This doctoral study is about Mindful Design as an approach to promoting Mindfulness. The main focus of this study is to transfer the Mindful Design approach and tools for industrial design into a higher education context that can be understood and applied by design students. Mindful Design is a design approach based on the socio-cognitive theory of Mindfulness. The concept of Mindful Design was introduced by Niedderer (2004) to describe how design products can promote and enhance mindful attention by interrupting or enhancing the user’s interaction or increase his awareness during social activities. Niedderer (2004) notes that Mindful Design can be associated with behavioural change and extends the understanding of social cognitive Mindfulness by changing the expected functions of product use. The theoretical framework addresses the differences in Mindfulness streams, their benefits, and their applicability to design context, topics that provide an important foundation for the development of Mindful Design criteria and tools. Based on this research, design criteria were selected to increase user awareness when interacting with mindful products. Furthermore, learning and teaching theories in the context of design education were discussed to support the chosen teaching strategies for the transfer of knowledge of the Mindful Design approach to design students. These themes were crucial in determining the current research question of this doctoral study. The research methodology focused on testing the applicability of the design and teaching tools developed to determine how socio-cognitive Mindfulness theory can be effectively and understandably introduced into the design context for design students in higher education. In Investigation One, a collection of tools and strategies were developed to determine student understanding and demonstrate the importance of the Mindful Design approach. As a result of this research, the Mindful Design Evaluation was developed and evaluated based on the socio-cognitive dimension of Mindfulness. Investigation Two sought to measure what students learned from the Mindful Design approach and whether the design proposals developed by students in the intervention group achieved higher levels of socio-cognitive Mindfulness than the design proposals proposed by the control group. Finally, the results of Investigation Two supported the assumptions made on the basis of the findings of the theoretical framework. The tools and strategies used to teach and apply the Mindful Design approach to design students showed significant results when applied in a higher education context.:CONTENTS 0 PREFACE 1 0.1 ZUSAMMENFASSUNG 1 0.2 ABSTRACT 3 0.3 ACKNOWLEDGeMENTs 5 1 INTRODUCTION 9 1.1 Research Problem 9 1.2 Thesis Framework 14 2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 17 2.1 MINDFULNESS 17 2.1.1 Mindfulness: Two streams 17 2.1.2 Mindfulness for subjective well-being and self-regulation 21 2.1.3 Dimensions of Mindfulness 22 2.1.3.1 Distinction between Mindfulness state and Mindfulness trait 22 2.1.3.2 Differences in the categorization of Mindfulness 23 2.1.3.3 Description of the existing Mindfulness self-report 26 2.1.4 Discussion 30 2.2 MINDFUL DESIGN 32 2.2.1 Mindful Design: Meditation, focus, and empathy 33 2.2.2 Mindful Design: Social interaction, engagement, and behaviour change 34 2.2.3 Mindful Design: Mindfulness for Mindlessness 36 2.2.4 Examples of Mindful Design 37 2.2.5 Goals of Mindful Design 40 2.2.6 Discussion 41 2.3 LEARNING THEORY AND DESIGN CLASSES 45 2.3.1 Learning and teaching theories in design higher education 45 2.3.1.1 Constructivism 47 2.3.1.2 Problem-based learning 47 2.3.1.3 Experiential Learning Theory 49 2.3.2 Differences and similarities between disciplines of product design and industrial design engineering 53 2.3.2.1 Industrial design engineering process 55 2.3.3 Tools for mindful product design 56 2.3.3.1 User-centred design tools 57 2.3.3.2 MinD Personas 60 2.3.3.3 Figurative Scenes for Mindful Design 61 2.3.3.4 MinD visual cards 62 2.3.3.5 Discussion 63 2.4 CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION OF THE THEORETICAL BACKGROUND CHAPTER 64 3 MINDFUL DESIGN EVALUATION 69 3.1.1 Development of the Mindful Design Evaluation Tool 70 3.1.1.1 Phase 1 – Selection of Statements 70 3.1.1.2 Phase 2A: Reliability, comprehensibility, and applicability 75 3.1.1.3 Phase 2B: Statements: Review 76 3.1.1.4 Limitation and adjustment 77 3.1.1.5 Measurability and evaluation 77 3.1.1.6 Phase C: Reliability assessment 78 3.1.2 Interpretation of results and discussion of the Mindful Design evaluation 79 4 EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATIONS 83 4.1 INVESTIGATION ONE – TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNICATING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE MINDFUL DESIGN APPROACH 85 4.1.1 Structure of the Investigation 86 4.1.2 Sample 88 4.1.3 Materials for conducting the Investigation 88 4.1.3.1 Presentation 88 4.1.3.2 Design tools: Visual Cards, Figurative Scenes, and Personas 89 4.1.4 Materials for the evaluation of the Investigation 91 4.1.4.1 Evaluation by students 91 4.1.5 Results of Investigation One 92 4.1.5.1 Evaluation by students 92 4.1.5.2 Design Proposal 94 4.1.6 Interpretation and discussion of the results 96 4.2 INVESTIGATION Two – UNDERSTANDING AND DESIGNING BASED ON THE MINDFUL DESIGN APPROACH 101 4.2.1 Ethical approval for the Investigation 103 4.2.2 Structure of the Investigation 104 4.2.3 Sample 105 4.2.4 Materials for conducting the Investigation 106 4.2.4.1 Presentation 106 4.2.4.2 Mindful Design Visual Cards 106 4.2.4.3 Personas and Figurative Scenes 109 4.2.5 Materials for evaluation of the Investigation 111 4.2.5.1 Student Evaluation 111 4.2.5.2 Knowledge Test 112 4.2.5.3 Design proposal 113 4.2.6 Results of Investigation Two 114 4.2.6.1 Evaluation by students 115 4.2.6.2 Knowledge Tests 125 4.2.6.3 Design Proposal 134 4.3 Interpretation and Discussion of the Results 141 4.3.1.1 Student Evaluation 141 4.3.1.2 Knowledge Test 143 4.3.1.3 Design proposals 145 5 CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK 149 6 DIRECTORIES 157 6.1 References 157 6.2 List of Figures 176 6.3 List of Tables 178 6.4 List of abbreviations and symbols 180 7 APPENDIX 181

A constante evolução dos Materiais Poliméricos e seus compostos, a procura por um melhor desempenho e redução de peso em peças técnicas, têm levado a busca de soluções inovadoras em materiais termoplásticos para peças tradicionalmente produzidas em materiais metálicos. Nestes casos, a fase inicial de um projeto deve ser realizada com muito cuidado e é onde as metodologias de Seleção de Materiais e Processos de Fabricação (SMPF) mais podem contribuir para o sucesso de um produto. Existem muitas ferramentas para seleção de materiais, algumas delas até mesmo voltadas especificamente aos polímeros, mas nota-se que uma metodologia adequada - e talvez específica - ainda seja necessária. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os métodos utilizados na academia e na indústria para a seleção de materiais termoplásticos, bem como os bancos de dados e programas de computador disponíveis, na busca de subsídios para auxiliar profissionais de projeto de produtos, sejam eles engenheiros ou não. Assim, tratou-se inicialmente de aspectos de Engenharia de Materiais e de SMPF e especificamente de Materiais Poliméricos termoplásticos, na busca de oferecer uma base comum por meio de definições e premissas utilizadas. Como é de interesse entender a inserção da filosofia de SMPF na indústria de transformação de materiais termoplásticos, investigou-se os processos de SMPF na academia e na indústria. A partir desta investigação, é apresentada uma discussão entre as semelhanças e uma possível intersecção entre estas duas realidades, analisando-se os sistemas existentes de maneira a apontar caminhos para estas duas áreas e culminando com uma proposta de modificações nas metodologias atuais para adequá-las as necessidades dos projetistas que trabalham com materiais poliméricos. / The constant evolution of polymers and its compounds, the search for better performance and weight reduction in parts have been leading to innovative solutions in thermoplastic replacing metals in parts traditionally made of the later. In such cases, the initial stages of a project needs a special care and are where the Material and Process Selection (MPS) tools can really shine. If the designer chooses wisely and take advantage of the design freedom made possible by the use of plastics, a part can not only be made more economically but also with a better performance. Many tools are available in the marketplace, some even designed to deal specifically with polymers, but it is becoming clear that a more adequate and specific polymer selection methodology is needed. The objective of this work is to analyze the methodologies used in the academy and in the industry in the area of thermoplastic materials selection, together with the databases and software available, in search for subsidies to help product designers in their work. In this way, this work deals initially with materials engineering, materials and process selection (MPS) and thermoplastic materials basic knowledge, in a way to offer a basis for discussion. As it tries to understand the MPS in the industry, these processes are investigated in the academy first, leading to a discussion on the similarities and possible intersection between both worlds, an analysis of the existing tools, and finally pointing towards modifications on the actual methodologies to bring the theory of MPS to the real world of designers.

Submitted by Silvana Teresinha Dornelles Studzinski (sstudzinski) on 2017-03-14T12:17:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Adriano Rodrigo Debus_.pdf: 46879616 bytes, checksum: 8722cef724b90731904db7169aeda6ee (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-14T12:17:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Adriano Rodrigo Debus_.pdf: 46879616 bytes, checksum: 8722cef724b90731904db7169aeda6ee (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-29 / Nenhuma / A gestão utiliza determinadas ferramentas para a tomada de decisão, que são funcionais, porém, pouco inovadoras e criativas. Este estudo adota o uso de ferramentas de design para elaboração de estratégias que apoiem a tomada de decisão no âmbito empresarial. O design por seu caráter holístico e dinâmico, pela sua capacidade multidisciplinar e transversal, pode fornecer respostas e novas possibilidades para decodificação da realidade complexa. O uso de ferramentas, carregadas por estas características do design, possibilitam a criação e reflexão crítica de diversos cenários possíveis, ampliando as opções de estratégias para tomada de decisão. O modelo de processo adotado para a fase exploratória desta pesquisa utilizou características da não-linearidade de acordo a proposta do metaprojeto. Desta forma, o metaprojeto permite que os decisores compreendam a articulação e a complexidade de um processo que envolve toda a empresa e suas unidades estratégicas. A fim de responder aos objetivos desta pesquisa, os dados coletados foram categorizados e analisados por meio da análise de conteúdo. Os resultados apresentados demonstram que a tomada de decisão dos gestores se baseia no pensamento lógico e técnico, onde consideram a teoria e a prática para determinar suas escolhas. Entretanto, com a realização dos exercícios e a utilização das ferramentas de design, experiências satisfatórias foram proporcionadas aos gestores, como por exemplo, o estímulo à criatividade induzido por uma nova forma de pensar e raciocinar artefatos e a ampliação da capacidade de know-how organizacional. / Management uses certain tools for decision making, which are functional, however, little innovative and creative. This study adopts the use of design tools to elaborate strategies that support decision-making in the business environment. The design for its holistic and dynamic character, for its multidisciplinary and transversal capacity, can provide answers and new possibilities for decoding complex reality. The use of tools, loaded by these characteristics of the design, allow the creation and critical reflection of several possible scenarios, expanding the options of strategies for decision making. The process model adopted for the exploratory phase of this research used characteristics of non-linearity according to the proposal of the metaproject. In this way, the meta-project allows decision-makers to understand the articulation and complexity of a process that involves the entire company and its strategic units. In order to respond to the objectives of this research, the data collected were categorized and analyzed through content analysis. The results show that managers' decision-making is based on logical and technical thinking, where they consider theory and practice to determine their choices. However, with the accomplishment of the exercises and the use of the design tools, satisfactory experiences were provided to the managers, for example, the stimulation of creativity induced by a new way of thinking and reasoning of artifacts and the expansion of the capacity of organizational know-how .

Academic Clustering and Placement Tools for Modern Field-Programmable Gate Array Architectures Daniele Giuseppe Paladino Masters of Applied Science Graduate Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Toronto 2008 Abstract Academic tools have been used in many research studies to investigate Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) architecture, but these tools are not sufficiently flexible to represent modern commercial devices. This thesis describes two new tools, the Dynamic Clusterer (DC) and the Dynamic Placer (DP) that perform the clustering and placement steps in the FPGA CAD flow. These tools are developed in direct extension of the popular Versatile Place and Route (VPR) academic tools. We describe the changes that are necessary to the traditional tools in order to model modern devices, and provide experimental results that show the quality of the algorithms achieved is similar to a commercial CAD tool, Quartus II. Finally, a small number of research experiments were investigated using the clustering and placement tools created to demonstrate the practical use of these tools for academic research studies of FPGA CAD tools.

Academic Clustering and Placement Tools for Modern Field-Programmable Gate Array Architectures Daniele Giuseppe Paladino Masters of Applied Science Graduate Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Toronto 2008 Abstract Academic tools have been used in many research studies to investigate Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) architecture, but these tools are not sufficiently flexible to represent modern commercial devices. This thesis describes two new tools, the Dynamic Clusterer (DC) and the Dynamic Placer (DP) that perform the clustering and placement steps in the FPGA CAD flow. These tools are developed in direct extension of the popular Versatile Place and Route (VPR) academic tools. We describe the changes that are necessary to the traditional tools in order to model modern devices, and provide experimental results that show the quality of the algorithms achieved is similar to a commercial CAD tool, Quartus II. Finally, a small number of research experiments were investigated using the clustering and placement tools created to demonstrate the practical use of these tools for academic research studies of FPGA CAD tools.

This research explores an approach to learning types of usability concerns considered useful for the management of Web sites and to identifying usability concerns based on these learned models. By having one or more Web site managers rate a subset of pages in a site based on a number of usability criteria, the approach builds models that determine what automatically measurable characteristics are correlated to issues identified. To test this, the approach collected usability assessments from twelve students pursuing advanced degrees in the area of computer-human interaction. These students were divided into two groups and given different scenarios of use of a Web site. They assessed the usability of Web pages from the site, and their data was divided into a training set, used to find models, and a prediction set, used to evaluate the relative quality of models. Results show that the learned models predicted remaining data for one scenario in more categories of usability than did the single model found under the alternate scenario. Results also show how systems may prioritize usability problems for Web site managers by probability of occurrence under context rather than by merely listing pages that break specific rules, as provided by some current tools.

The objective of this study is to seek the reasons of both the actual crime and fear of crime on urban streets, to evaluate the relationships between fear and physical attributes and to find out how physical attributes can help to reduce this. The study aims at developing new urban design principles in order to decrease the crime risks for users in historic residential neighborhoods. To do that, the study identifies the risky and unsecure spaces and potential places with high crime rates in Istiklal Neighborhood. The study also explains the relationship between crime and the design of the built environment and the role of urban design tools in reducing the crime rate and creating safer places by the help of this case study, held in Istiklal Neighborhood, Ankara.

This thesis is an investigation focusing on the adaptability of generative systems in a dynamic design problem, where the problem definition changes according to the changing conditions of the environment and transforming needs of the architectural space. This thesis, instead of discussing the dynamicity of the design processes, investigates the use of an adaptable generative system in a case-specific dynamic design problem to sustain its changing problem definitions. The research mainly looks into the potentials of generative systems in terms of adaptability and develops a generative system that is able to transform its structure in accordance with the dynamic constraints of a complex design process.

The main topic that is researched in this study is: what performative architecture is and its role in the design process and product. In the scope of performative architecture the aim is to focus what a building does rather than what it is and the fact that architecture should have the capability of being adaptable to changing time, conditions and environment. A design problem is taken under consideration and designed from the scope of performative architecture. The design problem is the transformation of the Defence Line around Amsterdam, designing new buildings with the recent technologies as additions to the forts remaining from 1900&rsquo / s. A &ldquo / performative model&rdquo / , which supports design from the conceptual stage until production of scale prototypes is structured by the author for this specific design problem. This performative model is used as a case study for the research of the role of the computational design tools in the design process and product of performative architecture. In addition to the design process, the role of using computer

This research began by addressing the question: can effective interface design guidelines be produced for use in the design of future consumer product technologies (CPT)? A literature review explored published studies evaluating existing Human- Computer Interaction guidelines to establish their effectiveness in relation to CPT. Through this review, effectiveness was found to be limited but potentially could be improved using user-centred design methods. In response, six short studies were undertaken to produce user-centred CPT guidelines and to evaluate them using two sets of effectiveness criteria: specificity and applicability. These studies supported findings from the HCI literature. Despite improving the specificity and applicability of the CPT guidelines, passive, non-bespoke design guidelines have still been shown to have little impact on interaction design activity. Other links between research and practice needed to be identified. Two further field investigations indicated that, whilst the use of ergonomics methods was limited in commercial design consultancies, certain types of participative methods considering 'situated design in context' might be helpful. A second literature review was conducted to explore the importance of context-based design activity. As an outcome, design tools were proposed using participative design techniques involving games and role playing. Through a second series of five laboratory and field studies, the proposed design tools were developed and iteratively evaluated. It was demonstrated that the design tools could affect interaction design activity, but further work is still required on improving one of the applicability criteria - 'organisational survival'. These findings demonstrated that interaction designers can effectively produce their own design data using the design tools provided that this design activity is situated within the context of an interaction design problem. It has also been shown that if interaction design tools are to be effective they should satisfy all specificity and applicability criteria established in this inquiry.