Cycling is a widely accessible form of transportation and physical activity, yet individuals with lower-limb amputations often face barriers to participating in it. One of the most critical challenges comes from the absence of the sensory feeling of touch through the prosthetic device, which directly impairs the connection of the rider with the bicycle, impacting cycling safety and confidence.

In the Netherlands alone, it is estimated that there are over 20,000 lower-limb amputees, with transtibial amputations being the most common involving major joints. Despite this, commercial solutions only focus on able-bodied users, lacking adaptability for daily use, or requiring complex movements that are not feasible for prosthesis users. This design research project addresses a gap in assistive technology development by proposing a safe and intuitive pedal attachment system that enables amputees to cycle with greater confidence and autonomy. The relevance of this work lies in its potential to increase mobility and improve the quality of life for amputees, particularly as cycling is both a means of transportation and an exercise, serving as a societal integrative and health-promoting activity.

The research followed a user-centered design approach structured in four phases: understanding the context, defining learnings, developing the concept, and evaluating its performance. Multiple methods were employed throughout the process, including desk research, user and expert interviews, and user observation to understand the medical and functional context of transtibial amputations and gather insights into their current cycling habits, needs, and frustrations.

Comparative product analysis helped identify pain points, while ideation workshops and iterative prototyping allowed the project to explore a wide range of design opportunities. CAD simulations, mechanical modeling, and physical testing using 3D-printed and machined parts were used to evaluate usability, comfort, and functionalities. These methods were selected to balance technical feasibility with user testing, while also accommodating the logistical challenges of limited amputee participant access.

The insights gathered through the research directly shaped the final product, a pedal attachment system that safely fixes the prosthetic foot while allowing intuitive disengagement, preserving the user’s range of motion and control.

The form and function of the system were informed by biomechanical analysis of the pedaling cycle, emphasizing joint mobility and preserving prosthesis alignment and user posture. User testing and Product evaluation questionnaires confirmed that the solution enabled confident pedaling without strain and a consistent release mechanism that takes into account the relevant mobility challenges of amputees. The outcome has the potential to increase adoption of cycling by new amputees, accelerate their learning curve, and assist in retaining current adopters of the activity.

In conclusion, this project demonstrates how user-centered design can be effective in addressing overlooked aspects, in this case, from prosthetic use and everyday cycling. By integrating biomechanical analysis, iterative prototyping, and qualitative feedback, the research resulted in a proof of concept and context-sensitive prototype that meets user needs while advancing the field of assistive technology. The solution has potential for further refinement and exploration for mobility aids. The approach offers a replicable model for developing inclusive designs in other domains of assistive technology.

The growth of the indoor bouldering scene has led to an increased demand for both climbing holds and bouldering routes. This project explores opportunities within these two sectors, with a specific focus on the added value of parametric design in the route-setting process. It explores whether and how parametric design can quantify and measure what is inherently a creative and holistic process, to help alleviate major pain points within it. More specifically for this research the challenge of making bouldering routes fair.

The project is divided into three main phases: understanding the concept, gaining knowledge, and applying that knowledge. By combining a co-design approach with iterative prototyping and methods such as interviews, co-creation sessions, and user tests with key stakeholders, the project resulted in a final set of parameter guidelines and a proof of concept prototype. Findings suggest that the parameterization of indoor bouldering route designs is feasible. The use of a parametric tool for route setters shows significant future potential to support them in this growing industry.

This thesis emphasises the need for cervical spine protection in winter sports and proposes a design which aims to fill in the current market gap. It was designed for SPINES, a company founded by Menno Streefland who himself suffered a spinal cord injury during skiing. He started SPINES as a way to help others do the sports they love protected by wearing a back protector. This includes skiing, snowboarding, horse riding and cycling.

Current winter sport back protectors are made for impact protection, but they do not protect the spine from the most common fall biomechanics such as compression, hyperextension, hyperflexion and lateral bending. Additionally, they do not protect the cervical spine, which is one of the most frequently injured sections of the spine and the area which leads to the most severe long-term consequences if injured. To address the problem, existing back protection equipment and cervical spine protection from other fields were analysed. Sketching and rapid prototyping were used for idea generation and concept proofing. Prototypes were then tested for comfort whilst skiing and for extreme movements with special test set-ups.

The outcome of this thesis is CERVI, a feasible product concept supported by a high-end prototype. CERVI restricts cervical compression and hyperextension without limiting the neck’s natural, comfortable range of motion. It can be worn independently or integrated with the SPINES winter sports back protector. CERVI addresses a critical gap in current winter sports protective gear and aims to raise awareness of the need for cervical spine protection in winter sports.

This graduation project is for an organisation that operates in the field of orthopaedic appliances, specialising in personalised hand braces based on 3D scans. They are now looking into developing personalized ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) using 3D printing. However, it remains uncertain whether (partly) 3D-printed AFOs can provide two years of care without breaking or experiencing significant performance loss. Although static loading and impact testing should also be conducted, the project focuses on testing cyclic loading of the AFO, equivalent to two years of walking (2 million steps).

A proof-of-concept test setup was constructed. The design incorporates a dummy lower leg attached to a linear actuator, with the AFO strapped on the dummy leg, and a platform on which the dummy leg lands. The platform can be angled to separately test the three most characteristic phases of walking: heel, ankle, and forefoot rocker. A critical question involved determining the appropriate load on the AFO. This was established by correlating the bending of the AFO in the test setup with that occurring during the gait of a normal person. Displacement was measured through video analysis. Based on cycle testing, the test setup only the forefoot rocker could be simulated effectively. For the heel rocker, a dummy foot with an ankle joint is necessary to achieve the required plantar flexion. For the ankle rocker, the platform must rotate during the cycle. A trial run was performed to assess the reliability of the test setup; it was determined that a shoe is needed to properly secure the AFO within the test apparatus. A full-length dummy foot with a meta-phalangeal (MTP) joint is essential for testing with a shoe.

Based on these insights, a digital redesign of the AFO load cycle test setup was created. The redesign features a platform that rotates during a cycle and a dummy leg with an ankle and MTP joint. With this new design, all three rockers can be linked together to reproduce a complete representative step in one cycle. The combination of the linear actuator and the rotating platform can simulate the complex movement pattern of the stance phase of a step: the linear actuator replicates the vertical movement, while the platform models the angular orientation of the lower leg. Although time constraints in the project prevented the realization of the rotating platform, the dummy foot with ankle and MTP joint was achieved by adapting a prosthetic foot. Video analysis indicated that with this design, the heel rocker can now be simulated as well, and it is predicted that it will also permit testing for the ankle rocker if a rotating platform is included. The new foot also demonstrated promising results in maintaining the AFO and shoe in place.

The company's recommended next step following this project is to construct and test the redesign. If this redesign is successfully realised and optimised, AFO designs can be tested under cyclic loading due to walking to ensure they can provide two years of care.

A Tour de France cyclist would not choose the same bike as a teenager. However, despite their differences, they usually take the same paracetamol tablet when sick. Over 75% of paediatric prescriptions in North America and Europe are 'off-label,' meaning children often receive medications never explicitly tested for their age group (Rieder, 2019). Fortunately, personalised medicine is moving us closer to more precise and predictable health care customised for the individual patient.

This graduation project proposes optimisations to the current printing process. The key proposal is to rapidly solidify the liquid formulation and maintain it at the required temperature. This approach reduces the time needed to transition from mixing the formulation to printing the tablets while ensuring the stability of the medical ingredients.

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.

The goal of this graduation thesis is to design a bicycle computer mount (BCM) that connects bike computers with road cycling handlebars in a visually appealing, and aerodynamic way. Initiated between Delft University of Technology and a leading sports equipment company, the project addresses the evolving needs of cyclists regarding maximum integration and aerodynamic optimisation of their material.

Through context research, user research and aerodynamic research, ideas were generated and formed into concepts. From those concepts the most promising was selected to further develop into a detailed design. This design was then validated with vibration tests, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA).

The final design is a one-piece thermoplastic BCM that weighs 38 grams. It is made from injection moulded carbon-reinforced nylon (CF/PA12) to optimise weight and structural performance. A physical prototype was made for validation with different computers and vibration testing.

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

Prostheses and orthoses are trending towards digital methods and automation. Adopting these methods is especially a challenge at Frank Jol, a clinic where patients' wide variety in residual limb characteristics and high activity demands pose a challenge for digital workflows which utilise 3D scanning to arrive at a final prosthesis. This is because certified prosthetists and orthotists (CPOs) who design and produce prostheses, apply a series of tactile adjustments to the residual limb using plaster that result in a more optimal fitting and distribution of weight in the socket, which cannot easily be captured and digitised. In collaboration with Gyromotics, a high-tech prosthetic foot start-up, and Frank Jol, this graduation project is an exploration into the potential for a pressure-sensing textile tool to capture the tacit knowledge of CPOs in the fitting of below-knee prostheses.

The project begins with a detailed analysis. First, the clinical situation of the residual limb and the biomechanics of transtibial prosthesis is studied to understand what factors influence prosthesis fit, and how CPOs manipulate the residual limb to that effect. Then the process towards producing a prosthesis is analysed as it is executed at Frank Jol, in order to then compare to alternative processes that incorporate digital methods to understand the barriers and opportunities for intervention. Finally, CPOs and patients are interviewed to uncover their needs and values in the process. This analysis reveals the need for an intervention that captures and standardises the stump modification process in a digital way, while retaining CPO control and tactiliy, and keeping the patient in the communication loop.

The design result is PressFit: a pressure-sensing textile tool to be worn by the patient, which registers CPO applied pressures and provides visual feedback during stump measuring and plastering. PressFit is introduced as it fits into an envisioned future prosthesis prescription workflow. PressFit is developed through iterative technical development of the physical prototype, alongside development of the interaction for both measuring and plastering use cases. A co-design method with a CPO is followed throughout this development.

An evaluation is conducted with 5 CPOs at Frank Jol to assess the prototype's performance against design drivers. Results show that PressFit standardises the measurement process. All participants agreed PressFit is a helpful tool with potential to improve patient-CPO communication and bring traceability to the plastering process. Additionally, the tool shows promise for us as a training tool for new CPOs. As this thesis serves as a proof-of-concept for the application of pressure-sensing textile in the prosthesis prescription process, it concludes with recommendations for further development in physical prototyping (textiles), software, and user interaction.

For this graduation thesis, the goal is to design a backpack that is suitable for fast hiking with women specific sizes, features, and accessories. The selection for the design of a backpack for female hikers was chosen because current backpacks on the market are designed with men in mind therefore, female users experience more issues with misfit and discomfort. This project works closely with a company that is known as a producer of sporting equipment and sportswear who would like to expand their portfolio with products that aims to improve the fit and comfort of their customers.
Before entering the design phase, it is important to understand the aspects of backpack design, challenges with products on market, and gender differences of the upper body in order formulate design requirements. It was revealed from user research that female hiker faced high levels of discomfort on their neck/shoulders, chest area, and lower back due to the misfit of backpack size and unoptimized placement and shape of the shoulder/hip straps. With these identified issues, this was prioritized during the ideation and concept generation to explore solutions that reduced shoulder and chest discomfort while improve overall fit.
To create an appropriate fit of the backpack, anthropometric data was gathered from the DINED and ANSUR II database for formulate an anthropometric guideline. However, each database has its limitations such as data from DINED reflects students from the ages 17 - 27 and not all Dutch adults while data from ANSUR II reflects data of female soldiers and not civilian populations. The main design goals gathered from the research is to establish parameters that are relevant for backpack design asides from stature. Concluding dimensions of the backpack are based off the two databases and aims to fit women within the 5th and 95th percentile of the proposed body parameters.
After that, ideas and concepts were generated based on the identified issues, anthropometric research, and design requirements. Inspirations were drawn from existing products such as posture braces, women’s body armor/military vests, and baby swaddles/3D knitted shoes to create three concept direction.
The final concept design being a strapless system that replaces conventional shoulder straps with stiff, bendable shoulder hooks allowing for ultimate freedom shoulders, chest, and arms while pack load will be fully distributed onto the hips. Physical prototypes were made of the winning concept to validate the carrying system and tested with users regarding fit, comfort, and mobility.
From the testing results and observations, the strapless system proves to be a potential design that could improve the overall fit and comfort for women, because it allows for freedom of the upper body without the complications sternum and shoulder straps while maintaining the usability and functionality of a conventional hiking backpack. However, further development is needed to fully validate the design for a fast-hiking context. To do so, general recommendations are given to improve the next prototype.

The objective of this thesis is to enhance existing harness designs, with a focus on reducing discomfort and enhancing overall performance.
The contextual analysis, literature review, and desktop research yielded crucial insights and identified areas of improvement. Supplementary interviews were conducted with the user group. Initially, anthropometric data was sourced from existing databases like DINED; however, it lacked specificity to kitesurfing and the stances taken during kitesurfing, and some measurements relevant to the design of a kitesurf harness were missing, such as the torso length. To address this, an analysis of individual scans was done, followed by 3D scans of persons in kitesurfing stances.
It was found that the main factors leading to discomfort are the movement of the harness on the body, the pressure on the ribs, and the lack of pressure distribution. The main design goals stated are improved pressure distribution within the variation of movements and body types.
The findings of this thesis offer valuable insights into the potential for enhancing kitesurfing harnesses in terms of comfort, safety, and overall performance. By taking into account both the engineering and ergonomic aspects, this research contributes to the ongoing evolution of kitesurfing equipment, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of kitesurfers.
The final design is a modular kitesurf harness increasing the repairability, maintainability and upgradeability. The project includes anthropometric design guidelines for a kitesurf harness and multiple prototypes to test the concept. Resulting in a set of recommendations and designs that the Mystic team can take into consideration in the future steps towards developing the ultimate harness.

In this research a double diamond method was used to redesign a gymnastic crashmat to enable easier transportation without reducing its functionality. This was done since the presence of such mats is questionable in event halls, mainly in international competitions. This makes it impossible for athletes to make use of crashmats during training and warming up in these event halls. While current crashmats are big and harsh to transport, there was a need for transportable crashmats to have a safe and secure feeling when going to (international) events.

This report contains a full description of my graduation project for my Master degree in Design for Interaction (Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology). I did this project in collaboration with the start-up company Sports-f(x), the creators of the NextRound boxing system.

The NextRound boxing system currently consists of an intelligent data-collecting punch bag, paired with a tablet. This system gives users direct feedback on their workout, and enables them to see their improvement in their workout data.

The system has potential to help many different kinds of people to exercise at home. However, there are many barriers withholding people from getting a bag like this into their homes. The main barrier is that positioning a large product like a punch bag (especially one which also needs access to Wi-Fi and electricity) and its accompanying tablet is quite the task.

My graduation project brief was to solve exactly this problem; helping people to position the NextRound system at home. For this purpose, I designed the NextRound Tulip.

To get to this concept product, I undertook a number of design research and exploration activities. To start off, I researched what kind of people might benefit from owning a boxing system as such. From this research I made five personas for potential users.

I used these personas to recruit people for a co-design session, as I wanted to get to know the values of the potential users. These values would afterwards lead to both a proper Design Goal and a list of Requirements & Wishes, which would guide the product development in later stages. The most important value found during the sessions was that people do not wish this big boxing system to be in the way in the house, so other activities done in the house would not be disturbed.

With the findings from this research I set up a brainstorm session with fellow DfI students to try and satisfy the Design Goal. From these sessions I made a Morphological Chart, which led to six ideas. From these six I chose three to develop further into concepts.

I developed the three chosen ideas into three further iterated concepts. Potential users gave their opinions on these concepts through an online survey, which I used, along with the opinions of the company, to choose to develop the NextRound Tulip further.

I made some improvements on this concept and built a full-scale prototype to test and evaluate the concept with potential users. Lastly, I wrote a list of recommendations for future development for a product based on this concept.

The NextRound Tulip is a concept product which should satisfy the needs of users and Sports-f(x). It can be used with the NextRound punch bag, as well as other punch bags. In my opinion, it is a product solution to help people do boxing workouts at home.

Repair is gaining popularity over the last few years but still is under-represented in society. This project does research backpack repair, especially home repairs by users. Backpacks are generally easy to understand in their construction, as the seams and patterns are visi- ble. Still, repairing is not common because of different factors. User behavior plays an essential part in this! therefore, the thesis focused on user behavior for re- pair.
The research question to answer in this project was how self-repairing a backpack could be made more accessi- ble and motivating for users. This plays into addressing the issue of user behavior for repair and the problems they face regarding backpack repair.
The literature search showed that research in repair had been done on clothing, but there is a gap in back- pack repair. This project also attempts to contribute information to that gap.
Either way, clothing or backpacks, there are several reasons why users do not engage in repair. Known fac- tors that negatively influence engagement in repairing are financial aspects, the lack of skills/knowledge, the missing resources, the time it takes, or the low emo- tional relationship people have with a product. That means the underlying factors can make the efforts to engage in repairing a backpack currently too high. While individual repairs in textiles are not that common for most consumers, that can be caused by companies actively trying to prevent users from repairing, by bad product design, and by consumer behavior.
Talking with experts provided more in-depth informa- tion on the current methods and state of repair for backpacks. In addition, it gave information on the dif- ficulty of providing glue solutions, the complexity of backpack assembly, and sewing as the most accessi- ble technique.
Research on backpack damages was conducted to get specific information on the field. It revealed that the most occurring damage types are ripped fabric fol- lowed by broken zippers.
Common barriers and motivations for users to repair their backpacks were researched through user inter- views. They showed that time, effort, aesthetics, price, and symbolic values are essential for repair.
The insights from the research were used to ideate de- sign solutions that address the found issues. A busi- ness planning was set up for the chosen concept, and analyses of the repair market, target groups, and finan- cial planning were used to refine the concept into a vi- able product and build a brand that makes it desirable.
The final concept, a repair patch, is designed to give users an accessible introduction to repairing and sew- ing. It plays into the emotional journey users perceive during a repair, giving them the confidence to conduct a repair themselves and a positive feeling to finish it. -----------------------------------------------------------------

In this design research the goal is to design a Sustainable HiFi Solution that the user can and are willing to use during their Audio Life. Context Listening to music in the domestic domain is something everyone does, but not all in the same way. In this research user of HiFi systems are the focus. HiFi Enthusiast listen to music to experience their Music. For decades HiFi systems were quite sustainable, put together out of separate components, if one failed only that one needs replacement. However things have changed, digital and analog systems are combined in one enclosure. Problem All-in-One HiFi solutions gain in popularity amongst Music Enthusiasts. All-in-One solutions are small, everything is contained in one enclosure. Easy to use, a mobile phone and application can be used to control the system. Analog and digital systems are put together to increase the use cases, however the technical lifetime of the different components is different. The digital parts can last for 5 to 10 years, the amplification part 10 to 20 years. A sustainable alternative needs to be designed, with the same benefits for the Music Enthusiast. Approach During this design research the double diamond approach is utilized. First to discover the current situation and fill in knowledge gaps using expert interviews and Hotspot Mapping. Thereafter online questionnaires and in-depth interviews provided the remaining data to start the design process. The design process is split in two, first the gathered data is used to design an overall ‘enclosure’, which is tested with the Music Enthusiast. Thereafter the technical implications of the design are researched, prototyped and implemented. Findings For the Sustainable HiFi solution to be saleable in traditional HiFi stores it has to be usable in a demo room. The HiFi solution should be adaptable to the changing needs and wishes of the Music Enthusiast during their Audio Life. By focusing on adaptability the sustainability aim can best be achieved via a new product design. For the Sustainable HiFi Solution to utilize its sustainable potential to the fullest different parts of the system should be designed using different circular design methods. In the new design unused functions should not be present in the system. Results The Critical Design Challenges for a Sustainable HiFi solution have been met. A modular design was made that can adapt to the Music Enthusiast wishes and needs with regards to Aesthetics, Functionality and Ease of Use. The different modules are easy to replace, without any tools, with the push of a button. The current status of the design is enough to clearly communicate the ideas and reasoning behind the concept. The next step would be to make a minimal viable product to demonstrate the potential of the IMS system to the Music Enthusiast.

The project focused on improving Olympic foiling classes sailing athletes' safety: Nacra 17, iQFOiL, and IKA Formula Kite. The primary objective was to investigate dangerous circumstances with foil sailors to research the mechanisms that cause injuries and develop a design solution to prevent them. The research performed provides an integrated perspective into the subject of foil sailing safety. The research methods include participatory observational research, one-to-one interviews, multimedia evidence analysis, incident reporting archives study, and explorative retail analysis. Current wetsuits fail to protect sailors from foil strikes, as they only cover limited areas of the body. Four primary objectives are established. Impact and cut protection on the entirety of the wetsuit's surface, comfort, and aesthetics, which are two factors in attracting the use of such a suit. The product's name is Websuit 1, which is a protective wetsuit designed for Olympic foiling sailors. Full-length woven Dyneema lining is stacked with lightweight neoprene and GRDXKN foam— a mix of comfort and unprecedented protection. Results of several iterations have proven that GRDXKN can be printed on Guard Shield. Furthermore, based on the tests, 100% Dyneema lining can be bound to neoprene rubber thanks to lining glues. The proposed wetsuit manufacturing method is the same as the current one, with the addition of a GRDXKN screen printing and heating phase. Under the impact tower, the GRDXKN absorbed 56% of the maximum force applied from a 10J impact. The developed reinforced neoprene has been shown to distribute the energy over a larger surface, which decreases the stress applied to the body. Furthermore, the reinforced neoprene did not tear or break under stresses caused by 50J impacts. In contrast, conventional neoprene concentrated the applied force on a smaller area for the same energy impact and was torn. This project provided the first steps into connecting innovative textile technologies with the sailing world.

During the course of this thesis, the design of a knee brace that improves the quality of life for people with arthritis in the knee, is being researched. The knee joint is covered with articular cartilage which protects the bones from being damaged. Arthritis of the knee is a pathology where this cartilage is damaged potentially even to the extent that direct bone-to-bone contact occurs. The most common symptoms for the patient are pain and inflammation, affecting their mobility and quality of life. Firstly, research is conducted on the arthritis knee disorder, the patients and their interests, and the technical aspect of a knee brace in relation with the knee kinematics. The following main insights are revealed by the analyses: -Arthritis in the knee is wear and tear of the articular cartilage caused by loading. This can be the result of extensive sports, overweight, incorrect alignment of the joint or aging. -There are no treatments available that cure the damaged cartilage tissue. It is in the patient’s interest to slow down the deterioration process. When the disorder impacts the quality of life too much, replacement surgery can be opted for. -Replacement surgery is the last resort option due to its invasiveness, possible complications and high rate of dissatisfied patients. It is therefore preferred to delay the need for a surgery if possible. -The deterioration process can be slowed down by exposing the knee joint to less load. Partially unloading the joint can be beneficial during demanding activities or even daily activities, depending on the stage of arthritis. -A customized fit of the knee brace is preferred for increased comfort and effectiveness. Secondly, during the development phase, two main challenges are explored, being the custom fit of the brace and the unloading mechanism. To make a perfectly fitting brace design, many mock-ups are created and evaluated on their comfort and secure fit. The insights are translated into a standard model that can be shaped around the patient’s 3D scan of the leg. This experimental approach is also applied to find an unloading mechanism that can be integrated in the brace. The concepts are tested by attaching them to the brace mock-ups that were created when exploring the perfect fit. Thirdly, a design proposal is created, resulting in the LVATE brace that can be integrated in Orthobroker’s product-service platform. During the patient’s appointment with an orthotist, a 3D scan of the leg is made and uploaded to a digital platform. The platform morphs the LVATE brace around the 3D scan in such a way that it distributes pressure among tolerant zones of the leg. The brace can then be ordered right away. The unloading mechanism is activated by rotating a knob that is positioned on the lateral side of the brace. Finally, the brace is evaluated on its feasibility, desirability and viability. A conclusion is derived from the evaluation feedback and recommendations are prepared for a further development of the design proposal.

Javelin throwing in the winter is not fun when the temperature approaches zero degrees. That is way javelin throwers move indoors for training. The problem with training indoors it that there is no room to throw a javelin 80 meters, so a different type of training is used. The javelin fitted with a rubber tip is thrown into a net. This way, the technique can still be practiced without the javelin’s flight. Unfortunately, the flight of the javelin can tell a lot about how well the javelin is thrown. Without that feedback, it is hard to know if an improvement in technique also results in a better throw. This project aims the fill that gap and provides performance feedback to the javelin thrower and the coach. Javelin throwing context First, the javelin throwing context is analyzed. The most critical parameters for measuring the performance of an athlete are the release velocity, release angle, and angle of attack. These parameters need to be measured with an accuracy of 0,25 m/s for the velocity and 1,5 degrees for both angles to give a realistic indication for the performance of the throw. The feel of the javelin is also crucial. It should hold the same as a standard javelin and should behave the same way when moving it around. Sports data collection The most used data collection now in day to day training is video recording, which can be played back in slow motion to dissect the technique of the athlete. As mentioned before, this does not tell everything about the performance of the throw. Several 3D tracking technologies are explored to find the best way the tracking the velocity and angles of the javelin. The best option seems to be a combined system of an inertial measurement unit inside the javelin with video tracking as an external reference system. The video can also be used to playback the recording of the throw. This way, the link between the technique and the performance of the throw becomes more apparent. Development For both the inertial measurement unit and the video tracking a proof of concept prototype is developed. The systems are combined to use the strengths of one system to fill in the weakness of the other. In this case, the video tracking can compensate for the drift of an inertial measurement unit, and the inertial measurement unit can reduce the noise in the video tracking data. Product A product name PRODON in build around the two tracking systems. It has active trackers front and back for the video tracking system to pick up. The inertial measurement unit is built into the back in a protective casing. The PRODON uses an app to communicate the collected performance data to the athlete and coaches. Combined with a video of throw, this can be a meaningful addition to indoor javelin training. Evaluation The accuracy of the prototype is tested in the situation where the javelin is thrown perpendicular to the camera. The velocity error calculated from this test is 0,02 m/s. The angle error tested came out to be 0,5 degree. Although these measurements fall below the set requirements, they are tested in a controlled 2D environment. Further testing in real conditions is needed to say for sure that this technology can provide accurate data.

Trials is a subdiscipline of mountain biking that consists of two variants: one practiced with a trials bicycle and one with a trials motorcycle. Though these two disciplines have the same basic requirements, there are clear distinctions in the technical sports gestures that the respective athletes employ. This is due to some fundamental differences in the vehicles used, one critical difference being that the trial motorcycle has a suspension system while the trial bicycle does not. This leads to incompatibility between the sports at a high level as cross-training can cause learned skill errors, where athletes adopt bad habits from practicing the other discipline. This is particularly problematic for trial motorcyclists, as there are various benefits from training with a bicycle, namely: bicycles provide a more complete workout for trial riders, bicycles are easier to maintain, laws restrict the use of motorcycles in certain areas, and the fact that many trial riders begin their trial experiences on a bicycle. To solve this problem, this project aims to answer the following research question: “Will the integration of a suspension system in a trial bicycle allow it to mimic more closely the usability of a motorcycle trial, in order to be suitable for cross-training of trial athletes?” To answer this question, I employ the Stanford d-school’s Design Thinking approach to create a functional prototype of a hybrid trial bike. This prototype is subsequently tested and evaluated by a target user, which provides a departure point for further research and development into this topic.

Cycling in hot and humid environment is demanding for the body. Olympics 2020 will be in Tokyo and the weather is expected to be hot and humid. Performance of the cyclist will be below par if they do not adopt various strategies to keep themselves cool. This project focuses on the development of new jersey with PVA fabric integrated in it to provide benefits to the cyclists.