Bird observation, as one of the most popular nature exploration activities in Europe, has a large user group, a profitable market and contributes positively to the environment. Optical devices are almost a necessity for bird observation since they provide a magnified view with vivid details at a far distance.
Leica, a premium product manufacturer in the camera and sport optics industry, has a current user base of professional and elderly customers in bird observation. As the number of novice observers that start bird watching in urban environments keeps on increasing, the needs from this user group are becoming less neglectable. Therefore, designing for novice bird watchers could potentially help Leica open a new market and create more business value.

The design is defined under an urban context, which is a starter-friendly environment since birds are more active in cities. One of the biggest difficulties for novice bird watchers is ‘finding birds’, including catching sight of birds in the environment, and finding them again later in a magnified optical view. This can be a process that is both tricky and time-consuming for beginners. Some extra digital assistance “just like a slight nudge” is appreciated during the process.

To improve the experience for this process, multiple design ideas were generated and different adaptable technologies were mapped out in a morphological chart. The selected concept is an innovative bird watching optical device with a built-in 3D sound localisation system that is able to generate 3D directional vectors of the detected birdsong source, convert it into 2D information, then project a directional hint of birds’ position on the optical view. To test the feasibility of the selected technology, a functional mockup was built, which is composed with a digital camera, a microphone array, a computer processing power and a camera view finder display. At the end of the project, the mockup is able to perform sound source localisation of multiple sound sources within a distance range of 0-8m.

The mockup build in the project could serve as a starting point for Leica’s future exploration under the sound-related innovation area. Though currently the relevant technology is not mature and cost-efficient enough to bring much value to the viability aspect, a technology roadmap was proposed to the company suggesting a step-by-step further development process. With technical improvements from experts and engineers, an optimized setup with a better performance and a lower cost can be achieved within a more compact package. a sporce opcs

Breast pumps are often used by nursing mothers as breastfeeding support in lactation. However, breast pumping is sometimes not a pleasant journey for mothers. Pump-related discomfort and pain were reported by many women. The goal of this project is to solve pump-related problems and optimise breast pumping ergonomic comfort by reducing discomfort and ultra-personalizing.

I closely studied the principles of breastfeeding/lactating, the problems mothers encountered during breast pumping, and the existing solutions and breast pump products on the market. The insights were gathered from the research, which formed the two pain points for pump-related problems: mothers lack emotional connections with breast pumps which restricts the hormone release for milk ejection reflex; the mismatch of breast pump shields causes most pain and discomfort. After analysis of the causal model and the frame innovation, the two main problems were reframed as follows: there could be more physical stimuli on the nipple and areola to make up for the shortness of psychological stimuli; the optimized pressure distribution could reduce the pain and discomfort.

To solve the two problems above, the envisioned breast pump design direction was narrowed into three perspectives: ideal breast contour achieved by 3D scanning; ideal pressure distribution based on perceived discomfort differences in different breast areas; effective physical stimuli applied on nipple and areola based on correct mechanisms (compression), intensity and local pressure sensitivity differences.

The preliminary design requirements were concluded according to the previous research. To consolidate the LoR (List of Requirements), experiments regarding breast sensitivity were implemented on 20 women to find the discomfort thresholds and lower sensory thresholds of women’s breasts. Two breast sensitivity map towards positive pressure was made to present the difference: the breast discomfort thresholds increase from the nipple top to the outer breast. The breast tactile thresholds decrease from the nipple side to the outer breast, and the sensitivity of nipple top is between the nipple base and the areola. And there are correlations between breast sensitivity and other parameters such as breast volume. Apart from that, other experiments show that a personalized perfectly-fit breast pump shield has a better force distribution than normal breast pump shields. An artificial breast was also made for further verification.

After that, concept ideas were generated and used for virtual exploration. According to the experiment conclusions and views from users and experts, a consolidated LoR (list of requirements) for a possible ultra-personalized breast pump design was made. The consolidated LoR was applied for a design proposal, which has a personalized adjustable shield shape with better pressure distribution and bigger contact areas. The design proposal was prototyped and verified on an artificial breast and compared with traditional breast pump shields. It was proved to be theoretically more comfortable than traditional breast pumps.

This thesis explores possible transformations of peri-urban areas in the Jing-Jin-Ji megaregion (China) in order to improve the region’s performance in terms of environmental and social sustainability. Peri-urbanity in East-Asia - or Desakota, a term coined by Terry McGee in the 1990s - can be conceptualized as a combination of easing urban agglomerations and different forms of rural transformation. Being bypassed by economic metropolitan structures, it forms a diffuse mix of agricultural, industrial, and residential patches. Dramatic levels of air pollution and the loss of agricultural land threaten environmental and social structures. What was once called the hinterland has lost its original function. The shortcomings of spatial planning practices and regional governance should be counteracted by readjusted principles of urbanism. It is hypothesized that integration and compactness can be suitable tools to contribute to the sustainable development of megaregions, if they adapt to the complexities and scales posed by mega-regionalization. This hypothesis is explored through in-depth analyses on multiple scales and their translation into (design) strategies. European case studies help to make transitions between well-known icons of regional planning and design, and the unknowns of the Chinese megaregion. The methodology lays out an agenda that leads to three concrete outcomes. Firstly, the “Desakota Dilemmas” clarify the difficulties of balancing environmental and social concerns. Secondly, the “Desakota Strategies” present proposals for alternative forms of peri-urbanization that are based on the diversity of village communities and the detailed analysis of spatial pre-conditions. Thirdly, the “Jing-Jin-Ji Planning Framework” synthesizes the outcomes of analysis and design, and presents recommendations that advocate for a type of regional planning that is based on collective action, multi-scalar cooperation, and the recognition of uncertainty.

The goal of this master thesis is to design an instrument which is able to insert an implant called a spinal cage, designed by M. Ahmadi, between two vertebrae. The spinal cage is of a new hinged, and spring loaded design, requiring a new insertion instrument, since no existing instruments are able to place the implant. The implant is used in a PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) surgery. The goal of this surgery is to relieve patients from their symptoms when suffering from a hernia. The new applicator is designed to have a workflow which induces a low workload. To gain information on the current surgery, two observations in the operating theatre are made and a workflow analysis is performed. After the initial analysis a lean startup process is used to create iterations of the new spinal cage applicator. This method is used because it is found to better suit the already largely defined context of the project. A test with the first design shows that the multi-segment spinal cage was difficult to load into the applicator, therefore a solution is found by creating a cartridge which contains the spinal cage and allows for a quick and easy insertion. A connection between the spinal cage and the part which pushes the implant into the body is added as well to allow for a controlled insertion. The second design is tested on a simulated anatomical setup. This user test shows that the connection between spinal cage and pusher, and markings indicating the correct insertion orientation requires improvement. The third design is tested to evaluate the workflow. It is found that the workflow induces a low to moderate workload. It is found that the applicator still blocks the surgical view too much. The final design, called ClearFix, is a disposable applicator made from clear polycarbonate to increase the surgeons view on the surgical area. Surgeons state that the ClearFix is easy and intuitive to use, and would use the ClearFix if it were available.