This research paper presents a study exploring if using the Conversational Analysis (CA) method in design research could result in designing more socioculturally contextual conversational agents. The research specifically focused on understanding the 1) effect on the design outcome and 2) the role in the design process. This was studied through practice-based design research, participant evaluation of the design outcome, and expert interviews on the design method. The findings were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively and showed, that socioculturally contextual design could potentially be a data-rich field of study with connections to design concepts such as inclusive design, affective design, design ethics, increased user experience, and further studies are therefore recommended. Furthermore, the study provided an understanding of the contexts in which the CA method may be useful in design, how it can potentially impact the design, and how to apply it to the design process and showed a positive effect on the design outcome in terms of socioculturally contextual design.

The development in structural design and construction of high-speed craft has been extensive during the last decades. Environmental and economical issues have increased the need to develop more optimized structures, using new material concepts, to reduce weight and increase performance efficiency. However, both lack of, and limitations in design methodology, makes this a difficult task. In this thesis a methodological framework which enables detailed studies of the slamming loads and associated responses for high-speed planing craft in irregular waves is established. The slamming loads can either be formulated based on numerical simulations, or on experimental measurements and pressure distribution reconstruction. Structure responses are derived in the time-domain using finite element analysis. Statistical methods are used to determine design loads and lifetime extreme responses. The framework is applied to perform phenomenological studies of the slamming loading conditions for high-speed craft, and used to highlight and quantify the limitations in the prevailing semi-empirical method for design load determination with respect to slamming. A number of clarifications regarding the original derivation and the applicability of the prevailing semi-empirical method are presented. Finally, several potential improvements to the method are presented and the associated implications discussed. The long-term goal of the research project is to establish a method for direct calculation of loads and response for high-speed planing craft, which can enable design of truly efficient craft structures. The methodology and the results presented in this thesis are concluded to be important stepping-stones towards this goal. / <p>In page VII, Paper B is wrong title. The correct title is "Experiental Evaluation of Slamming Pressure Models Used in Structural Design of High-Speed Craft". QC 20130228</p>

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This thesis investigates the influence that cultural differences have in the designing of products and services that encourage sustainable lifestyles. This was researched through a case study of dishwashing practices in Mexico and the UK, and the development of a methodological framework for supporting designers working in cross-cultural contexts. Designers can shift user behaviour to be more responsible, and by doing this, reduce a product s impact on the use phase of its lifecycle. Nevertheless, designing products that successfully drive behaviour towards a more sustainable path can only be accomplished if they are conceived to fit the user and the specific context of interaction. In order to do so, designers must truly understand the users, and take into account the complex web of factors that lay behind individual behaviour. A comprehensive review of the literature established an understanding of human behaviour and the emergence and evolution of practices and routines. This brought to light the diverse behavioural patterns in different contexts; and was further investigated with a scoping study in two different locations (Mexico and the UK), exploring general water consuming practices in the home, specifically manual dishwashing practices. The preliminary findings shaped a study that aimed to deepen the understanding of these practices in the selected sites, involving the use of Cultural Probes and videoing people in their common kitchen environment. A robust and clear image of washing-up practices emerged with rich and detailed data presented in different media, ideal to be implemented in a design process. To this end, a series of multicultural Personas were created as the direct outcome of the Cultural Probes and the scoping study, giving way to the design studies phase of the project, carried out with industrial design students in Mexico and the UK. A design brief for sustainable washing up practices was delivered. Design experiments were used to provide interesting evidence of the influence in the design process of the designers understanding of the target user. The findings indicate that designers benefit from exploration and creativity tools tailored directly from the user-research findings in the early design process. This increases the level of empathy towards the user, particularly making it easier to design for users with different needs and contexts than the designers themselves. It also helps designers to better apply design for sustainable behaviour framework to their concept designs.

Projetos de estabilidade de escavações mineiras por meio de estudos de caracterização do maciço rochoso com o uso da mecânica de rochas são indispensáveis para otimizar o aproveitamento das jazidas, garantir segurança nas operações de lavra e minimizar os impactos ambientais decorrentes da instabilidade dos taludes da cava. Nesta dissertação utilizou-se de critérios recentes de ruptura em rocha, para obtenção de dados de entrada em métodos já clássicos de análise da estabilidade de taludes em maciços rochosos para a cava de dolomito lavrada a céu aberto. Os critérios utilizados serão avaliados com relação à compatibilidade dos resultados obtidos com sua aplicação e a coerência com a situação atual observada na lavra em desenvolvimento. Análises sobre a paralisação da lavra em decorrência dos problemas de instabilidade também serão avaliadas e discutidas. Para ilustrar esta dissertação foi eleita a jazida de dolomito localizada no Sinclinal do Gandarela em virtude dos problemas de instabilidade encontrados na cava. As conclusões finais são apresentadas nos últimos itens deste trabalho. / The design of stable excavations using rock masses characterization with the tools provided by rock mechanics, are indispensable for optimizing the economic exploitation of ore deposits, to ensure the safety in the mining works and to minimize the environmental impacts deriving of the open pit slopes instability. In this Dissertation, for obtain the input data for classic methods of rocky slopes stability analyses, it is used the most recent criteria of rock mass failure applied for an open pit mine of dolomite. The utilized criteria compatibility will be evaluated by the results obtained with their utilization and the coherence with the real situation verified at the developing mine. Will be evaluated and discussed the analyses about the stoppage of the mine works due to the slope instability problems. To illustrate this Dissertation are elected a dolomite ore deposit situated at the Gandarela Synclinal on account of the instability problems that occurred in the mine pit. The final conclusions are listed in the items presented at the end of this work.

[pt] O trabalho apresenta um modelo de ensino de métodos de projeto de produto elaborado de modo a facilitar o trabalho docente nas disciplinas de metodologia de projeto e projeto de produto. A pesquisa vem ao encontro da necessidade de, durante o processo projetual, lidar com vários saberes que deverão estar presentes não apenas na fase de projeto abstrato, como também na concretização do objeto. Sustenta-se na investigação que cabe ao docente ser um facilitador da aprendizagem do futuro designer, demonstrando conhecimento profundo da disciplina a ser ministrada, de forma a ressaltar seus aspectos fundamentais e esclarecer acerca de suas aplicações práticas. O aporte teórico do trabalho mostra que a atividade cientifica do design, que estuda métodos e determina a lógica e processos sequenciais se mostra adequada para tornar o design uma prática reflexiva. Entre as habilidades e competências, o designer deve ter capacidade criativa para propor soluções inovadoras, utilizando-se do domínio de técnicas e do processo de criação, assim como domínio das diferentes etapas do desenvolvimento de um projeto, a saber: definição de objetivos, técnicas de coleta e análise de dados, geração e avaliação de alternativas, configuração de solução e comunicação de resultados. As duas habilidades e competências são básicas, pois é isso que se deseja do formando. Assim, o ensino de design deve ser de qualidade e os conhecimentos de métodos projetuais devem ser apreendidos pelo futuro designer para que possa exercer a sua profissão com segurança. O método não garante a solução nem a eficácia do projeto e da sua concretização, pois está relacionado à aproximação com os saberes sendo apenas uma garantia de consecução da finalidade. Dessa forma, o trabalho aqui apresentado tem como objetivo propor o Modelo de Ensino de Métodos de Design de Produto (MEM), apoiado na teoria da aprendizagem significativa. O MEM visa que o professor use estratégias diferenciadas para alcançar a aprendizagem significativa, a partir de um guia que se apóia nos conhecimentos da pedagogia por meio da metodologia do ensino superior. O trabalho propõe estratégias de aprendizagem, estratégias de avaliação e recursos como instrumentos capazes de proporcionar uma aprendizagem mais eficaz de 40 métodos de projeto de produto. Finalmente, o trabalho apresenta a aplicação do MEM pelo período de um semestre na disciplina de Metodologia de Projeto da Univille. A partir dos resultados da avaliação conclui-se sobre a eficácia do modelo, recomendando-se seu uso por outros docentes das disciplinas de Metodologia de Projeto e Projeto de Produto em cursos de design. / [en] This study presents a teaching model for product design methods. It was developed in order to assist the teacher in subjects such as Project Methodology and Product Design. The research aims to attend the necessity, during the product design process, in dealing with all kind of information to be considered not only during the abstract project phase, but also at the moment of the project achievement. During the study the author affirms that the teacher should be a facilitator in the learning process of the future designer, while showing thorough knowledge of the subject to be taught, in a way to emphasize its fundamental aspects and enlighten its practical applications. The theoretical contribution of this study shows that the scientific activity of design, which investigates methods and determines the logic and sequential processes, has demonstrated to be suitable to transform design into a reflective practice. Beyond abilities and competence, a designer should possess creative capacities in order to propose innovative solutions, by means of mastery of the process designing techniques, as well as mastery of the different development steps of a project, namely: object definition, data collection and data analysis techniques, generation and evaluation of alternatives, solution configuration and communication of the results. These two abilities and competences are fundamental, and are required of a graduate student. Therefore, education in design should possess quality and the knowledge regarding project design methods should be learned by the future designer so he or she will be able to face his profession with confidence. This method neither guarantees the solution nor the project’s effectiveness and its achievement since it is related to the approximation of knowledge, being only a guarantee of the attainment of the project s aim. Thus, this study aims to propose a Teaching Model for Product Design Methods (TMM), based on the theory of meaningful learning. The method proposes that the teacher should use differentiated strategies to achieve meaningful learning, based on a guide, which relies on pedagogic knowledge by means of the methodologies of higher education. This study proposes learning strategies, evaluation strategies and 40 product design methods as tools capable of providing a more effective learning process. At last, this work presents the application of the method to the subject Project Methodology during a semester at the Univille University and from the analysis of the results, the effectiveness of the model is found, thus recommending its use by other teachers of the subjects Project Methodology and Project Design of industrial design courses.

No presente trabalho se desenvolve como proposta principal, uma investigação experimental sobre o comportamento de elementos de aço formados a frio comprimidos em temperaturas elevadas considerando a influência da restrição ao alongamento térmico. Nessa investigação foram avaliadas as distribuições de temperaturas no contorno da seção transversal e ao longo do comprimento dos elementos. Outrossim, avaliou-se a influência da restrição ao alongamento térmico sobre o comportamento mecânico dos elementos, em especial sobre o desenvolvimento das forças de restrição que surgem durante a fase de aquecimento dos mesmos. Concernente ao comportamento térmico, os resultados indicam que a temperatura resistente de elementos expostos ao calor por todos os lados deve ser determinada com base nas medições realizadas em seções a meia altura do elemento devido à distribuição não uniforme de temperatura ao longo do comprimento. Com relação ao comportamento mecânico, os resultados experimentais mostraram que a resistência pós-crítica em temperaturas elevadas desses elementos é pequena e nesse sentido é mais coerente considerar como temperatura resistente a temperatura correspondente ao momento da perda de estabilidade dos elementos. Em caráter complementar e exploratório foram realizadas análises numéricas para melhorar o entendimento do comportamento em temperaturas elevadas dos elementos de aço formados a frio investigados experimentalmente no presente trabalho. Nas análises numéricas foi avaliada uma estratégia de modelagem em elementos finitos para simular a restrição ao alongamento térmico axial em elementos comprimidos submetidos a temperaturas elevadas. Os resultados apontam que os modelos numéricos foram eficientes para prescrever força de compressão resistente em temperaturas elevadas e o tempo resistente. Por outro lado não foram eficientes para prescrever as temperaturas críticas. No âmbito normativo foram realizadas as avaliações do método de cálculo simplificado proposto na ABNT NBR 14323 (2012) e da possibilidade de adequar o método simplificado de cálculo do EUROCODE 3 parte 1.3 (2006) para o dimensionamento em temperaturas elevadas desses elementos. Os resultados sugerem que o método de cálculo simplificado da ABNT NBR 14323 (2012) foi capaz de fornecer satisfatoriamente a força de compressão resistente dos elementos investigados que se enquadravam nas exigências do método. Outrossim, sugerem que o uso do método simplificado do EUROCODE 3 parte 1.3 (2006) com redução da resistência ao escoamento e módulo de elasticidade do aço para o dimensionamento em temperaturas elevadas de elementos de aço formados a frio carece de mais investigações. / The main proposal of this work was an experimental investigation on the behavior of cold-formed steel compressed members at elevated temperatures considering the influence of restraining to the thermal elongation. In this investigation, it was evaluated the temperature distributions on the cross section and along the height of the members. Furthermore, it was evaluated the influence of restraining to the thermal elongation on the mechanical behavior of these members, in particular on the development of restraining forces during their heating phase. Concerning the thermal behavior, the results indicate the critical temperature of members exposed to heat from all sides should be determined based on measurements performed on sections located at mid-span of the members due to the non uniform temperature distribution along the height. With regards to mechanical behavior, the experimental results showed that the post-buckling resistance at elevated temperatures of these members is small and the critical temperature should be considered as the temperature corresponding to the buckling temperature. Additionally numerical analyzes were performed to better understand the behavior of the cold-formed steel members at elevated temperatures that were experimentally investigated in this study. In the numerical analyzes a modeling strategy was evaluated on finite elements to simulate the axial restraining to the thermal elongation in compressed members subjected to high temperatures. The results show that the numerical models were effective to prescribe the ultimate loads at elevated temperatures and the critical time considering the influence of the axial restraining to the thermal elongation. On the other hand, the numerical models were not effective to prescribe the critical temperature. Within the normative scope, the design method proposed in the ABNT NBR 14323 (2012) (project revision) was evaluated as well the possibility of adapting the EUROCODE 3 part 1.3 (2006) design guidelines to the design of cold-formed steel members at elevated temperatures. The results suggest that the design method proposed in the ABNT NBR 14323 (2012) (project revision) was able to accurately predict the ultimate test loads of the members that were within the requirements of the method. On the other hand, it was found that the use of the EUROCODE 3 part 1.3 (2006) design guidelines with reduction of the mechanical properties at elevated temperatures (yield strength and elastic modulus of steel) for design of compressed cold formed steel members at elevated temperature needs further investigations.

A confecção de uma prótese parcial removível exige a correta determinação do eixo de inserção e, consequentemente, o preparo cuidadoso de planos guias para satisfazer os princípios de retenção e estabilidade. Entretanto, grande parte dos profissionais negligencia esta etapa, seja por desconhecimento de sua importância, dificuldade técnica, quantidade limitada de opções cientificamente comprovadas de seus resultados, ou pela aparente e ilusória economia de tempo e de trabalho que sua realização possa tomar. Então, em função do número limitado de técnicas eficientes para transferência de planos guias e da necessidade de um método que otimize o tempo dos profissionais de forma prática e didática, o presente estudo buscou introduzir uma nova maneira de transferir os planos guias. A nova técnica consiste na utilização de uma placa de vacuum-form (PV), comparando-a com preparos realizados em delineador e com duas outras técnicas pré-existentes: à mão livre (ML) e coroas-guia (CG), analisando sua eficácia e precisão. Réplicas idênticas (n=44) de um modelo de gesso representativo da arcada inferior foram divididas em 11 grupos, com 4 modelos cada. Cada um dos onze estudantes de Odontologia recebeu 4 modelos - em um deles os planos guias já tinham sido previamente preparados com delineador, os quais serviram apenas de referência para que fossem empregados os outros métodos. As diferenças angulares dos planos guias nos 44 modelos, nos sentidos ântero-posterior, látero-lateral e cruzado foram mensuradas por meio de uma máquina de medição por coordenadas. A análise de variância para medidas repetidas e o Teste de Comparações Múltiplas (método de Tukey) revelaram que tanto no sentido látero-lateral, como na avaliação cruzada, houve diferença significativa na média dos preparos feitos no delineador em relação a todas as outras técnicas. No entanto, não foram identificadas diferenças importantes entre os três métodos. Para a avaliação ântero-posterior, verificou-se diferença relevante somente entre os preparos feitos no delineador e CG, o que não foi detectado entre ML, PV e delineador. Observou-se também, que os preparos obtidos com delineador apresentaram variações angulares próximos de zero, indicando paralelismo quase absoluto e que os planos guias preparados nesse dispositivo demonstraram média e variabilidade menores que os outros métodos. As demais técnicas (ML, CG e PV) se comportaram de forma estatistica semelhante, exceto no sentido ântero-posterior, onde a CG apresentou maior variação angular. Concluiu-se que a técnica proposta apresentou resultados satisfatórios em relação aos padrões adotados neste estudo, quando comparada às demais técnicas e ao delineador. Portanto, a mesma pode ser considerada viável, já que sua utilização oferece uma confecção de próteses removíveis de forma mais criteriosa, atendendo às necessidades profissionais, em termos de facilidade e tempo gasto em sua execução. / The confection of a removable partial denture requires accurate determination of the path of insertion and consequently, the careful preparation of guide planes to meet the principles of retention and stability. However, a great number of professionals neglect this step because of unconsciousness of its importance, or technical difficulty, or limited options of techniques or because of apparent and illusory saving of time and work. Due to the limited number of proven effective techniques for guide planes preparation and the need of an effective method for optimizing time of dental surgeons in a clear and practical way, this present study aimed the introduction of a new technique for transferring guide planes. The new technique consists on the use of a vacuum form splint (VF). To measure its efficiency and accuracy it was compared with the preparations carried out in a dental surveyor and with two other pre-existing techniques: freehand (FH) and acrylic resin guide crown (GC). Identical replicas (n=44) of a gypsum model representing a dental lower arch were divided into 11 groups of four. Each of the eleven dental students received four models - in one of the models, the guide planes were previously prepared with the surveyor to be used as a reference for the application of the three transfer techniques in the other three remaining models. The angular differences of the the prepared guide planes on the 44 models were measured by a coordinate measuring machine in the anteroposterior, laterolateral and crossed views. The Analysis of Variance and Tukey method revealed that, for the laterolateral evaluation and crossed evaluation, significant differences were found in the average of the preparations obtained by the surveyor in relation to all other techniques. There were no significant differences among the three techniques. Anteroposterior evaluation showed significant difference between the average of the preparations made by the surveyor and by the GC, which was not observed between the FH and PV groups compared to the surveyor. It was also found that the angular variation obtained by preparations using the surveyor was close to zero degree, indicating almost absolute parallelism. The FH, GC and VF techniques were statistically similar, except for the anteroposterior evaluation. In the anteroposterior evaluation the GC presented higher angular variation. It was concluded that the proposed technique showed satisfactory results concerning the adopted standards in the present study when compared with the preparations made by other techniques and the surveyor. Thus, the VF technique can be considered viable, since it improves the quality of the Removable Partial Denture and meets the professional needs, saving time in the procedures.

Projetos de estabilidade de escavações mineiras por meio de estudos de caracterização do maciço rochoso com o uso da mecânica de rochas são indispensáveis para otimizar o aproveitamento das jazidas, garantir segurança nas operações de lavra e minimizar os impactos ambientais decorrentes da instabilidade dos taludes da cava. Nesta dissertação utilizou-se de critérios recentes de ruptura em rocha, para obtenção de dados de entrada em métodos já clássicos de análise da estabilidade de taludes em maciços rochosos para a cava de dolomito lavrada a céu aberto. Os critérios utilizados serão avaliados com relação à compatibilidade dos resultados obtidos com sua aplicação e a coerência com a situação atual observada na lavra em desenvolvimento. Análises sobre a paralisação da lavra em decorrência dos problemas de instabilidade também serão avaliadas e discutidas. Para ilustrar esta dissertação foi eleita a jazida de dolomito localizada no Sinclinal do Gandarela em virtude dos problemas de instabilidade encontrados na cava. As conclusões finais são apresentadas nos últimos itens deste trabalho. / The design of stable excavations using rock masses characterization with the tools provided by rock mechanics, are indispensable for optimizing the economic exploitation of ore deposits, to ensure the safety in the mining works and to minimize the environmental impacts deriving of the open pit slopes instability. In this Dissertation, for obtain the input data for classic methods of rocky slopes stability analyses, it is used the most recent criteria of rock mass failure applied for an open pit mine of dolomite. The utilized criteria compatibility will be evaluated by the results obtained with their utilization and the coherence with the real situation verified at the developing mine. Will be evaluated and discussed the analyses about the stoppage of the mine works due to the slope instability problems. To illustrate this Dissertation are elected a dolomite ore deposit situated at the Gandarela Synclinal on account of the instability problems that occurred in the mine pit. The final conclusions are listed in the items presented at the end of this work.

The report explain the steps taken to improve a product (SOLVINDEN), which uses sun and wind energy to generate light and is used for outdoor decoration. The research involves improvements in both designas well function. As the form follows function in the product functionality of the form is very important in selection of the form. Some of important topics which are considered are different way of using wind to charge batteries, blades profiles and shape, way of optimizing generator, ratio of the optimal solution between of how much wind power is needed tostart charging and charging efficiency. The report also includes differentway of manufacturing, testing and finalizing the right form afteroptimizing. The solar power and the batteries are not in the scope of theproject.