H. Kuipers
Please Note
25 records found
1
Sustainably scaling up the operations of Kelp Blue in Lüderitz, Namibia
A consultancy report
A point-of-use water treatment solution
Providing safe water to households in Addis-Ababa with a new jerrycan cap
To limit the scope, and make the project more manageable, the focal point is the urban areas of Ethiopia, and in particular Addis-Ababa. In urban areas, the concern surrounding drinking water is the degrading water quality rather than access to water. Improving the water quality is an area in which Quooker can use its expertise.
In Addis-Ababa, people have access to water from a tap point outside their homes. On average, people can get water from these tap points once a week. To bridge the periods of intermittence in the water supply, people store the water in jerrycans at home. During this ‘Water-Journey’ the water quality degrades due to user interactions and poor sanitation. In the end, only 24% of the water consumed by people can be considered safe to drink.
During this project, I developed a product that helps the people in Addis-Ababa treat their water at home by building on and using the expertises of Quooker. The design process focused on providing people in Addis-Ababa with an affordable, reliable and long-lasting product. To achieve this, different water treatment methods were analysed. UV-C was chosen as the preferred method due to its long lifespan and potential to innovate. Because UV-C is a novel technology in the context, this project became a feasibility study for the implementation of UV-C as a water treatment method in Addis-Ababa.
The end-result is the UV-Tap (figure 1), a jerrycan cap with an integrated disinfection system. It disinfects the water with UV-C light at the same time as it dispenses it., which kills the pathogens present in the water. With the UV-Tap a household can treat up to 15.000 L of water before components need to be replaced. This equals to approximately 3.5 years of drinking water for a household of 4 people.
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To limit the scope, and make the project more manageable, the focal point is the urban areas of Ethiopia, and in particular Addis-Ababa. In urban areas, the concern surrounding drinking water is the degrading water quality rather than access to water. Improving the water quality is an area in which Quooker can use its expertise.
In Addis-Ababa, people have access to water from a tap point outside their homes. On average, people can get water from these tap points once a week. To bridge the periods of intermittence in the water supply, people store the water in jerrycans at home. During this ‘Water-Journey’ the water quality degrades due to user interactions and poor sanitation. In the end, only 24% of the water consumed by people can be considered safe to drink.
During this project, I developed a product that helps the people in Addis-Ababa treat their water at home by building on and using the expertises of Quooker. The design process focused on providing people in Addis-Ababa with an affordable, reliable and long-lasting product. To achieve this, different water treatment methods were analysed. UV-C was chosen as the preferred method due to its long lifespan and potential to innovate. Because UV-C is a novel technology in the context, this project became a feasibility study for the implementation of UV-C as a water treatment method in Addis-Ababa.
The end-result is the UV-Tap (figure 1), a jerrycan cap with an integrated disinfection system. It disinfects the water with UV-C light at the same time as it dispenses it., which kills the pathogens present in the water. With the UV-Tap a household can treat up to 15.000 L of water before components need to be replaced. This equals to approximately 3.5 years of drinking water for a household of 4 people.
From waste to value
A toolbox and usecases for local circular waste processing
Based on the user research, it can be found that patients often encounter problems during their treatment, but they often cannot get proper help quickly due to the slow reply time of the healthcare professionals. Also, because of the difference in the know-how of the disease, the communication towards the patient is not summarized as one diagnosis and support session and in the end, they cannot get a complete answer from the healthcare team. Therefore, I want to design an online support platform to help FSHD patients get the right help in time during the treatment of their disease.
The final design is an online support platform that aims to help patients solve their problems during the treatment and facilitate effective communications between patients and the healthcare network. The core of this service platform is to introduce a personalized coach to bridge the gap between the two sides. The platform has two main functions, treatment, and chat, which can meet most of the needs of a patient during the treatment process. In the treatment session, patients can follow the exercise videos based on their treatment plan made by the healthcare professionals. After they complete one exercise, the platform enables users to make a self-evaluation of their performance. When patients feel negative about the training, they can quickly inform this situation to the coach and the healthcare team by using the share function. Then they will receive comments on their recordings from the healthcare professionals so that they know how to adjust their actions. The chat function allows the patient to quickly ask questions and express their need when they encounter problems with their personalized coach. The coach will help to filter the question and inform the related healthcare professionals to discuss it in a chat group when needed. When the discussion ends, patients can get a summarized answer from the coach.
Based on the usability test, it can be validated that the design can bring benefits to people. The two main features of the online platform (chat and treatment) were useful to the test subjects, and they expressed a willingness to use the platform if it will be developed in the future. However, there is still room for improvement. In the future, we can further think about enlarging the user group, such as involving more patients of other neuromuscular diseases and expanding the service, such as helping the customer to build their healthcare team to add more value to more people. ...
Based on the user research, it can be found that patients often encounter problems during their treatment, but they often cannot get proper help quickly due to the slow reply time of the healthcare professionals. Also, because of the difference in the know-how of the disease, the communication towards the patient is not summarized as one diagnosis and support session and in the end, they cannot get a complete answer from the healthcare team. Therefore, I want to design an online support platform to help FSHD patients get the right help in time during the treatment of their disease.
The final design is an online support platform that aims to help patients solve their problems during the treatment and facilitate effective communications between patients and the healthcare network. The core of this service platform is to introduce a personalized coach to bridge the gap between the two sides. The platform has two main functions, treatment, and chat, which can meet most of the needs of a patient during the treatment process. In the treatment session, patients can follow the exercise videos based on their treatment plan made by the healthcare professionals. After they complete one exercise, the platform enables users to make a self-evaluation of their performance. When patients feel negative about the training, they can quickly inform this situation to the coach and the healthcare team by using the share function. Then they will receive comments on their recordings from the healthcare professionals so that they know how to adjust their actions. The chat function allows the patient to quickly ask questions and express their need when they encounter problems with their personalized coach. The coach will help to filter the question and inform the related healthcare professionals to discuss it in a chat group when needed. When the discussion ends, patients can get a summarized answer from the coach.
Based on the usability test, it can be validated that the design can bring benefits to people. The two main features of the online platform (chat and treatment) were useful to the test subjects, and they expressed a willingness to use the platform if it will be developed in the future. However, there is still room for improvement. In the future, we can further think about enlarging the user group, such as involving more patients of other neuromuscular diseases and expanding the service, such as helping the customer to build their healthcare team to add more value to more people.
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During the research phase, the literature research provides basic understanding of first aid kits, as well as the injury knowledge of the human body. It guides the project how and what the product should include and treat, making it sufficient and convenient for emergencies.
The interview and observation about outdoor sports are keys of scenario analysis. Helpful insights were obtained from videos and participants. The first design focus was found on how to apply treatment alone when one arm is injured and dysfunctional. Users have to apply treatment themselves with only one hand.
The second design focus comes from the evaluation of current first aid kit evaluation by going through all steps of treatments where all supplies are simply stacked and only designed to be used by two hands. The information obtained by users should be well arranged to improve the use efficiency.
To achieve the design goals, design focuses were detailed as a requirement list based on research insights. The whole product was divided into a few independent parameters, in which a few requirements should be fulfilled. Ideas were generated, compared and selected in each parameter and were integrated into a complete concept.
The concept was theoretically workable to be further developed in the next stage: concept validation. In this stage the concept was divided into different parts again, aiming to make cardboard or 3D printed prototypes for each parameter and help validate the concept through iterations respectively. The final design for each parameter was integrated into a complete product. The final prototype is a realistic and satisfying product, as proof of the concept that fulfils all design goals.
User tests and discussion were conducted as the last step of the project. Participants were observed if they can quickly understand the design and use it smoothly. They pointed out the defects of design and gave advice for further development. ...
During the research phase, the literature research provides basic understanding of first aid kits, as well as the injury knowledge of the human body. It guides the project how and what the product should include and treat, making it sufficient and convenient for emergencies.
The interview and observation about outdoor sports are keys of scenario analysis. Helpful insights were obtained from videos and participants. The first design focus was found on how to apply treatment alone when one arm is injured and dysfunctional. Users have to apply treatment themselves with only one hand.
The second design focus comes from the evaluation of current first aid kit evaluation by going through all steps of treatments where all supplies are simply stacked and only designed to be used by two hands. The information obtained by users should be well arranged to improve the use efficiency.
To achieve the design goals, design focuses were detailed as a requirement list based on research insights. The whole product was divided into a few independent parameters, in which a few requirements should be fulfilled. Ideas were generated, compared and selected in each parameter and were integrated into a complete concept.
The concept was theoretically workable to be further developed in the next stage: concept validation. In this stage the concept was divided into different parts again, aiming to make cardboard or 3D printed prototypes for each parameter and help validate the concept through iterations respectively. The final design for each parameter was integrated into a complete product. The final prototype is a realistic and satisfying product, as proof of the concept that fulfils all design goals.
User tests and discussion were conducted as the last step of the project. Participants were observed if they can quickly understand the design and use it smoothly. They pointed out the defects of design and gave advice for further development.
There were some problems with Upepo needed to be addressed. Consequently, this project was launched to fix its current issue of sustainability, functionality, and business aspects. Besides these aspects, some unexplored topics were also investigated to broaden up the opportunities.
As a result, a greenhouse dryer, “UpWind,” was designed. UpWind not only ensures the production of dried dagaa but also aims to improve its performance on drying capability, cost-efficiency, ergonomic, and sustainability and to fulfill the stakeholders' requirements.
This project delivered the result by systematic design methods. The development followed the basic design framework of Double Diamond. First of all, in the Discover phase, research and analyses were done based on two topics, drying methods and other preservation methods. Then, the results were concluded and integrated into a Design Vision and a List of Requirements in the Define phase. Next, through performing creative design methods, such as Brainstorming, Morphological Chart, etc., and evaluation methods, eventually, one concept stood out from the crowd. Finally, the concept was developed through Design Iterations. The components were separated into three groups for easier development management. Depending on the attributes of the group, some were developed through simulation, while the others were through prototyping.
As a closure of the project, the List of Requirements, sustainability, and Technology Readiness Level of the final design were evaluated to ensure the goals of this project were met. Moreover, this project provided technical information for future development, such as the Bill of Material, production method, business model, and a design roadmap, at the end of the report. ...
There were some problems with Upepo needed to be addressed. Consequently, this project was launched to fix its current issue of sustainability, functionality, and business aspects. Besides these aspects, some unexplored topics were also investigated to broaden up the opportunities.
As a result, a greenhouse dryer, “UpWind,” was designed. UpWind not only ensures the production of dried dagaa but also aims to improve its performance on drying capability, cost-efficiency, ergonomic, and sustainability and to fulfill the stakeholders' requirements.
This project delivered the result by systematic design methods. The development followed the basic design framework of Double Diamond. First of all, in the Discover phase, research and analyses were done based on two topics, drying methods and other preservation methods. Then, the results were concluded and integrated into a Design Vision and a List of Requirements in the Define phase. Next, through performing creative design methods, such as Brainstorming, Morphological Chart, etc., and evaluation methods, eventually, one concept stood out from the crowd. Finally, the concept was developed through Design Iterations. The components were separated into three groups for easier development management. Depending on the attributes of the group, some were developed through simulation, while the others were through prototyping.
As a closure of the project, the List of Requirements, sustainability, and Technology Readiness Level of the final design were evaluated to ensure the goals of this project were met. Moreover, this project provided technical information for future development, such as the Bill of Material, production method, business model, and a design roadmap, at the end of the report.
Enhancing Inflight dining experiences
A design for providing control to economy class passengers over their meals
This project aimed at changing the Organizational Culture of KLM Digital. This due to the perceived lack of innovation, especially radical innovation, coming out of KLM Digital. The current workflow helped create this issue by separating the divisions responsible for the development of digital products. The current setup is known as the Digital Factory, which is mainly focused on developing incremental innovations. The way the change was attempted was by changing the structures, processes and organizational identity. All of that by using design methodologies and practices.
The design proposal consists of two big elements: the Final Destination and the Runway. The first one includes a future vision representing a scenario where KLM Digital achieves the changes team members wanted to see. As part of this scenario, a new Organizational Identity was created. This new Identity aims to bring the team members together under a shared beliefs and values system, working towards Digital’s Vision. The Runway is the collection of actions that Digital can take in the short-term to kick start the change process. More specifically, the Runway includes a number of activities that promote collaboration, creativity and communication among the people of Digital. This way, the proposal covers actions the organization can take in the near future to start testing ideas and learning from them, and a long-term vision to work towards.
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This project aimed at changing the Organizational Culture of KLM Digital. This due to the perceived lack of innovation, especially radical innovation, coming out of KLM Digital. The current workflow helped create this issue by separating the divisions responsible for the development of digital products. The current setup is known as the Digital Factory, which is mainly focused on developing incremental innovations. The way the change was attempted was by changing the structures, processes and organizational identity. All of that by using design methodologies and practices.
The design proposal consists of two big elements: the Final Destination and the Runway. The first one includes a future vision representing a scenario where KLM Digital achieves the changes team members wanted to see. As part of this scenario, a new Organizational Identity was created. This new Identity aims to bring the team members together under a shared beliefs and values system, working towards Digital’s Vision. The Runway is the collection of actions that Digital can take in the short-term to kick start the change process. More specifically, the Runway includes a number of activities that promote collaboration, creativity and communication among the people of Digital. This way, the proposal covers actions the organization can take in the near future to start testing ideas and learning from them, and a long-term vision to work towards.
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Goal-oriented retreats
An enhanced professional experience based on a service design approach
This function must be based on the previous research and analysis stage performed during the internship. ...
This function must be based on the previous research and analysis stage performed during the internship.
The design of the Acoustic Ticking could be improved by looking into other hanging systems for the panels, see what other shapes can be manufactured and if it in some way can be used as a construction material.
The final result of this thesis is an acoustic panel that extends the life-cycle of ticking waste materials. This solution uses no virgin materials and fits the circular economy diagram made by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Also, the manufacturing of the acoustic panels has the possibility to process a large amount of ticking waste that would otherwise be incinerated. ...
The design of the Acoustic Ticking could be improved by looking into other hanging systems for the panels, see what other shapes can be manufactured and if it in some way can be used as a construction material.
The final result of this thesis is an acoustic panel that extends the life-cycle of ticking waste materials. This solution uses no virgin materials and fits the circular economy diagram made by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Also, the manufacturing of the acoustic panels has the possibility to process a large amount of ticking waste that would otherwise be incinerated.
Design of an Odour Baited Mosquito Trap for Malaria Prevention in Africa
Design of an innovative high performance odour baited mosquito trap for use as a healthcare tool for prevention of transmission of malaria and reduction in local vector population.
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Sustainable Community Development Through Tourism
A strategic model to develop deteriorating rural areas towards a sustainable paradigm
A pilot research in Ljusnarsberg, a deteriorating rural community in Sweden, is performed to develop the strategic model to come to a final concept. The result is a final strategic model based on literature research, insights from the pilot research area’s context analysis and experiences of implementing the strategic model in the pilot community.
The final concept of the strategic model presents a local organization that connects its community to the
ecotourism market to change the economical, socio- cultural and environmental deterioration into sustainable development. The organization facilitates active tourism development and reactive community development towards a strongly sustainable paradigm. In this paradigm all development is done within planetary boundaries.
Though still highly developmental, the strategic model could turn a deteriorating rural area into a developing
community that is attractive to live and sustainable for the future. Next to that can the model make rural living a more viable option, combating not only rural deterioration, but also the negative effects of urbanization. ...
A pilot research in Ljusnarsberg, a deteriorating rural community in Sweden, is performed to develop the strategic model to come to a final concept. The result is a final strategic model based on literature research, insights from the pilot research area’s context analysis and experiences of implementing the strategic model in the pilot community.
The final concept of the strategic model presents a local organization that connects its community to the
ecotourism market to change the economical, socio- cultural and environmental deterioration into sustainable development. The organization facilitates active tourism development and reactive community development towards a strongly sustainable paradigm. In this paradigm all development is done within planetary boundaries.
Though still highly developmental, the strategic model could turn a deteriorating rural area into a developing
community that is attractive to live and sustainable for the future. Next to that can the model make rural living a more viable option, combating not only rural deterioration, but also the negative effects of urbanization.