Park and Ride (P+R) gives travellers the option to combine the flexibility of the car with the train. In practice, choosing P+R means assessing several parts of a journey at the same time. Information about parking, costs, transfers and train services may already be available, but travellers still need to understand how these elements come together for the trip they are planning. This thesis examines how the NS app can support travellers who see both driving and P+R as realistic options, and how that support can help build enough trust to consider P+R as an alternative to driving the full journey.
A research-through-design approach was used, combining stakeholder interviews, internal NS research and fieldwork at P+R locations in Rotterdam, Woerden and Amersfoort. Thirty-seven field cases were included in the traveller research. Insights from this work formed the basis for the design direction and the final concept. The concept was then evaluated through 13 semi-structured online sessions and 16 short sessions around Utrecht Centraal. Additional discussions with NS stakeholders were used to assess its relevance within the organisation and to identify conditions for further development.

A central finding was that the difficulty does not lie in finding the information alone. Travellers often have access to information about parking, trains, costs and travel time, but still need to judge the complete journey themselves. This is most relevant before commitment, when more travel options are still open. At this point, the NS app can help by comparing realistic options, relating them to the traveller’s priorities and explaining what each option means in practice. The traveller remains in control of the final choice.

These findings led to the Travel Confidence Companion, a decision and journey guidance layer around the existing NS Reisplanner. DECIDE supports the choice before the journey by comparing realistic options in relation to traveller priorities. GUIDE supports the journey when circumstances change. REINFORCE connects the finished journey to what mattered when the original choice was made.

The strongest evaluation evidence relates to Decide. Participants generally understood the recommendation, found the P+R option easier to judge and still experienced the final decision as their own. Guide received positive responses in the scenarios that were tested, while Reinforce remains less established. ComIT Reizigers and NS Stations also saw relevance in the concept for future journey planning, personal travel advice and the further development of P+R in the NS app. The study does not establish repeated use during real journeys, long-term trust, changes in actual travel behaviour, full technical feasibility or financial viability. The next step is a focused real-world test centred on Decide.
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This project investigates whether a TV remote can be designed to power itself through the energy generated by its own use. The scroll wheel, the primary input mechanism, drives a DC motor harvester through a bevel gear train. The energy generated by thumb scrolling is rectified and stored in a small rechargeable backup battery, with the goal of making disposable batteries unnecessary. The project was conducted in collaboration with Kinergizer and is aimed primarily at the hospitality sector, where battery replacement across hundreds of guest rooms is a persistent maintenance problem.

The research phase addressed three questions: what ergonomic constraints shape the scroll wheel design, how much energy can the harvester produce and what does TV signalling cost in energy terms. Ergonomic tests with participants established that a single forward-facing scroll wheel positioned 100 mm from the base of the remote, set to an electrical resistance of 25Ω, gives an acceptable balance between mechanical feel and energy output. The harvester produces approximately 6 mJ per scroll at the motor output. After accounting for an estimated 50% rectifier efficiency, approximately 3 mJ per scroll is available to the chip.

On the signalling side, a hybrid IR and BLE architecture is proposed. The power button uses IR to wake the TV from deep sleep, where a BLE connection cannot yet exist. All other commands use BLE via a Silicon Labs EFR32BG22 chip with an interrupt-driven firmware architecture, a connection interval of 250 ms and a peripheral latency of 100, giving an effective connection interval of approximately 25 seconds. An energy model built from measured interaction patterns shows that a one-hour Netflix session consumes 78.83 mJ while generating approximately 438 mJ, a surplus of around 359 mJ. Under consistent use the remote sustains itself. A Maxell ML2032 rechargeable coin cell covers worst-case periods of non-use.

Two prototype iterations were built and tested. The first established the core mechanical architecture: a scroll wheel that slides along a square axle to switch between four functions, with position detected by four reed switches responding to embedded magnets. A pilot user test with five participants produced a mean SUS usability score of 76.5, above the above-average threshold of 68. The main issues identified were an unclear select function and unintuitive left/right navigation mapping. The second iteration addressed these points, refined the housing shape based on ergonomic feedback and replaced LED indicators with a screen readout driven by a rotary encoder. Full assembly and a broader user test are planned after greenlight.

The energy model relies on datasheet figures that have not been validated by direct measurement. A measurement of a Samsung SolarCell remote found an idle current of 100 µA, considerably higher than the datasheet figures, illustrating that finished products do not reach chip-level figures without deliberate firmware and circuit design. The harvester efficiency figure is also an estimate. These limitations are the most important areas for further development. ... Read more

Preventive behaviour is one of the few levers available for extending the years people spend in good health, and women over 55 sit at the point where it matters most. Bone density and muscle loss begin to decide how long independence lasts, and menopause entered Dutch health policy only in 2025. Yet almost every product aimed at that gap measures: it sets a target and judges performance daily. This thesis asks how a wearable product-service system can help a woman act on a preventive behaviour she has chosen for herself, without measuring her body. It was developed with Silvie Health, a startup working on women's health after 55, through a mixed-methods design process guided by a salutogenic lens, which asks what generates health rather than what is wrong.

The project began from supplement adherence. Desk research across eight sub-questions, nine interviews with women aged 55 to 75 and five expert interviews found that the premise did not hold. Most participants already had a supplementation routine that worked, anchored to an existing daily moment. What they described instead was doubt about whether what they did was right for them, and a gap between deciding on a healthy behaviour and getting round to it. The effect of most supplements cannot be felt, so more information does not settle that doubt. A first concept, a bedside clock, was built and tested; participants rejected it in a single session, and the problem was restated around the distance between knowing and doing.

The result is the Silvie Pillar. The wearer writes one promise to herself in a companion app, a gold-coated titanium pendant vibrates once on her breastbone at a moment inside a window she chose, and a squeeze, read capacitively through the pendant, confirms she kept it. There is no score and no biometric sensor, and any jeweller can replace the cell from a printed service sheet. Six evaluation sessions, correspondence with thirteen suppliers and a jeweller, a finite element analysis of the sensing wall and a modelled cost case were used to test desirability, feasibility and viability, each reported with what it does not yet prove. By showing that a preventive health wearable can measure nothing about the body and still be wanted by the women who handled it, the project offers a counter-example to a wearable culture built on measurement and self-optimisation. ... Read more

Long before refrigeration existed, people used the earth to store their food and keep it cool. The Groundfridge revives this principle: a prefabricated underground root cellar designed for off-grid living and passive food storage. It relies on the stable temperature of the surrounding soil to passively cool its contents, but exposure to atmospheric conditions causes internal temperatures to fluctuate during warmer periods.

This graduation project explores how the Groundfridge can become an integrated system by reconnecting the product, its user, and nature. It investigates how conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer can be optimised through redesign, while embedding user needs and sustainability. Rather than treating cooling as a purely technical challenge, the design seeks to make environmental processes visible, understandable, and meaningful to the user.

The Living Groundfridge represents two interventions: the Climate Gate, which increases thermal resistance, and the Groundflow system, which leverages evapotranspiration through a self-regulating water supply and vegetation plan to actively cool the Groundfridge hill. Together, they demonstrate that designing with nature, rather than against it, can create solutions that are thermally effective, ecologically beneficial, and meaningful in daily use. ... Read more

Endovascular aneurysm repair using physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) is an important option for patients whose anatomy is not suited to standard or custom-manufactured stent grafts. Before implantation, the surgical team modifies a commercial graft by hand on a sterile back table. One of the preparation steps in this workflow is time-consuming, relies on general-purpose tools, and demands close coordination between several team members.

This thesis examines this preparation step as a workflow problem rather than an isolated tool problem. Through clinical literature, observation, expert interviews, and iterative prototyping, the work analyses how the task is distributed across people, tools, and time, and explores design directions and proposes solution that could make the preparation more controlled and repeatable. The report concludes by outlining the further development and validation steps required before clinical use. ... Read more

Global food systems face mounting pressure as livestock production contributes disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions (Aiking et al., 2018). Airports, as high-volume food consumption environments, represent both a source of this impact and an opportunity for change. Royal Schiphol Group has committed to a 50% reduction in Food & Beverage-related CO₂ emissions by 2030, with a key strategy of shifting its food assortment to 60% plant-based ingredients (Royal Schiphol Group, 2024).

Despite this ambition, plant-based sandwiches account for only 5% of total sandwich sales at Loaf, one of Schiphol’s main F&B outlets. At the same time, Schiphol’s passenger satisfaction scores rank below those of comparable international hubs, with the F&B experience scoring particularly low (Schiphol data, 2024–2025). Plant-based options introduced so far have been largely rejected by passengers, putting both sustainability targets and commercial viability at risk (RSG Sustainable Food Route, 2024). This project therefore addressed the question: “How can a design intervention at Schiphol Airport nudge passengers towards sustainable food options?”

A Human-Centered Design approach, structured around the Double Diamond framework, guided the project. Research combined desk research on the protein transition, consumer behaviour theory (including the COM-B model and nudging theory), and airport F&B trends with qualitative user research through travel diaries (n=5), semi-structured interviews (n=14), and terminal interviews (n=6). Insights were synthesised into an empathy map and a choosing mechanism model, and validated through a co-creation session with passengers (Sanders & Stappers, 2012).

The research showed that passengers rely on familiar food as a coping strategy to make a confident choice during a stressful and uncertain travel day. Three must-have design criteria were identified: familiar positioning, guidance, and enabling imagination of taste (Papies et al., 2020; Farrar et al., 2024). This led to the design challenge:
“Design a guiding intervention that enables imagination of taste and builds familiarity around a plant-based sandwich at Loaf.”

Four concept directions were developed and evaluated through co-creation sessions, stakeholder discussions, an experiment with Schiphol employees (n=9), and a between-subjects survey with passengers (n=27). This process resulted in the final concept: Your Schiphol Mix.

The intervention combines three elements. First, Schiphol acts as a guiding selector, presenting a curated set of sandwiches as reliable travel-day options without emphasizing their plant-based nature. Second, a Mix & Match format allows passengers to combine two half sandwiches at no extra cost, lowering perceived risk and enabling imagination of taste. Third, a personalized hospitality interaction, where the employee writes the passenger’s name on the plate and wishes them a good flight, adds a meaningful human gesture to an otherwise anonymous environment (ACI, 2025).

A terminal test validated the Mix & Match format: the plant-based share increased from 16% to 21%, a 31% relative increase, representing roughly a 5% shift from animal-based purchases without explicitly promoting sustainability. Lifecycle assessment estimates suggest that this shift could reduce emissions by approximately 44,500 kg CO₂eq annually at Loaf alone (RIVM, 2024; The Big Climate Database, 2024).

The concept fits within the existing Schiphol–HMSHost partnership and shows potential for scaling across the airport. The project demonstrates that encouraging plant-based choices in airports does not require sustainability messaging, but rather a choice environment that helps passengers make a confident decision before boarding. ... Read more

This thesis investigates the potential of coffee-based granulate for Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) in sustainable outdoor furniture design. The research is a collaboration between Coffee Based and 10XL, supported by Het Ooievaarsfonds. The project aims to determine whether materials from Coffee Based, made from spent coffee grounds (SCG), can be used to create large-scale 3D-printed furniture, and how their material behavior influences design and manufacturing decisions.

The research attempts to fill a clear gap in the literature. While SCG-based composites have been used in small-scale filament printing, their performance in Fused Granulate Fabrication (FGF) using LSAM has not yet been studied. The project uses a research-through-design approach and follows a double diamond process with the following clear parts: literature review and problem definition, material and printer exploration, design development, and final design and validation.

Three SCG-based compounds provided by Coffee Based were tested: SCG with recycled polypropylene (rPP), bio-based high-density polyethylene (bioHDPE), and thermoplastic starch (TPS). Their sustainable properties are different: rPP contributes to technical circularity through recycling within the technical cycle, bioHDPE is bio-based and derived from renewable feedstock, and TPS is bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable within the biological cycle. The material exploration phase is mainly focused on improving print quality rather than the mechanical properties of the compounds themselves.

Many print tests were performed at 10XL, mostly on a smaller extruder, and in the end, once on the large extruder. The main test variables were flow/extrusion rate, temperature, bed adhesion, print speed, and minimum layer time. Print quality was mainly focused on shape fidelity (overhang, bridging, radii, corner angles, and shrinkage), extrusion consistency, and surface finish. Performance was measured both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Shrinkage turned out to be a major challenge in this research. The TPS compound showed the lowest and most consistent shrinkage (below 0.5%) and had proper adhesion to the print bed without needing additional fixation. In contrast, the rPP and bioHDPE compound showed significant shrinkage levels, and therefore also needed additional fixation to the print bed. While adding chalk to these compounds reduced shrinkage, because it was manually mixed, it led to inhomogeneity and inconsistencies in print quality. Using the TPS compound, successful overhang angles reached up to 40 degrees, while bridging was mainly unsuccessful, due to the continuous flow nature of LSAM. Corner angles smaller than 40 degrees turned out to be unreliable. However, small radii were printable and reliable.

These findings led to the design of an XL 3D-printed prototype that combines the potential of the coffee-based material with the preferences of the stakeholders, within the found constraints of the printing technology.

Overall, this research shows that the provided granulates by Coffee Based have the potential to be used in LSAM with FGF, provided that further development is performed to minimize shrinkage and improve extrusion consistency on the large extruder. Design choices also have to align with material properties and printer possibilities.
Thus, while much is still unknown and challenges towards print quality remain, the project lays the groundwork for further development on using circular, biobased (or waste-based) materials in LSAM. ... Read more

The construction industry faces increasing pressure to transition from sustainability (reducing negative impact) towards regenerativity, which seeks to create net‑positive ecological and social outcomes. This design study responds to a challenge set by Heijmans Residential Housing: to support the organisational transition toward regenerative housing by developing an intervention that broadens employee perspectives, aligns mindsets with a future regenerative vision, and enables actionable behaviour change within daily practice. A comprehensive research phase examined the systemic impact of the built environment, the regulatory landscape, cultural barriers within the construction industry, and the strategic ambitions of Heijmans. Literature on regenerative design, circularity frameworks, organisational change, and behavioural transformation was synthesised, including models such as ADKAR, the RC4BE framework, and Arup’s regenerative principles. Interviews with senior management, intrinsically motivated employees, and external experts were used to map the target audience’s knowledge, learning preferences, and barriers to sustainable action. This analysis revealed that while awareness and motivation exist, employees struggle with the knowledge and especially the ability needed to implement regenerative principles within complex housing projects.Based on these insights, Persuasive Game Design (PGD) was selected as the design approach to address mindset, behaviour, and systemic understanding. Through iterative prototyping, testing, and refinement, a three‑hour interactive workshop was developed. The workshop consists of two gameplay rounds simulating housing development in the present and in a projected 2035 regulatory context, a discovery session introducing the conceptual foundations of regenerativity, and an activator session guiding participants to define personal and organisational actions. The workshop uses realistic roles, constraints, ecosystem‑service thinking, systemic trade‑offs, and innovation mechanisms to mirror project dynamics and create a safe environment for experimentation.Evaluation through test sessions demonstrated that the workshop is feasible within the organisational context, desirable for participants, and viable as a tool for mindset and behavioural change. Participants reported increased understanding of regenerative principles, recognition of systemic interdependencies, and a stronger sense of agency in contributing to regenerative outcomes. The activator component successfully generated concrete follow‑up actions. The workshop has already begun implementation within Heijmans’ “Attitude and Behaviour” programme and is being adapted for other domains such as infrastructure.This study concludes that experiential, game‑based learning is a high‑leverage intervention for supporting regenerative transitions in the construction sector. By combining systemic insight, practical decision‑making, and personal agency, the workshop enables employees to translate regenerative principles into their own work, contributing to the long‑term organisational transformation required for regenerative housing. ... Read more

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death for women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Ethiopia, where barriers such as cost, distance, and a shortage of specialists prevent effective screening. Existing visual inspection methods in local clinics often lack the reliability needed for early detection, leading to preventable deaths. To address this, we have developed an integrated, low-cost (<€200) AI-assisted cervical imaging system. The device uses a novel cross-polarisation filter on an off-the-shelf endoscope to capture glare-free, high-quality images. A removable hardware guide ensures safe, repeatable positioning, while an AI model running on a portable Raspberry Pi provides real-time sharpness feedback and diagnostic classification support to non-specialist users. This system is designed to function as a "digital endoscope," empowering local healthcare workers to perform accurate screenings without expensive equipment. By enabling a "screen-and-treat" workflow, our solution aims to decentralise care, reduce the burden on overwhelmed referral hospitals, and provide women in remote communities with immediate access to life-saving diagnostics, transforming a multi-week ordeal into a single, confident clinical encounter. ... Read more

This graduation project, conducted in collaboration with BMW Motorrad and TU Delft, presents the BMW GS Proterra concept: a repairable and sustainable aluminium luggage storage system (LSS) developed for the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure. The objective is to create a concept that facilitates effortless lifespan extension through circular design strategies, while addressing the diverse needs of GS riders.

Problem
The construction of the existing aluminium GS Adventure LSS presents significant challenges with regard to disassembly, repair practices and reuse. The used connections are non-reusable rivets, making it almost impossible to replace individual components. Unfortunately, this often results in the entire LSS being replaced. This premature disposal is further driven by the desire of GS riders to maintain the ‘as new’ appearance of their motorcycles and LSS.

Research and analysis
Research into the behavior and experiences of BMW GS riders with regard to damage and repair practices revealed that most damage occurs at low speeds. Although 60% of users attempted to repair the damage themselves, barriers such as inaccessible parts and complex assembly processes prevented more widespread repair practices. Assessment methods such as Hotspot Mapping and Disassembly Mapping confirm that priority parts are difficult to access due to high-force, non-reusable connections, and that a large number of dependent actions are necessary before removal. This makes successful roadside repairs and efforts to extend the LSS’s lifespan unlikely.

Design strategy
In response, the concept of a sacrificial design was developed, involving the incorporation of features designed to absorb external impact forces. This reduces the forces that reach the core structure and minimizes its plastic deformation drastically. The sacrificial parts that absorb impact forces are designed to deform and are easily replaceable, thereby making it possible to prolonging the LSS’s lifespan and retaining value for the GS rider. Additionally, this design strategy allows visible wear and tear to be accepted as part of the product’s robust and durable narrative.

Concept
The BMW GS Proterra concept is an all-terrain aluminium LSS that demonstrates how sacrificial design can enhance durability, user engagement, and emotional attachment. The architecture of the system places vulnerable components safely inside, while positioning easily replaceable sacrificial parts externally. GS riders have the option of retaining signs of wear as evidence of their past adventures or restoring the appearance by replacing these parts. The final concept was validated using a high-fidelity aluminium prototype, confirming the ease of part replacement.

Future application
The project offers valuable insights for both BMW Motorrad and TU Delft by demonstrating how repairability and sustainable product design can align with aesthetic and functional objectives. The GS Proterra is a valuable source of inspiration for the implementation of circular design in mobility products and has the potential to influence future product development within BMW Motorrad. ... Read more

Events contribute significantly to plastic pollution, largely due to the use of single-use plastic meal packaging like plates and bowls. This results in major environmental issues, as these items are discarded after a single-use. With growing awareness of sustainability and increasing regulatory pressure, more events are transitioning to reusable alternatives. One promising solution is a return system, where visitors use reusable meal packaging and return them correctly. However, in practice, visitors do not always comply, which undermines the effectiveness of the circular system.

This study addresses the question: What are effective behavioural interventions to positively encourage event visitors to use and return reusable meal packaging responsibly? Responsible use and return means handling the meal packaging with care, preventing damage and minimising waste by returning it neatly.

To answer this question, the process began with a combination of literature research, desk research, observations and interviews with experts and event attendees. Key behavioural factors influencing the issue were identified and analysed using the COM-B model, which formed the basis for an iterative design process. This led to the development of five behavioural interventions and a framework.

The interventions were tested at three pilots and achieved an average return rate of 99%, confirming their effectiveness in small-scale open events.

The behavioural interventions and the framework have been compiled into a practical guide for event organisers looking to implement a reusable meal packaging system. It provides guidelines and recommendations to promote responsible visitor behaviour. While this research focuses on small-scale open events, further studies could explore the scalability of these interventions to larger events.
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Prototyping is a fundamental aspect of the design process, enabling students to explore, experiment, and refine their ideas through hands-on learning. However, in secondary education, students struggle to integrate prototyping effectively into their projects. A lack of technical skills, confidence, and experience leads to a theoretical approach to design, where making is seen as an afterthought rather than an integral part of the process.
This research investigates how prototyping can be made more accessible and engaging within the context of secondary education, specifically within the Technasium curriculum. Through literature research, interviews, surveys, and classroom experiments, the study identifies key barriers to effective prototyping and proposes solutions to enhance technical skill development and hands-on engagement. This approach is presented in a 5-pager for Technasium teachers. The 5-pager aims to help them to understand and implement this project and how to put more emphasis on prototyping in the O&O lesson.
Four student-centred solutions were developed and tested: NeXus, a tool station that tries to make it easier to start the making process. A Skill Workshop gives a structured introduction to basic building techniques. Instructional Posters, provide visual, step-by-step guidance for inspiration and independent learning. A Lo-Fi prototyping materials box lowers the threshold to start experimenting with prototypes. Additionally, a teacher-focused intervention offers advise for writing project assignments that emphasise hands-on iteration.
The findings indicate that by making prototyping more approachable and explicitly embedding it into the learning process, students become more confident, engaged, and effective in their design work and hands-on skills. The proposed solutions can help to achieve this.
This approach can be used to investigate further on how students can be motivated to develop practical skills. ... Read more

In low-resource settings such as refugee camps, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Without improved sanitation, hygiene education, and clean water access, these preventable diseases will continue to threaten public health in these areas.
The SaniSecure project was developed to address critical sanitation challenges in the Imvepi refugee settlement, where unlined pit latrines contribute to groundwater contamination, disease transmission, and environmental degradation.
The research for this project was conducted using a human-centered approach, incorporating field visits, in-depth interviews, and direct engagement with settlement inhabitants, latrine emptying groups, and sanitation experts. Through which, key challenges were identified. Most latrines were poorly maintained, often structurally compromised due to flooding and material degradation. The lack of handwashing facilities and cleaning agents further increased disease risks. Additionally, latrines were not designed for elderly or disabled individuals, creating barriers to safe and dignified sanitation. These challenges, however, presented opportunities for a new Product-Service System (PSS) that integrates a safe toilet design with an effective emptying service.
By proposing the SaniSecure System, multiple levels of complexity were tackled on product, system, & human interaction, while taking into account environmental, financial, cultural and human factors, such as renewable cooking fuel, a self-sustaining business model, and inhabitant latrine habits.
The SaniSecure Toilet was developed to directly address these issues. It features a sealed sludge container that prevents groundwater contamination, a robust and flood-resistant structure, and an inclusive design that accommodates users with mobility challenges. The introduction of the toilet resolves multiple health and environmental problems by ensuring safe containment and hygiene maintenance, while also improving user experience through better privacy, cleanliness, and security.
The SaniSecure Service complements the toilet by providing scheduled emptying, maintenance, and user education. This service, run by a trained Service Group, utilizes the Pupu Pump and motorized tricycles to ensure hygienic and efficient sludge transport. Beyond emptying, the Service Group plays a key role in educating users about WASH practices and providing access to cleaning supplies. The integration of this service ensures the long-term functionality and sustainability of the sanitation system.

To validate the SaniSecure System’s impact, a phased implementation strategy has been designed. A pilot test involving 40 toilets will be conducted, allowing for real-world evaluation of system effectiveness. The testing phase will gather data on user behavior, sludge quality, and system efficiency to refine the design before full-scale deployment. Financial sustainability is achieved through a dual revenue model: biogas sales from treated sludge and fees for public latrine emptying.

In conclusion, the SaniSecure project presents a scalable, community-driven solution that addresses sanitation challenges through an integrated design approach. By combining improved toilet infrastructure with a reliable service, the system enhances public health, environmental protection, and economic resilience within the Imvepi settlement. The pilot phase will serve as a foundation for future expansion, demonstrating the viability of the SaniSecure model in low-resource settings. ... Read more

PEZY, a design agency specializing in product development and wheelchair designs, explores innovative opportunities in custom wheelchair solutions. This report begins with a comprehensive analysis of the wheelchair industry, distinguishing between developed and developing countries based on different market demands. While developed markets emphasize highly adaptable and ergonomic wheelchairs, developing countries prioritize affordability, durability, and ergonomic designs.

The focus shifts to the potential of developing country markets, where PEZY identifies promising opportunities due to significant unmet needs and limited competition. Kenya serves as a case study, revealing robust demand for wheelchairs and highlighting challenges. The supply chain analysis underscores the involvement of stakeholders, including governments and aid organizations, essential for wheelchair distribution in challenging areas. The competitive landscape offers further insights into PEZY's potential entry into this market.

To address these insights, together with PEZY a value proposition was formulated with a self-build, custom-fit wheelchair concept. To improve PEZY market position strategic alliances with stakeholders are pivotal for market entry and validation. A phased roadmap guides product development, from initial design feedback to pilot testing and market launch.

The report affirms the viability of wheelchair innovation in developing countries, emphasizing PEZY's strategic alignment with aid organizations for sustainable market penetration. By leveraging alliances and funding, PEZY aims to introduce impactful wheelchair solutions.
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Cycling, a sport with a rich history, is experiencing rapid growth in popularity (Braeckevelt, 2019). It is known for its numerous health benefits, including reducing cardiovascular risks and obesity (Oja et al., 2011).

Despite being perceived as a low-impact activity, research conducted by Delft University of Technology reveals that over one-third of cyclists suffer from saddle sores (Groenendijk et al., 1992). This prevalence is even higher among sport-cyclers, with complaints often focusing on discomfort around the perineum and sit-bones, potentially hindering participation in the sport (Napier & Heron, 2022).

Throughout this research, it became apparent that achieving a comfortable saddle experience hinges on two crucial factors: a saddle design selected to fit the purpose (cyclist’s anatomy, cycling posture, and personal preferences) and a proper bike fit. Despite their significance, these aspects are frequently disregarded during the saddle purchasing process. As a result, cyclists may find themselves cycling through multiple saddles before discovering the right fit or resorting to costly professional bike fitting services.

In response to these findings, this thesis proposes the development of a bicycle saddle with a variable side profile. This way, the rider can adjust the saddle to align it with the pelvic bone. Therefore creating an optimal pressure distribution, leading to less saddle sores. This has been done by introducing a hinging frontal and rear part, covered by a specially designed padding that makes sure that a smooth profile is established. Additionally, bike and saddle fitting items and a simple guide are provided to the customer and should help find a better bike fit at home. ... Read more

This research aims to improve the balance between repairability and recyclability of an outdoor luminaire. For this, an existing outdoor luminaire, the Luma Gen2, was used as a case study. The product architecture of the Luma was analyzed, as well as its performance in the context of repairability and recyclability.

The repairability analysis showed that certain priority components are easily reachable and require few tools. However, the theoretical repair practices of the GearFlex box were not always experienced in the field and resulted in the need for individual driver replacement. Furthermore, the L2 was difficult to reach as it requires upside down disassembly. A shredder experiment showed the recyclability of the Luma. Most of the aluminum of the Luma ended up in the non-ferrous fraction and the wires and electronics were mostly liberated. The bolts used for the spigot, glass clamps and ground wires did not liberate and were mostly found in the wrong fraction. Also, certain materials were used that are difficult to recycle, like PC, PMMA, and Silicon rubber.

To determine what an optimized design of an outdoor luminaire could look like, 2 concepts and a full redesign of the Luma Gen2 were made. Experts ranked the concepts and found them to show improvements in both repairability and recyclability. The selected concept was developed further and turned into a functional prototype. This prototype decreased the time of a driver and L2 repair with a factor of 9. The recyclability of the prototype is also assumed to be significantly improved.

Furthermore, existing design guidelines regarding repairability and recyclability were presented and used during the concept development phase. These guidelines were analyzed on their usefulness and application to this specific product group and were adjusted accordingly, resulting in a suggested set of design guidelines on the repairability and recyclability of outdoor luminaires. ... Read more

This graduation project explores the problem of teaching engineering education through the course Understanding Product Engineering (UPE) to first year bachelor students at the TU Delft faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, which is a significant issue in the context of the reduction of time allocated to technical subjects in the programme. Moreover, students are not applying their engineering knowledge and skills in their design projects, possibly meaning the way it is educated is not effective. The primary goal of this research is to design an experiential machine, aiming to address the lack of practical, hands-on learning experiences in early engineering education through the development of a prototype and accompanying educational module. This is guided by the Productive Failure learning approach.

The project began with an initial exploration phase, where the different subjects of UPE were explored, a questionnaire was conducted and literature was reviewed to understand the end users’ needs and how to effectively teach subjects. From this, several key findings emerged, including the choice of direction for statics with a focus on beam bending. Additionally, it was discovered that teaching relies heavily on the way motivation in students is created.

Based on these insights, the next phase involved generating design concepts and developing a proof of concept for an experiential machine, guided by the requirements that followed from a deeper look into the subject of statics and beam bending. This concept phase culminated in the embodiment of the Educational Deflection Analyser (EDA), which was further refined through technical assessments and user tests.

To validate the design, two user tests were conducted, and the results indicated that the EDA is a functional proof-of-concept with the potential to engage students by sparking their curiosity to learn something new. Despite requiring some future iterations concerning the usability and full integration in the educational context, the project successfully developed a setup to teach first year students the fundamentals of product engineering.

In conclusion, this report demonstrates that with continued development, the EDA holds the potential to become an effective learning tool in the future to make engineering education enjoyable and see the application reflected in design projects. Future work could focus on the improvement of the user-friendliness, elaborate evaluation and digital integration of the electronics. ... Read more

Limited access to surgical care in low- and middle-income countries has resulted in the loss of approximately 16.9 million lives annually, accounting for 32% of global deaths. This is more than tuberculosis, malaria and HIV combined.

Several factors contribute to this disparity, including the scarcity of surgical equipment. Despite the limited availability of equipment, a staggering 40% of donated equipment in sub-Saharan Africa is ultimately discarded in landfills due to its short lifecycle.

This is attributed to the lack of consideration for the local use context in the design of medical devices. For example, medical devices are not robust enough, can not be repaired locally due to lack of access to spare parts and might not function because of the harsh working environment. (i.e. fluctuations in the electricity grid).

Laparoscopy offers much shorter recovery times and reduces risks of infection, thus improving clinical outcomes and allowing individuals to return quickly, thus enhancing the livelihoods of families that might rely on a single source of income.

Recognising that equipment availability is an issue in hospitals, I designed EasyTower - a practical and cost effective design. EasyTower integrates an outer casing to securely store the devices required for laparoscopy, such as the diathermy, ENT drill, and insufflator. Seamless connectivity to an uninterruptible power supply ensures continuous operation through power outages.

The tower includes a laptop holder and a drawer for accessories. Instead of using the typical laparoscopic stack, costs are drastically reduced by using a laptop to replace the light source, screen and image processing, thus eliminating the need for expensive equipment, by connecting to a scope that works with a standard laptop or tablet.

EasyTower is designed to be mobile, thus ensuring equipment can be moved and utilised in various hospital settings as needed. It can easily be opened up and used directly. To reduce the risk of damaging the medical equipment, Easy tower folds into a safe, lockable storage space (like a flightcase), protecting equipment from frequent impacts with e.g. patient beds, thus ensuring a longer life span.

Produced from off-the-shelf components which can be easily procured in Africa, EasyTower can be produced locally and spare parts can be easily sourced, making it easy to repair locally. Easy tower reduces equipment needs and protects equipment from breaking, either due to impacts or due to electrical problems. In this way equipment can have a longer lifespan, thus preventing the equipment from ending-up in the landfill, contributing to a more accessible and sustainable healthcare system. ... Read more

Digital literacy has emerged as an indispensable skill in the 21st-century workforce, compelling educational institutions to adapt their curricula and incorporate digital literacy into their teaching methodologies. This research abstract specifically addresses the challenge of integrating digital literacy into the secondary educational course Design&Technology, which adopts a project-based, competence-driven approach that presents difficulties in establishing overarching guidelines and methods.
The primary objective of this project was to explore the structural inclusion of digital literacy within the Design&Technology course while preserving the existing teaching methods. Digital literacy permeates various stages of the Design&Technology projects, particularly in the learning and utilization of digital programs for creating and communicating models, research, and designs. The course emphasizes the significance of self-regulated learning during this process; however, teachers often encounter challenges in fulfilling their coaching role. To foster self-regulated learning among students, teachers must ensure the presence of key elements such as competence, relatedness, and autonomy. Regular reflection on their instructional practices and the course's relevance is crucial for applying effective didactic methods.
The final design outcome of this project is a game, intended to be played during pivotal moments within the Design&Technology faculty, such as the start of a school year. The game facilitates the exchange of views and perspectives, promoting a unified outlook on the Design&Technology course at the school. It prompts teachers to reflect on their interventions with student design teams and evaluate the effectiveness of their approaches in supporting the self-regulated learning journey emphasized in the Design&Technology vision. Furthermore, the game provides a safe space for players to express personal opinions and viewpoints.
The research project involved initial theoretical research to establish an overview of the scope, followed by engaging internal stakeholders in context-mapping sessions. The iterative phase of the project incorporated experts and stakeholders closely related to the identified problem statement through co-creative sessions, which further refined the game concept. The final evaluation was conducted in a realistic context and involved stakeholders who had no previous involvement with the research project.
The evaluation affirmed the anticipated outcomes, demonstrating that the game successfully facilitated reflection among the participants, allowing them to critically assess their daily teaching practices, make informed judgments, and raise questions or uncertainties. Consequently, teachers are now better equipped to provide tailored support to students during unexpected situations, thereby enhancing their self-regulated learning.
By employing the game, the integration of digital literacy into Design&Technology projects can be achieved in a structured manner. Engagement with the game improves flexibility, innovation, motivation, and enables teachers to deliver student-centered education.
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REV’IT! would like their first road racing boot on the racetrack before the racing season 2024 for the riders they sponsor in the MotoGP Championship. These riders wear everything REV’IT! from the neck down, except for boots. For boots, they currently have to arrange another sponsor deal with one of the direct competitors of REV’IT!. As contact is already there, the risk of losing the riders to these competitors for the entire sponsor package increases. REV’IT! has experience developing adventure bike boots, race gloves and race suits, but not in terms of motorcycle racing boots. Research, designing, and testing had to be done to get from this point to a race-ready product. This project served as a jump start in this process.
The initial goal was to find and dive into a design problem for a concept of a boot subsystem by executing different types of analyses to pinpoint current areas of improvement based on experience with competitor boots and create a list of requirements and an overview of the design drivers. As REV’IT! stands for quality, technical innovation and solving user problems, it would be fitting to make a boot that is not only as good as its competition but also has an answer for the problems indicated by the riders. The necessary data was collected through interviews with experts, a co-creation and Q&A session and interviews with the REV’IT! Riders, brainstorming sessions, questionnaires, and literature research. Besides the boot requirements and design drivers, four potential research areas surfaced. With the use of an evaluative method, the choice was made to focus on improving the current ankle brace design to be better at protecting the riders against hyper-rotation injury. The problem statement became: “Limiting the damage caused by hyper-rotation of the joints of the lower limb of REV’IT!’s MotoGP riders during a crash with a lightweight, low-profile solution that does not cause any discomfort in terms of pressure or donning and doffing, and does not limit the rider in their freedom of movement and the tactile feel to a noticeable extend.”
With in-depth research, ideation, calculations, prototyping, tests and multiple iterations, a final concept was generated that limits hyper-rotation in the direction of inversion and eversion even when combined with plantar and dorsiflexion. 2.1 (when plantar flexed), 7.0 (when neutral), and 3.7 (when dorsiflexed) times more force is required to invert this brace compared to the brace of one of the best racing boots currently available. Meaning this brace absorbs more impact energy during a crash. The concept combines a comfortable, lightweight and low-profile pivoting 3D printed PA11 hard part based on a 3D scan of the rider with six reinforcing Dyneema® strings that mimic the ligamentous structures of the ankle in terms of placement and functionality. It allows for the complete active range of motion in the direction of plantar and dorsiflexion while limiting inversion and eversion in all flexion positions. The strings allow for the personalisation of the amount of limitation based on rider anatomy and preferences.
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