Every day, people charge devices in their homes without realising the serious risks involved. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, yet in 2024 alone, 250 to 300 domestic fires in the Netherlands were related to battery incidents. On a regular basis dangerous accidents with e-bike batteries happen in the domestic environment. Public areas are even starting to ban batteries from their facilities and the fire department is increasingly creating awareness campaigns. With the growing use of e-bikes and other rechargeable devices, this number and the urgency is expected to rise even more. Most existing safety systems detect fire or smoke, but at that stage it is often too late to prevent damage.

Before a battery catches fire, there is a phase in which it shows an irregular increase in temperature. Between the onset of this anomaly and full thermal runaway, there is typically a window of around 34 minutes in which intervention is still possible. Current systems do not operate within that window, and limited research has focussed on prevention within the domestic environment through solutions that actively communicate risk to the resident.

This thesis addresses that gap. It proposes a domestic fire prevention system that monitors the temperature behaviour of rechargeable battery devices, interprets whether a pattern represents a developing risk, and communicates actionable information to the resident before that risk becomes irreversible. The new Alprokon platform ‘Every Space Safe’ creates a demand for an innovative design solution in the world of safety. Starting from the broad scope of safety, and moving through the Double Diamond design process, theoretical research, iterative ideation, and user tests, HeatGuard was developed.

HeatGuard is a safety system consisting of two components. The first is a physical sensing patch, applied to the e-bike battery, that senses the temperature rate of change and interprets it against learned and fixed thresholds. The second is a mobile application that translates and communicates the data into actionable information, so the user can respond safely to the developing risk of the e-bike battery.

HeatGuard is demonstrated as plausible and explored with users. Rather than a fully validated product, it establishes a set of design principles for thermal safety in rechargeable battery systems and forms a starting point for further development and testing under real conditions. ... Read more

Cooking has been one of the most important activities of mankind throughout history. The Early Humans already gathered around the campfire to prepare and cook ingredients together. This campfire evolved to the kitchen area as we know it today. In the last century, since the introduction of the Frankfurter Kitchen by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky in 1926, this area has been focused on efficiency. This value supported general wealth and is still visible in our current kitchen.

Looking towards 2040, we need to reflect if this value from 1926 still aligns with our current desires. Looking back to the campfire, cooking was a moment of being together and interact on a social level.

In an ever-busy lifestyle, this social interaction with friends and near ones is more important than ever. Therefore this thesis explores how to replace the value of efficiency with focus on the social interaction. This within the cooking journey of Dutch starters in a 2040 context.

This thesis is in close collaboration with De`Longhi Braun Household, a company in small domestic appliances located in Germany.

This thesis is divided in a research and conceptualisation phase. During desk research an adapted Vision in Product (ViP) design approach is used to reveal the core value of cooking from the past, current and future. This value, combined with a determined focus area and group, results in the creation of a design vision.

Through ideation, conceptualisation and prototyping the final design, Mesa, is introduced. A total replacement of the 2026 kitchen area. This flexible kitchen enables the person cooking to move with the social interaction, and therefore having the opportunity to be included in conversations during the complete cooking journey. This way people can make best use of the time they spend together.

Mesa, developed for a Dutch starters couple in a 2040 home context, considers all stages of the cooking process. Moving with the social interaction, preparing ingredients, cooking on induction technology, fume extraction and fresh water supply are all covered.

After validating this concept kitchen, users indicate a desirability towards this new vision of social cooking. The execution is promising, but further development is required before mass implementation.
... Read more

This thesis investigates how Accenture Song can strategically design hyper-personalized digital products in response to rapid developments in malleable software. As user expectations increasingly shift toward hyper-personalized experiences, and as research shows that customization can improve efficiency, satisfaction and accessibility, Accenture Song must adapt its approach to digital product design. Malleable software enables end-users, designers and developers to adapt digital products more easily during use and development. However, most current hyper-personalization strategies remain system-driven, limiting user agency. This reveals a gap in how malleable software can support adaptive, user-centric digital products through user customization.

The aim of this thesis is threefold: to understand how malleable software can enable hyper-personalization in digital products, to explore how these tools can be embedded within the design and development process of the Design & Digital Products (D&DP) practice, and to define how Accenture Song should position itself strategically in relation to malleable software.

This project follows a diverging and converging design approach across three phases. The first phase builds contextual knowledge on current and emerging hyper-personalization strategies, resulting in eight interaction design principles for designing hyper-personalized digital products using malleable software. The second phase applies generative research methods to uncover latent customization needs of Generation Z in digital financial products. The final phase focuses on co-creation and iterative prototyping with malleable software, leading to a demonstrator, an intervention framework for D&DP’s design and development process, and a strategic and tactical roadmap for Accenture Song.

One of the key findings is that malleable software enables a shift from system-driven personalization toward user-driven customization, improving the end-user experience by increasing efficiency, accessibility and user agency. In addition, malleable software supports faster validation, concept development, ideation and co-creation within internal design and development processes, while also creating opportunities for Accenture Song to engage clients through hyper-personalized digital products and new service offerings. ... Read more

This thesis investigates how KLM Engineering & Maintenance can integrate circularity into aviation MRO decision-making to retain value in parts by redesigning how routed-part outcomes are made visible, comparable, and steerable in daily work. The research is grounded in part routing in the Salvation & Warranty context, where parts move through a sequence of gates under contractual, technical, and operational constraints, and where circular value is often lost.

A qualitative case-study design was applied, structured through five sub-questions that move from reconstructing the as-is routing system and decision funnel to defining and operationalising circularity at part level. Data collection combined semi-structured interviews across roles, follow-up clarification meetings to validate the evolving routing map and gate logic and a co-creation workshop to test indicator feasibility and shared understanding under operational constraints.

The thesis contributes a set of design requirements for circular routing decision-making, a linked indicator system that operationalises circular value retention through routed-part outcomes (R-levels) and adds steering and prioritisation layers (R-ratio trend steering, Functional Lifetime Loss based on benchmark service potential, and an indicative CO₂ effect based on internal carbon assessment factors) and a staged implementation roadmap in three horizons that separates foundation building (shared language), stable logging and steering, and long-term embedding through governance and an external repair ecosystem. These deliverables were brought together in the form of an interactive website to make it workable and distributable for KLM E&M. ... Read more

Sustainable solutions for climate systems are often aimed to be integrated into newly build residences. For existing systems, retrofitting poses challenges. However, it’s important to adapt solutions so they can more easily be integrated into existing households too.
Climate systems in Dutch residences are primarily powered by gas-boilers, although all electric heat-pump systems are steadily on the rise. Just like other solutions, they pose their own set of challenges for retrofitting. This thesis aims to make retrofitting more attractive by finding areas in climate systems that can be improved, making the system more efficient, comfortable and/or healthy.

“Develop a controlled decentralized addition for Joule Technologies' new system to be integrated into existing Dutch Households. 'Future-proofing' them to be more sustainable through smart features.”

This thesis is done in cooperation with Joule Technologies and will focus on making it easier/more attractive to retrofit residences with Joule technology’s new ventilation heat-pump BEN.

In insulated residences ventilation is responsible for ≈43% of the climate system’s energy loss. During the project the importance and possible impact of increased ventilation control was found to be important. For modern systems this exists, but the required infrastructure and cost to apply such a system to existing residences does not make it attractive.

This project begins by analysing where climate systems are installed, how users interact with climate systems, what problems are encountered during retrofitting and analyses current solutions available on the market. It then explores the problem space to find areas improvement areas, of which one is chosen, analysed and improved by a system addition. This is then further developed into a product and analysed to see if the solution is viable and interesting enough for Joule technologies to add to their BEN line-up.

This process provided a prototype for the dynamic valve. Valves are placed on the ends of the ventilation system to distribute flow to the right areas. Dynamic valves do the same, but can measure the status of air, adapt the air distribution and communicate with the ventilation heat-pump how much ventilation is required. Providing more precise control over area-specific climates in the residence.

Simple communication is lacking in the HVAC market as users often are only provided with the current temperature and a target temperature. The influence of changes on their system is not shown, sometimes causing confusion or misunderstanding. As dynamic valves take over the user’s ventilation control it’s important to inform the user. The visual movement in dynamic valves communicates to users what the ventilation system does.


Venting only when required reduces the total flow of vented air, saving energy by reducing required heating/cooling of incoming air. For insulated residences, this allows BEN to save ≈11-14% on the occupant’s energy bill for climate control, whilst making their climate healthier and more comfortable.

Each dynamic valve costs ≈€33-53 to produce, depending on the CO₂ sensor type and power source.

The concept is promising, but the solution needs further development before implementation.

The following steps are required to reach TRL 7:
1.Eliminate whistling noise
2.Replace the seal with legs and foam
3.Test a VOC CO₂ sensor for accuracy
4.Build an automated prototype with sensors
5.Conduct a full-scale system/pressure test
6.Adapt and test product look and feel

After these steps a better evaluation can be made on the value of dynamic valves as addition to the BEN environment. ... Read more

This thesis investigates how the performance and appeal of heat-pump-fed district heating (HPDH) systems can be improved, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional gas boilers. HPDH systems are important in the transition to renewable energy sources and becoming a low-carbon society, but adoption faces challenges.

Central to the project is the concept of bandwidth heating, in which users agree to a temperature range rather than a fixed setpoint. Research supports how small temperature ranges are perceived as comfortable, at slow drift rates (rate of temperature change). Due to the slow thermal inertia of heating homes, this comfort applies to this design. This flexibility enables a shift of heating draw toward periods of low hourly energy prices and high renewable availability, providing cost savings and additional environmental benefit. Simulation results demonstrate that bandwidth heating can significantly lower heating costs by up to 15% while increasing the share of consumed renewable energy. This dynamic system maintains user comfort in these small fluctuations of temperature, making them a more competitive heating solution. When hourly prices are high, the system coasts. When prices are low, the system allows heating. As influxes of renewable energy exert downward pressure on the energy price, cheap electricity is greener too.

The project introduces a Heating-as-a-Service (HaaS) model, combining the technical optimization with a user aspect. The HaaS model shifts focus from individual ownership to a subscription-based service, through which bandwidth heating is offered. This distinction carries more agency for the system. This approach enables this cost-effective method and brings opportunities for more innovation within this service.

Users are supplied with a novel HaaS interface, through which they can select their preferences and parameters within which the system may optimize. It is developed and tested with users, revealing that most participants are excited about the cost savings bandwidth heating can offer. The interface features more elements such as savings comparisons, social cues and an introductory tutorial to ensure all users are comfortable and knowledgeable of the system. In testing, users noted how automation is welcome if its benefits are evident, so a comparing graph is made part of the interface where the daily consumption of HaaS is compared to a fictional fixed thermostat consumption under similar conditions.
Built with system development, technical modelling in MATLAB, and interface prototyping, the result is a scalable, user-centric product-service system that supports the transition toward smarter, more sustainable heating by making HPDH a more competitive product.
... Read more

This thesis presents the development of a design tool that supports yacht designers in the early-stage integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems on luxury yachts. While sustainability is gaining importance in the superyacht industry, solar technology is rarely applied due to aesthetic concerns, limited suitable surface area, and a lack of practical design knowledge.
The project aims to bridge this gap by providing designers with accessible methods to explore and assess PV integration. A combination of literature research, expert interviews, and a co-design study with the Norwegian naval architect Coase Design led to the creation of design guidelines and an interactive design tool.
The research identifies three key factors determining successful integration: surface geometry, aesthetic appearance, and energy performance. Monocrystalline silicon panels offer the best balance between efficiency, durability, and visual quality among available technologies. Three integration methods: flexible stick-on, glass-laminated, and composite-laminated panels, are assessed for suitability within the luxury yacht context.
A co-design case on a 50-metre yacht demonstrates that PV can meaningfully contribute to the energy needs when applied in carefully designed surfaces. The study also reveals that early integration and visual evaluation are essential for achieving seamless design outcomes.
The resulting YIPV Design Tool lets designers explore PV configurations interactively and receive instant visual and numerical feedback. User testing confirmed that combining aesthetic and performance insights enhances informed decision-making and shows potential use in client communication. This thesis delivers a functional and feasible concept that helps integrate solar technology into yacht design. Offering a pathway towards more sustainable superyachts and highlighting opportunities for further development of the tool.

... Read more

Today, an increasing number of art, history, and culture-related items are being digitally reproduced and displayed by cultural heritage institutions on websites. As the digitisation of cultural collections progresses, digital collection websites are reaching a broader and more diverse audience, including a growing segment known as casual users. This user group is becoming more prevalent in the context of digital collections. However, despite their increasing presence, the current interfaces of most digital collection websites do not adequately support the casual user experience. Casual users typically visit these sites without a specific informational goal, preferring exploratory browsing. In contrast, many existing interfaces are designed for users with clear motivations, focusing on targeted searches. Tools like search bars and catalogues may limit exploration for casual users, who may feel less encouraged to explore freely. This raises a critical question: how can we design an innovative exploration experience that invites casual users to explore and supports their divergent exploration?

Through a literature review of psychological theories on exploratory behaviour, design principles for supporting casual users, theories on facilitating serendipity, and user research with six casual users, a deeper understanding of the context was gained, leading to the definition of the design goal. Four interaction qualities—exploratory, serendipitous, supportive, and playful—were then established as guiding principles for the project.

Based on the research findings, four initial concepts were developed and tested with nine participants. Insights from the first round of testing were used to formulate an integrated concept. An interactive prototype was then created to conduct a second round of testing with five participants.

The final concept, Wander More, is an innovative online tool for exploring digital collections. It is designed to invite casual users to wander through diverse cultural items using connected keywords in a simple, playful, and surprising way. The key features of the final concept are as follows:

1. Wandering through various items via keyword connections in a simple and endless way.
2. Playfully dragging keywords to generate a diverse range of surprising items.
3. Viewing exploration journey summary
4. Also supporting deep and specific exploration

In the final evaluation, the design was assessed to determine how well it achieved the design goal. Five participants found it to be a simple and enjoyable experience that allowed them to explore diverse items in a playful and surprising manner. ... Read more

Context
The topic of this graduation project is sustainable mobility. Sustainable mobility in urban areas can be achieved by using active transport. Cycling and walking is called active transport and is sustainable due to the lack of emissions. Passive transport such as cars and pedal bicycles produce a lot of emissions, which are bad for people’s health and the climate.

Advier, the client of this project, is a consultancy working on innovative and sustainable mobility. Together, we looked at the future of mobility inside the city. How to make a green world in 2040.

Aim of the project
To design for the year of 2040, first I researched what the future will look like. A future that is as green as possible through technological but also behavioural developments. To eventually move towards this green world, the following research goal was drawn up: Design a service to encourage more sustainable mobility in and around urban areas in 2040.

To accomplish this goal, the research through design method was applied. For the three different phases, this design method was applied in an exploratory way. As a result of the analytical, conceptual, and conclusion phases, a service was designed. This service, called Mobi, will motivate people to use more sustainable mobility and inspire sustainable mobility projects.

Analysis
Throughout the project, I built on a strong foundation of background knowledge. This knowledge was built from literature research and was built up from three topics.

Mobility
This chapter has looked at present and future mobility. The impact of mobility on behaviour, rearranging mobility inside the city by giving priority to cyclists. By looking at this development of mobility, means such as electric vehicles and low-traffic cities seem to be the solution, but I believe the solution lies mainly in changing people’s behaviour.

City
The city adapts to mobility and vice versa. How differently a city functions when a 15-minute city philosophy is applied. It is important to take the city into account when designing for it. How communities emerge and streetscapes change will influence the criteria for designing a future-proof service.

Future visions
What the future will look like no one knows, but by looking at the extremes of future worlds, design possibilities will emerge. By taking a green world as a starting point, the service created within will lead to a more sustainable world. Thus, this project is focused on making a green world a reality.

Concept
To come up with the broadest possible solutions for the project, behavioural change was researched. To practice sustainable behaviour, you do need to know how sustainable behaviour looks like and, more importantly, what it does not look like. There is demand for more knowledge around mobility emissions, research has shown. To create a green world, it has to be clear how we get there. That is why Mobi has been devised that will ensure a green world for the future.

Conclusion
The Mobi service consists of three elements: bike, car and overview. For each element, I looked at providing the necessary information on sustainability and investigated what the appropriate form of communication would be. In this way, Mobi primarily offers a form of information to the user. The communication is in a playful way to keep the user motivated and make more use of active transport.

Towards the end of the project, the designed service proved to be most suitable for an application for the smartphone and a implementation of an existing mobility provider. It will be deployed in combination with vehicles and technologies. The service was also tested among users and experts in the field of mobility and MaaS; Gaiyo, Advier and SJEES. This evaluated the service as an inspiring resource for future mobility and possibilities for implementation. ... Read more

Moss covered surfaces are a promising way to mitigate the urban heat island effect. A layer of moss on a building’s façade reduces heat absorption during summer, hence passively cooling the building and its surroundings. The startup Respyre wants to offer such moss layers as a commercial product. A bio-gel mixed with moss fragments is sprayed on a porous concrete outer layer. This is irrigated for several months until the wall is covered by a layer of living moss.

The aim of this project is to rethink the existing irrigation system, since it gives a bad water distribution, resulting in high water usage and uneven moss growth.

First, the context was analysed. Literature study and an interview with an expert provided a better understanding of what role moss has in mitigating the urban heat island effect and what moss needs from a biological perspective. Further research revealed what solutions for providing moist already exist. A stakeholder analysis provided insight into who has something to say about the irrigation system. All these findings together resulted in a list of requirements.

During a brainstorm, a set of ideas was sketched to find as many out-of-the-box solutions as possible. This is a mix of new ideas, existing ideas found during the analysis, and combined ideas.

The brainstormed ideas that are feasible were developed into concepts. They were prototyped and their water distributing performance was tested by irrigating them in a green house. The concepts have been assessed on (among others) water distribution, estimated costs, minimum water pressure, ease of installation, and the need for developing new parts.

Five promising concepts were further developed and tested on a larger prototype. Their water distribution was quantitively tested, and costs estimated.

The finally chosen solution was further improved and detailed in the last stage. The end result is a design and prototype of an irrigation system that gives a slightly more uniform water distribution at a significantly slower rate for comparable costs. ... Read more