is preferred.
For creating a comfortable boarding experience, two supports are needed in an area with even floor and no gaps. By getting inspired from the results, different configurations of docks were created.
By determining the principles behind the configurations, the design choices are mapped out. These design choices are structured with a morphological map and explained in the handbook, which is the final product of this master thesis. After finalising the handbook, interviews were held with the client and an architect to evaluate the final product.
The process started with exploring the scope. The scope can be split up in three directions: the business direction in which the company Advier and its stakeholders is analysed. It becomes clear that Advier will give the handbook to a design agency that will create the actual dock design. The second direction is the analysis of the location. The network is situated in the area of Dordrecht, also known as Drechtsteden. The effect of the weather and tide on this area is analysed and the conclusion is drawn that the design of the dock must deal with changing water levels. The third direction focuses on the SeaBubble, in which the SeaBubble for seven passengers and twelve passengers are presented. The reservation system is mapped out and shows that the SeaBubble will define its route on the demand, in between it is possible that the SeaBubble will change its route. This has a large impact on the passenger journey.
In the passenger journey, two types of passengers are presented: a prepared and an unprepared passenger. The prepared passenger has bought a ticket at home, while the unprepared passenger must buy a ticket at the dock. From this point in the process, the focus will be on the experience of the passenger. By creating a building that fulfils the needs of the passenger when the passenger is being guided, is waiting, and is boarding, the experience of the passenger will be good.
The next part that is being analysed is the elements that is needed for guiding, waiting and boarding. For guiding, first the crowd flow is analysed. Based on this crowd flow, a general layout of the building is created for the location of ticket vending machines, waiting areas and potential one-way systems. Secondly, the needed information is analysed and tested in an online 3D environment. The location and the initial way of communication for several information elements is determined.
For waiting, literature is analysed, and people are interviewed and observed. The passengers will find distraction on a smartphone or while enjoying the view, having a seat is preferred.
For creating a comfortable boarding experience, two supports are needed in an area with even floor and no gaps. By getting inspired from the results, different configurations of docks were created.
By determining the principles behind the configurations, the design choices are mapped out. These design choices are structured with a morphological map and explained in the handbook, which is the final product of this master thesis. After finalising the handbook, interviews were held with the client and an architect to evaluate the final product.
The coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by the ingestion of gluten affecting people with a genetic disposition. Gluten is a protein that can be found in wheat, rye and barley but it can also be used as protein filler in ice creams and soup. The only treatment for patients is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Due to the restrictive nature of the diet, coeliac people have to develop new habits and routines to overcome uncomfortable situations at home and social situations. Different studies demonstrated that coeliac people are affected emotionally by social events. Coeliac people have to avoid food contained food, be aware of the gluten cross-contamination and find proper gluten-free options. This might lead to the development of anxiety and stress. This is a master report that gathers the research and the design activities to investigate how to create a safe environment for coeliac people during social events. The project was developed through converging and diverging design approaches involving remote user research, literature review and iterative cycles of ideations, development and testing. The project focused mainly on two areas: the perception of the gluten-free diet and the coping strategies or problem-solving skills used during social events. The research approach includes context research as base knowledge about coeliac disease, the challenges of the gluten-free diet, and coping strategies. The user research involved coeliac people to lead the development of a solution that would embrace their needs and values. At the end of the user research, a Framework was developed to describe the context of the social events for coeliac people. The design goal of the project was identified as the project aims to enhance the feeling of security for coeliac people by increasing empathy and decreasing negative emotions. Different concepts were developed according to iterative conceptualizations and evaluation tests of low fidelity prototypes with participants. The insights gathered helped to generate a final concept. The final concept is an event planner app that gives information about how to create a safe environment for coeliac people and more. The final user tests have been conducted in part in person and part remotely with participants who evaluated the possibility to create a safe environment and create empathy. The results demonstrated that by using the final concept it is possible to generate a safe environment and generate empathy. Participants had the possibility to immerse themselves in the challenges that coeliac people face daily. Coeliac people indeed felt to be secure cause people would have the correct information about the preparation of the environment and gluten-free food.
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The coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by the ingestion of gluten affecting people with a genetic disposition. Gluten is a protein that can be found in wheat, rye and barley but it can also be used as protein filler in ice creams and soup. The only treatment for patients is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Due to the restrictive nature of the diet, coeliac people have to develop new habits and routines to overcome uncomfortable situations at home and social situations. Different studies demonstrated that coeliac people are affected emotionally by social events. Coeliac people have to avoid food contained food, be aware of the gluten cross-contamination and find proper gluten-free options. This might lead to the development of anxiety and stress. This is a master report that gathers the research and the design activities to investigate how to create a safe environment for coeliac people during social events. The project was developed through converging and diverging design approaches involving remote user research, literature review and iterative cycles of ideations, development and testing. The project focused mainly on two areas: the perception of the gluten-free diet and the coping strategies or problem-solving skills used during social events. The research approach includes context research as base knowledge about coeliac disease, the challenges of the gluten-free diet, and coping strategies. The user research involved coeliac people to lead the development of a solution that would embrace their needs and values. At the end of the user research, a Framework was developed to describe the context of the social events for coeliac people. The design goal of the project was identified as the project aims to enhance the feeling of security for coeliac people by increasing empathy and decreasing negative emotions. Different concepts were developed according to iterative conceptualizations and evaluation tests of low fidelity prototypes with participants. The insights gathered helped to generate a final concept. The final concept is an event planner app that gives information about how to create a safe environment for coeliac people and more. The final user tests have been conducted in part in person and part remotely with participants who evaluated the possibility to create a safe environment and create empathy. The results demonstrated that by using the final concept it is possible to generate a safe environment and generate empathy. Participants had the possibility to immerse themselves in the challenges that coeliac people face daily. Coeliac people indeed felt to be secure cause people would have the correct information about the preparation of the environment and gluten-free food.
Design the Next-generation Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis Device
An off-hospital, continuous, long-term heart monitoring product
This is a 5-month master graduation project in collaboration with Praxa Sense to design the next generation Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis device. A long-term (more than one month) continuous, off-hospital diagnosis device is designed with the focus on user experience and diagnosis accuracy. There are several phases in this project including research and analysis, defining the scope, synthesis and design, and evaluation. Desktop research and interviews were carried out during the research phase, which helped to define the scope of this wicked problem. Then synthesis and design cover the ideation, concretization and detailed design of the final product, in which various design methods were applied. Evaluation includes different user test of the product.The result is the most compact and comfortable Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis device in the market with medical grade diagnosis.
...
This is a 5-month master graduation project in collaboration with Praxa Sense to design the next generation Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis device. A long-term (more than one month) continuous, off-hospital diagnosis device is designed with the focus on user experience and diagnosis accuracy. There are several phases in this project including research and analysis, defining the scope, synthesis and design, and evaluation. Desktop research and interviews were carried out during the research phase, which helped to define the scope of this wicked problem. Then synthesis and design cover the ideation, concretization and detailed design of the final product, in which various design methods were applied. Evaluation includes different user test of the product.The result is the most compact and comfortable Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis device in the market with medical grade diagnosis.
This study presents the process and results of the graduation project: Enhancing Mobility Experience around Schiphol Airport for International passengers.This project is part of this project Optimaliseren Mobiliteit rondom Schiphol (in English Optimise Mobility around Schiphol). Within its broad scope, this graduation focuses on Chinese passengers, who arrive at Schiphol Airport for the first time. It is aiming to create a care-free and seamless transport journey from/to Schiphol from their perspective. The project took place in five phases, Research&Analysis phase, Ideation phase, Conceptualisation phase, Embodiment phase and Verification phase. The Research&Analysis phase consisted of desk research, field research and analysis. The Research&Analysis phase revealed the existing ecosystem: a well-developed transport system in the Netherlands, and the potential of the Chinese outbound tourism market. This phase also showed the real experience of first-time passengers: difficulty on getting information, making a choice and feeling the sense of safety. Last but not least, it defined the design goals for the design phases: enable passengers to plan their trips based on the needs easily, and make them feel confident, supportive all the time.The Ideation phase and Conceptualisation phase developed the final concept according to the design brief established at the end of Research&Analysis phase. During this phase, several iteration cycles were conducted to develop and refine the concept. The final design is a digital platform, in the form of a WeChat Mini Program, a light application embedded in WeChat (one of the most frequently used digital product in China). It supports the users from planning their transport before leaving to conducting their transport plan after arrival by fulfilling people’s needs on choosing route, tickets, getting information and finding the right spot for boarding.In the last two phases Embodiment phase and Verification phase, a high-fidelity interactive prototype was built and tested. The user test shows the final design almost meet the design goals. Passengers feel supported during the process of choosing routes and tickets, and feel easier on completing the tasks of finding the spot and getting on the vehicle in an unfamiliar environment. However, the role of the Mini Program in a visitor's journey of visiting the Netherlands is not clearly defined. For the final design, it is recommended to accomplish the service beyond the phone screen. For Schiphol Airport and other transport operators, it is recommended to use WeChat Mini Program as the carrier of service. The final design could be a starting point of the future development of the digital platform as a Mini Program. Those conclusions from Research&Analysis stage might also be a reference for them.
...
This study presents the process and results of the graduation project: Enhancing Mobility Experience around Schiphol Airport for International passengers.This project is part of this project Optimaliseren Mobiliteit rondom Schiphol (in English Optimise Mobility around Schiphol). Within its broad scope, this graduation focuses on Chinese passengers, who arrive at Schiphol Airport for the first time. It is aiming to create a care-free and seamless transport journey from/to Schiphol from their perspective. The project took place in five phases, Research&Analysis phase, Ideation phase, Conceptualisation phase, Embodiment phase and Verification phase. The Research&Analysis phase consisted of desk research, field research and analysis. The Research&Analysis phase revealed the existing ecosystem: a well-developed transport system in the Netherlands, and the potential of the Chinese outbound tourism market. This phase also showed the real experience of first-time passengers: difficulty on getting information, making a choice and feeling the sense of safety. Last but not least, it defined the design goals for the design phases: enable passengers to plan their trips based on the needs easily, and make them feel confident, supportive all the time.The Ideation phase and Conceptualisation phase developed the final concept according to the design brief established at the end of Research&Analysis phase. During this phase, several iteration cycles were conducted to develop and refine the concept. The final design is a digital platform, in the form of a WeChat Mini Program, a light application embedded in WeChat (one of the most frequently used digital product in China). It supports the users from planning their transport before leaving to conducting their transport plan after arrival by fulfilling people’s needs on choosing route, tickets, getting information and finding the right spot for boarding.In the last two phases Embodiment phase and Verification phase, a high-fidelity interactive prototype was built and tested. The user test shows the final design almost meet the design goals. Passengers feel supported during the process of choosing routes and tickets, and feel easier on completing the tasks of finding the spot and getting on the vehicle in an unfamiliar environment. However, the role of the Mini Program in a visitor's journey of visiting the Netherlands is not clearly defined. For the final design, it is recommended to accomplish the service beyond the phone screen. For Schiphol Airport and other transport operators, it is recommended to use WeChat Mini Program as the carrier of service. The final design could be a starting point of the future development of the digital platform as a Mini Program. Those conclusions from Research&Analysis stage might also be a reference for them.
The aim of this project was to build a pleasant customer experience of personalizing, virtual fitting and ordering made-to-measure knitwear, so as to improve their satisfaction on fit as well as reduce waste in the fashion industry.
The project started with a deep dive into the design context. Relevant knowledge from academic and industry was learned, together with the technology learning on 3D virtual fitting.The research findings revealed several problems on customers’ side: the lack of sensory inputs (visual and tactile) for evaluating apparel fit in online environment; the perceived complexity and uncertainty of making choices on personalized garments; the gap between one's fit requirements (depending on body sizes and personal fit preference) and actual garment sizes. The research findings also confirmed the perceived usefulness of 3D virtual fitting as a promising solution for online shopping. By using the software CLO3D, the visualization of knitwear is achievable, as well as the simulation of how the knitwear fits to different human body models. After the analysis stage, the focus of the project was transferred to how to connect the research findings to the design. An explicit and specific design statement was established, “To design a website that enables customers to customize and order knitwear made to their measurements, in all possible looks, sizes and fits. Include the use of 3D virtual fitting in the website to boost customer confidence in evaluating clothing fit online and shopping enjoyment. In the end deliver the real garment that achieves customer satisfaction”. The design goal, along with a website framework and a list of design requirements, gave a clear guide where the design should go. During the design stage, several iteration cycles were conducted to evaluate the design effectiveness of each part of the website, so as to quickly make design decisions and refine the concept in an early design phase. The final concept was built based on both the design requirements and new inputs from design process. In the last stage an evaluation study was carried out. A user test was done with thirteen participants using the website prototype to finish an order, and a comparison between physical try-on and virtual fitting was done with two of them. From the study results it could be evidenced that the website is able to support people to finish the online process of customizing made-to-measure knitwear, and for the majority the function of virtual fitting achieves its intended effects of enhancing customer confidence and shopping enjoyment. In the end, a review of the concept showed the validity and limitations of this project, some recommendations were discussed as well. ...
The project started with a deep dive into the design context. Relevant knowledge from academic and industry was learned, together with the technology learning on 3D virtual fitting.The research findings revealed several problems on customers’ side: the lack of sensory inputs (visual and tactile) for evaluating apparel fit in online environment; the perceived complexity and uncertainty of making choices on personalized garments; the gap between one's fit requirements (depending on body sizes and personal fit preference) and actual garment sizes. The research findings also confirmed the perceived usefulness of 3D virtual fitting as a promising solution for online shopping. By using the software CLO3D, the visualization of knitwear is achievable, as well as the simulation of how the knitwear fits to different human body models. After the analysis stage, the focus of the project was transferred to how to connect the research findings to the design. An explicit and specific design statement was established, “To design a website that enables customers to customize and order knitwear made to their measurements, in all possible looks, sizes and fits. Include the use of 3D virtual fitting in the website to boost customer confidence in evaluating clothing fit online and shopping enjoyment. In the end deliver the real garment that achieves customer satisfaction”. The design goal, along with a website framework and a list of design requirements, gave a clear guide where the design should go. During the design stage, several iteration cycles were conducted to evaluate the design effectiveness of each part of the website, so as to quickly make design decisions and refine the concept in an early design phase. The final concept was built based on both the design requirements and new inputs from design process. In the last stage an evaluation study was carried out. A user test was done with thirteen participants using the website prototype to finish an order, and a comparison between physical try-on and virtual fitting was done with two of them. From the study results it could be evidenced that the website is able to support people to finish the online process of customizing made-to-measure knitwear, and for the majority the function of virtual fitting achieves its intended effects of enhancing customer confidence and shopping enjoyment. In the end, a review of the concept showed the validity and limitations of this project, some recommendations were discussed as well. ...
The aim of this project was to build a pleasant customer experience of personalizing, virtual fitting and ordering made-to-measure knitwear, so as to improve their satisfaction on fit as well as reduce waste in the fashion industry.
The project started with a deep dive into the design context. Relevant knowledge from academic and industry was learned, together with the technology learning on 3D virtual fitting.The research findings revealed several problems on customers’ side: the lack of sensory inputs (visual and tactile) for evaluating apparel fit in online environment; the perceived complexity and uncertainty of making choices on personalized garments; the gap between one's fit requirements (depending on body sizes and personal fit preference) and actual garment sizes. The research findings also confirmed the perceived usefulness of 3D virtual fitting as a promising solution for online shopping. By using the software CLO3D, the visualization of knitwear is achievable, as well as the simulation of how the knitwear fits to different human body models. After the analysis stage, the focus of the project was transferred to how to connect the research findings to the design. An explicit and specific design statement was established, “To design a website that enables customers to customize and order knitwear made to their measurements, in all possible looks, sizes and fits. Include the use of 3D virtual fitting in the website to boost customer confidence in evaluating clothing fit online and shopping enjoyment. In the end deliver the real garment that achieves customer satisfaction”. The design goal, along with a website framework and a list of design requirements, gave a clear guide where the design should go. During the design stage, several iteration cycles were conducted to evaluate the design effectiveness of each part of the website, so as to quickly make design decisions and refine the concept in an early design phase. The final concept was built based on both the design requirements and new inputs from design process. In the last stage an evaluation study was carried out. A user test was done with thirteen participants using the website prototype to finish an order, and a comparison between physical try-on and virtual fitting was done with two of them. From the study results it could be evidenced that the website is able to support people to finish the online process of customizing made-to-measure knitwear, and for the majority the function of virtual fitting achieves its intended effects of enhancing customer confidence and shopping enjoyment. In the end, a review of the concept showed the validity and limitations of this project, some recommendations were discussed as well.
The project started with a deep dive into the design context. Relevant knowledge from academic and industry was learned, together with the technology learning on 3D virtual fitting.The research findings revealed several problems on customers’ side: the lack of sensory inputs (visual and tactile) for evaluating apparel fit in online environment; the perceived complexity and uncertainty of making choices on personalized garments; the gap between one's fit requirements (depending on body sizes and personal fit preference) and actual garment sizes. The research findings also confirmed the perceived usefulness of 3D virtual fitting as a promising solution for online shopping. By using the software CLO3D, the visualization of knitwear is achievable, as well as the simulation of how the knitwear fits to different human body models. After the analysis stage, the focus of the project was transferred to how to connect the research findings to the design. An explicit and specific design statement was established, “To design a website that enables customers to customize and order knitwear made to their measurements, in all possible looks, sizes and fits. Include the use of 3D virtual fitting in the website to boost customer confidence in evaluating clothing fit online and shopping enjoyment. In the end deliver the real garment that achieves customer satisfaction”. The design goal, along with a website framework and a list of design requirements, gave a clear guide where the design should go. During the design stage, several iteration cycles were conducted to evaluate the design effectiveness of each part of the website, so as to quickly make design decisions and refine the concept in an early design phase. The final concept was built based on both the design requirements and new inputs from design process. In the last stage an evaluation study was carried out. A user test was done with thirteen participants using the website prototype to finish an order, and a comparison between physical try-on and virtual fitting was done with two of them. From the study results it could be evidenced that the website is able to support people to finish the online process of customizing made-to-measure knitwear, and for the majority the function of virtual fitting achieves its intended effects of enhancing customer confidence and shopping enjoyment. In the end, a review of the concept showed the validity and limitations of this project, some recommendations were discussed as well.
Myo
A discreet device to monitor atrial fibrillation for elderly people
In collaboration with Cardioline Spa, this graduation project presents the development of a discreet device to monitor atrial fibrillation among elderly people. By means of user research and contest analysis, the project is aims at delivering a new product-system device for the company, for Healthcare institutions and for private patients. The project is characterized by three main phases: the first one is about the analysis of the holter monitor world ; the second is related to synthesizing the research results into one concept; and the third one focuses on validating and test the concept proposed. According to the three pillar of Industrial design engineering the research was divided into the three macro areas of: People, Business and Technology. The people linked with the holter monitor system investigated during several activities including Interviews were 14 elderly patients, one General practitioner, one cardiologist and two nurses. Furthermore, to dive deeper into the experience I underwent a 24 hour holter monitor experience. The magnitude of the cardio healthcare business side was explored by the analysis of the main Healthcare trends. In addition, special attention was given to Cardioline’s past innovations and some guidelines for future innovations were outlined. The technology side was also investigated. The Scope of the technology analysis was to understand the current state of the art of ECG technology and its related evolution over the years.
There was a special focus on the transition from the current situation to the mobile health and to why biosensors are preferred to the standard holter monitor. To close the technological part, a perceptual map was made in order to compare the Cardioline product with its competitors. The perceptual map was also used to decide on the transition from the current product to the future product. All the data collected during the analysis phase was collected in a list of requirements composed of demands (hard requirements) and wishes (soft requirements). Afterwards a brainstorm session was run taking into account some of the main problem revealed. After several iterations, the brainstorm results were synthesized into three concepts which were presented during the midterm presentation. Feedback was provided by chair, by mentor and by the Company mentor. Suggestions were used to determined the final user scenario, the final system layout and the final concept. The final concept consisted of a wearable device which records and transmits ECG signal to the smart phone. The smart phone collects and transmits data to the cloud server where the user and Doctor, if authorized, can have access. With a special focus on the setting up phase, a test was performed. The scope of the test was to check if specific concept features were correctly driving the user towards the hypothesised behaviour. The test revealed good and improvable aspects of the product-system designed. The improvable aspects were used to refine the final concepts.
Finally, together with Cardioline supervision, several engineering ecommendations were elaborated. Those recommendations were related to the concept material, to the electronic components ...
There was a special focus on the transition from the current situation to the mobile health and to why biosensors are preferred to the standard holter monitor. To close the technological part, a perceptual map was made in order to compare the Cardioline product with its competitors. The perceptual map was also used to decide on the transition from the current product to the future product. All the data collected during the analysis phase was collected in a list of requirements composed of demands (hard requirements) and wishes (soft requirements). Afterwards a brainstorm session was run taking into account some of the main problem revealed. After several iterations, the brainstorm results were synthesized into three concepts which were presented during the midterm presentation. Feedback was provided by chair, by mentor and by the Company mentor. Suggestions were used to determined the final user scenario, the final system layout and the final concept. The final concept consisted of a wearable device which records and transmits ECG signal to the smart phone. The smart phone collects and transmits data to the cloud server where the user and Doctor, if authorized, can have access. With a special focus on the setting up phase, a test was performed. The scope of the test was to check if specific concept features were correctly driving the user towards the hypothesised behaviour. The test revealed good and improvable aspects of the product-system designed. The improvable aspects were used to refine the final concepts.
Finally, together with Cardioline supervision, several engineering ecommendations were elaborated. Those recommendations were related to the concept material, to the electronic components ...
In collaboration with Cardioline Spa, this graduation project presents the development of a discreet device to monitor atrial fibrillation among elderly people. By means of user research and contest analysis, the project is aims at delivering a new product-system device for the company, for Healthcare institutions and for private patients. The project is characterized by three main phases: the first one is about the analysis of the holter monitor world ; the second is related to synthesizing the research results into one concept; and the third one focuses on validating and test the concept proposed. According to the three pillar of Industrial design engineering the research was divided into the three macro areas of: People, Business and Technology. The people linked with the holter monitor system investigated during several activities including Interviews were 14 elderly patients, one General practitioner, one cardiologist and two nurses. Furthermore, to dive deeper into the experience I underwent a 24 hour holter monitor experience. The magnitude of the cardio healthcare business side was explored by the analysis of the main Healthcare trends. In addition, special attention was given to Cardioline’s past innovations and some guidelines for future innovations were outlined. The technology side was also investigated. The Scope of the technology analysis was to understand the current state of the art of ECG technology and its related evolution over the years.
There was a special focus on the transition from the current situation to the mobile health and to why biosensors are preferred to the standard holter monitor. To close the technological part, a perceptual map was made in order to compare the Cardioline product with its competitors. The perceptual map was also used to decide on the transition from the current product to the future product. All the data collected during the analysis phase was collected in a list of requirements composed of demands (hard requirements) and wishes (soft requirements). Afterwards a brainstorm session was run taking into account some of the main problem revealed. After several iterations, the brainstorm results were synthesized into three concepts which were presented during the midterm presentation. Feedback was provided by chair, by mentor and by the Company mentor. Suggestions were used to determined the final user scenario, the final system layout and the final concept. The final concept consisted of a wearable device which records and transmits ECG signal to the smart phone. The smart phone collects and transmits data to the cloud server where the user and Doctor, if authorized, can have access. With a special focus on the setting up phase, a test was performed. The scope of the test was to check if specific concept features were correctly driving the user towards the hypothesised behaviour. The test revealed good and improvable aspects of the product-system designed. The improvable aspects were used to refine the final concepts.
Finally, together with Cardioline supervision, several engineering ecommendations were elaborated. Those recommendations were related to the concept material, to the electronic components
There was a special focus on the transition from the current situation to the mobile health and to why biosensors are preferred to the standard holter monitor. To close the technological part, a perceptual map was made in order to compare the Cardioline product with its competitors. The perceptual map was also used to decide on the transition from the current product to the future product. All the data collected during the analysis phase was collected in a list of requirements composed of demands (hard requirements) and wishes (soft requirements). Afterwards a brainstorm session was run taking into account some of the main problem revealed. After several iterations, the brainstorm results were synthesized into three concepts which were presented during the midterm presentation. Feedback was provided by chair, by mentor and by the Company mentor. Suggestions were used to determined the final user scenario, the final system layout and the final concept. The final concept consisted of a wearable device which records and transmits ECG signal to the smart phone. The smart phone collects and transmits data to the cloud server where the user and Doctor, if authorized, can have access. With a special focus on the setting up phase, a test was performed. The scope of the test was to check if specific concept features were correctly driving the user towards the hypothesised behaviour. The test revealed good and improvable aspects of the product-system designed. The improvable aspects were used to refine the final concepts.
Finally, together with Cardioline supervision, several engineering ecommendations were elaborated. Those recommendations were related to the concept material, to the electronic components
CloudCuddle Senior
The design of a bed tent for wandering people with dementia
The primary purpose of this Integrated Product Design master thesis has two purposes. The first is to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of the elderly with dementia that causes undesired behaviour or Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia, such as wandering during the night. The second purpose is to design CloudCuddle Senior: a lightweight and inflatable bed tent that keeps patients up to 120 kg in bed and creates a feeling of safety in various use cases such as home, caring home or the hospital. Data for this thesis were gathered by doing a literature study, making rapid prototypes and doing qualitative user tests. These methods generated knowledge for two sub-sections of the CloudCuddle Senior Design. The challenge of the Structural Design part was to come up with a bed tent concept that will be stiff enough to keep patients up to 120kg in bed while being lightweight to ensure mobility and consider nursing activities in and around the bed. The Experience Design of CloudCuddle Senior is about creating a safe and comfortable experience in bed that take the needs of people with dementia into account. The literature research results provide the support that patients with dementia need dynamic stimuli. However, research often focuses and compares mainly the type or the meaning of the stimuli such as Snoezelen, light therapy and music therapy while intensity through pace and amplitude often forgotten. More research into the intensity of therapeutic activities may conclude that designers of new interventions should focus on creating an intensity of dynamic stimuli that matches the patients need instead of focusing on the type of stimuli. A concept design is proposed based on the results of the Structural and Experience Design research. One of CloudCuddle’s bed tent’s significant characteristics is its inflatable structure. Although it was tried to design a more stiff design through solely inflatable elements, hard materials are required to meet the requirement of keeping 120kg patients in bed. The results on research from an Experience Design perspective implies that a bed tent that impairs vision on all sides except on one side offers a sense of safety while still being connected to the room in which the patients sleeps and a sense of control. The results of both the Structural and Experience Design research are combined in a final concept design for CloudCuddle Senior that should be prototyped and tested on strength and experience.
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The primary purpose of this Integrated Product Design master thesis has two purposes. The first is to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of the elderly with dementia that causes undesired behaviour or Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia, such as wandering during the night. The second purpose is to design CloudCuddle Senior: a lightweight and inflatable bed tent that keeps patients up to 120 kg in bed and creates a feeling of safety in various use cases such as home, caring home or the hospital. Data for this thesis were gathered by doing a literature study, making rapid prototypes and doing qualitative user tests. These methods generated knowledge for two sub-sections of the CloudCuddle Senior Design. The challenge of the Structural Design part was to come up with a bed tent concept that will be stiff enough to keep patients up to 120kg in bed while being lightweight to ensure mobility and consider nursing activities in and around the bed. The Experience Design of CloudCuddle Senior is about creating a safe and comfortable experience in bed that take the needs of people with dementia into account. The literature research results provide the support that patients with dementia need dynamic stimuli. However, research often focuses and compares mainly the type or the meaning of the stimuli such as Snoezelen, light therapy and music therapy while intensity through pace and amplitude often forgotten. More research into the intensity of therapeutic activities may conclude that designers of new interventions should focus on creating an intensity of dynamic stimuli that matches the patients need instead of focusing on the type of stimuli. A concept design is proposed based on the results of the Structural and Experience Design research. One of CloudCuddle’s bed tent’s significant characteristics is its inflatable structure. Although it was tried to design a more stiff design through solely inflatable elements, hard materials are required to meet the requirement of keeping 120kg patients in bed. The results on research from an Experience Design perspective implies that a bed tent that impairs vision on all sides except on one side offers a sense of safety while still being connected to the room in which the patients sleeps and a sense of control. The results of both the Structural and Experience Design research are combined in a final concept design for CloudCuddle Senior that should be prototyped and tested on strength and experience.
Increasing the Safety of the Modern Bicycle Helmet
Design of an Additional Impact Protection Mechanism
Bicycle helmets reduce the chance of certain injuries such as skull fractures according to various research. However, they are not designed to prevent other injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injury. This is due to test regulations, which only test for high speed linear accelerations. In reality however, low speed as well as oblique impacts occur frequently. A design is proposed that adds an extra layer to the inside of the modern helmet. Four zones with impact absorbing cylinders are both able to absorb low speed linear accelerations by compression, as wells as angular accelerations (as a result of oblique impacts) by shearing.
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Bicycle helmets reduce the chance of certain injuries such as skull fractures according to various research. However, they are not designed to prevent other injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injury. This is due to test regulations, which only test for high speed linear accelerations. In reality however, low speed as well as oblique impacts occur frequently. A design is proposed that adds an extra layer to the inside of the modern helmet. Four zones with impact absorbing cylinders are both able to absorb low speed linear accelerations by compression, as wells as angular accelerations (as a result of oblique impacts) by shearing.
Enhancing the television experience of visually impaired people
Designing a tool to improve the ability to follow a conversation in a television program
This thesis is about improving the television experience of visually impaired people (VIP). The company VFO, world leading in assistive technology for VIP, proposed the assignment after finding out that VIP still watch television but do not experience it like sighted users.
First, background information was retrieved by literature research. Common causes of having a visual impairment and what kinds of impairments exist were derived. Existing knowledge of television watching by VIP was still undersized; no recent study has been done. The main insight obtained from the literature research was that VIP do watch television as much as sighted people. However, VIP experience several problems while watching television that they are not yet able to solve, such as difficulties with understanding a story or missing important details. Currently some products exist to enhance the television experience of VIP but none of them fit to all visual impairments or solves their actual problem.
During this project a study was done to understand the context of VIP watching television and what problems come to light while using the television. In addition to struggles with positioning and using the television, VIP are having a hard time following the content of TV-programs. Details are missed, subtitles are too small to read or disappear too quickly and fast-changing images make it hard to focus on the subject.
In this thesis, a solution will be presented for the inability to follow a conversation because of fast-changing images and the incapability of reading subtitles. Several ideas were generated. Four concepts were formulated after discussions and brainstorms with experts of different expertises such as visual aiding products, vision of VIP and about possibilities of tracking content in a video fragment. These four concepts were tested with VIP to validate the working principle. One concept was found to be applicable for all kinds of visual impairments and a genuine help for VIP: Voices. The concept changes the single voice of spoken subtitle equipment into four voices (two male and two female). This concept needed some improvement according to VIP: making the voices more natural. Furthermore, the Dutch voices that can be used by VFO are Xander and Claire, just one male and one female voice. This evoked one more improvement that should be made: developing dual voices out of one existing voice.
Several possible voices were made with editing the existing ones. A survey was done that indicated the best voices and the needed pitch difference (two semitones) between two voices to perceive them as a different personality.
Video fragments of Dutch television with subtitles were edited with these voices to test the final concept; SubSpeech, with VIP. This last research provided the insight that two semitones distance between two voices was not always perceived as two different personalities. However, the concept was perceived as intended and participants mentioned that several voices do help them understanding a conversation due to the indication of a changing speaker. With current knowledge SubSpeech will help VIP understand conversations of foreign languages better and will make them watch television more easily. A user scenario and a brief list of recommendations for developing the concept into a product is presented at the end of the thesis.
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First, background information was retrieved by literature research. Common causes of having a visual impairment and what kinds of impairments exist were derived. Existing knowledge of television watching by VIP was still undersized; no recent study has been done. The main insight obtained from the literature research was that VIP do watch television as much as sighted people. However, VIP experience several problems while watching television that they are not yet able to solve, such as difficulties with understanding a story or missing important details. Currently some products exist to enhance the television experience of VIP but none of them fit to all visual impairments or solves their actual problem.
During this project a study was done to understand the context of VIP watching television and what problems come to light while using the television. In addition to struggles with positioning and using the television, VIP are having a hard time following the content of TV-programs. Details are missed, subtitles are too small to read or disappear too quickly and fast-changing images make it hard to focus on the subject.
In this thesis, a solution will be presented for the inability to follow a conversation because of fast-changing images and the incapability of reading subtitles. Several ideas were generated. Four concepts were formulated after discussions and brainstorms with experts of different expertises such as visual aiding products, vision of VIP and about possibilities of tracking content in a video fragment. These four concepts were tested with VIP to validate the working principle. One concept was found to be applicable for all kinds of visual impairments and a genuine help for VIP: Voices. The concept changes the single voice of spoken subtitle equipment into four voices (two male and two female). This concept needed some improvement according to VIP: making the voices more natural. Furthermore, the Dutch voices that can be used by VFO are Xander and Claire, just one male and one female voice. This evoked one more improvement that should be made: developing dual voices out of one existing voice.
Several possible voices were made with editing the existing ones. A survey was done that indicated the best voices and the needed pitch difference (two semitones) between two voices to perceive them as a different personality.
Video fragments of Dutch television with subtitles were edited with these voices to test the final concept; SubSpeech, with VIP. This last research provided the insight that two semitones distance between two voices was not always perceived as two different personalities. However, the concept was perceived as intended and participants mentioned that several voices do help them understanding a conversation due to the indication of a changing speaker. With current knowledge SubSpeech will help VIP understand conversations of foreign languages better and will make them watch television more easily. A user scenario and a brief list of recommendations for developing the concept into a product is presented at the end of the thesis.
...
This thesis is about improving the television experience of visually impaired people (VIP). The company VFO, world leading in assistive technology for VIP, proposed the assignment after finding out that VIP still watch television but do not experience it like sighted users.
First, background information was retrieved by literature research. Common causes of having a visual impairment and what kinds of impairments exist were derived. Existing knowledge of television watching by VIP was still undersized; no recent study has been done. The main insight obtained from the literature research was that VIP do watch television as much as sighted people. However, VIP experience several problems while watching television that they are not yet able to solve, such as difficulties with understanding a story or missing important details. Currently some products exist to enhance the television experience of VIP but none of them fit to all visual impairments or solves their actual problem.
During this project a study was done to understand the context of VIP watching television and what problems come to light while using the television. In addition to struggles with positioning and using the television, VIP are having a hard time following the content of TV-programs. Details are missed, subtitles are too small to read or disappear too quickly and fast-changing images make it hard to focus on the subject.
In this thesis, a solution will be presented for the inability to follow a conversation because of fast-changing images and the incapability of reading subtitles. Several ideas were generated. Four concepts were formulated after discussions and brainstorms with experts of different expertises such as visual aiding products, vision of VIP and about possibilities of tracking content in a video fragment. These four concepts were tested with VIP to validate the working principle. One concept was found to be applicable for all kinds of visual impairments and a genuine help for VIP: Voices. The concept changes the single voice of spoken subtitle equipment into four voices (two male and two female). This concept needed some improvement according to VIP: making the voices more natural. Furthermore, the Dutch voices that can be used by VFO are Xander and Claire, just one male and one female voice. This evoked one more improvement that should be made: developing dual voices out of one existing voice.
Several possible voices were made with editing the existing ones. A survey was done that indicated the best voices and the needed pitch difference (two semitones) between two voices to perceive them as a different personality.
Video fragments of Dutch television with subtitles were edited with these voices to test the final concept; SubSpeech, with VIP. This last research provided the insight that two semitones distance between two voices was not always perceived as two different personalities. However, the concept was perceived as intended and participants mentioned that several voices do help them understanding a conversation due to the indication of a changing speaker. With current knowledge SubSpeech will help VIP understand conversations of foreign languages better and will make them watch television more easily. A user scenario and a brief list of recommendations for developing the concept into a product is presented at the end of the thesis.
First, background information was retrieved by literature research. Common causes of having a visual impairment and what kinds of impairments exist were derived. Existing knowledge of television watching by VIP was still undersized; no recent study has been done. The main insight obtained from the literature research was that VIP do watch television as much as sighted people. However, VIP experience several problems while watching television that they are not yet able to solve, such as difficulties with understanding a story or missing important details. Currently some products exist to enhance the television experience of VIP but none of them fit to all visual impairments or solves their actual problem.
During this project a study was done to understand the context of VIP watching television and what problems come to light while using the television. In addition to struggles with positioning and using the television, VIP are having a hard time following the content of TV-programs. Details are missed, subtitles are too small to read or disappear too quickly and fast-changing images make it hard to focus on the subject.
In this thesis, a solution will be presented for the inability to follow a conversation because of fast-changing images and the incapability of reading subtitles. Several ideas were generated. Four concepts were formulated after discussions and brainstorms with experts of different expertises such as visual aiding products, vision of VIP and about possibilities of tracking content in a video fragment. These four concepts were tested with VIP to validate the working principle. One concept was found to be applicable for all kinds of visual impairments and a genuine help for VIP: Voices. The concept changes the single voice of spoken subtitle equipment into four voices (two male and two female). This concept needed some improvement according to VIP: making the voices more natural. Furthermore, the Dutch voices that can be used by VFO are Xander and Claire, just one male and one female voice. This evoked one more improvement that should be made: developing dual voices out of one existing voice.
Several possible voices were made with editing the existing ones. A survey was done that indicated the best voices and the needed pitch difference (two semitones) between two voices to perceive them as a different personality.
Video fragments of Dutch television with subtitles were edited with these voices to test the final concept; SubSpeech, with VIP. This last research provided the insight that two semitones distance between two voices was not always perceived as two different personalities. However, the concept was perceived as intended and participants mentioned that several voices do help them understanding a conversation due to the indication of a changing speaker. With current knowledge SubSpeech will help VIP understand conversations of foreign languages better and will make them watch television more easily. A user scenario and a brief list of recommendations for developing the concept into a product is presented at the end of the thesis.