Touch-based interactions have been of interest within interaction design, as they can communicate large quantities of information about materials, systems, and impact affective states. This dissertation outlines the process of developing a design method to aid designers in honing their somatic sensibilities to engage in interactions of caring touch through touch-based interactions and explorations. By utilizing a somatics-based research through design process, I performed first-person explorations of qualities of gentle and caring gestures of touch and correspondence. Correspondence refers to the moments of intimate connection with a system where the feedback is experienced as an extension of one’s body. This first-person exploration process included various estrangement exercises, explorations of touch, material affordances, and correspondence. The findings from the first-person explorations became the basis of the sensitization toolkit and method, which was later evaluated through the use of workshops with participants with knowledge of soma design. The contribution of this dissertation is threefold. Firstly by offering an accessible design method for sensitizing designers to interactions of caring touch and to further explore qualities of touch to inform multisensory design outcomes. Secondly, during the workshop, it was shown to elicit care, it is important to orchestrate small disruptions in the flow of correspondence. Lastly, by suggesting the use of subtle disruptions in correspondence as a way for designers to develop their somatic sensibilities and pique curiosity, and in turn possibly inspire new interactions and designs. / Beröringsbaserade interaktioner har varit av intresse inom interaktionsdesign, eftersom de kan kommunicera stora mängder information om material, system, och påverka känslomässiga tillstånd. Denna uppsats beskriver utvecklingsprocessen av en designmetod för att hjälpa designers att utveckla sin somatiska känslighet för att engagera sig i interaktioner med omsorgsfull beröring genom beröringsbaserade interaktioner och utforskningar. Genom en somatics-baserad research through design-metodik, utförde jag förstapersonsutforskningar av kvaliteter av beröring och korrespondens. Med korrespondens menas ögonblick av intim kontakt med system där återkopplingen upplevs som en förlängning av ens kropp. Denna förstapersonsutforskning inkluderade fjärmande övningar, utforskningar av berörning, materiella kvaliteer, och korrespondens. Resultaten från dessa utforskningarna blev grunden för verktygslådan och metoden, som senare utvärderades genom workshops med deltagare som hade kunskap inom somadesign. Bidraget från denna avhandling är trefaldigt. För det första genom att bidra med en lättillgänglig designmetod för att göra designers medvetna om interaktioner av omsorgsfull beröring och att ytterligare utforska beröringskvaliteter för att informera multisensoriska designlösningar. För det andra visade det sig under workshopen att vid avsiktligt framkallande av omsorg är det viktigt att orkestera små störningar i korrespondens. Slutligen, föreslås användningen av subtila störningar i korrespondensen som ett sätt för designers att utveckla sin somatiska känslighet och väcka nyfikenhet, och genom det möjligen inspirera nya former av interaktioner och designs.

<div> <p>A residential botanical air filtration system (Biowall) to investigate the potential for using phytoremediation to remove contaminants from indoor air was developed. A full scale and functioning prototype was installed in a residence located in West Lafayette, Indiana. The prototype was integrated into the central Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system of the home. This research evaluated the Biowall operation to further its potential as an energy efficient and sustainable residential air filtration system.<br></p> <p> </p> <p>The main research effort began after the Biowall was installed in the residence. A field evaluation, which involved a series of measurements and data analysis, was conducted to identify treatments to improve Biowall performance. The study was conducted for approximately one year (Spring 2017-Spring 2018). Based on the initial data set, prioritization of systems in need of improvement was identified and changes were imposed. Following a post-treatment testing period, a comparison between the initial and final performances was completed with conclusions based on this comparison. </p> <p> </p> <p>The engineering and analysis reported in this document focus on the air flow path through the Biowall, plant growth, and the irrigation system. The conclusions provide an extensive evaluation of the design, operation, and function of the Biowall subsystems under review.</p> </div> <br>

The facilitator model for dual credit offers a way for student to earn directly transcripted credit to colleges and universities, overcoming many barriers faced by other dual credit models. Successful implementation of this model requires high degree of involvement from the cooperating institution. This IRB approved qualitative case study explored the needs of five teacher facilitators in both summer professional development and on-going support throughout the school year when implementing a facilitator model for dual credit with open-ended design coursework. Code-recode and axial coding techniques were applied to over 90 hours of transcribed data, artifacts, and observations from a seven month period to find emerging themes and offer recommendations for implementation.<p></p>