This research was commissioned and funded by The Welding Institute (TWI). The Welding Institute are a global research and development facility specialising in the joining of materials for industrial applications. The purpose of this research was to develop capability in textiles joining, particularly ultrasonic and laser welding technologies, which is relatively new to TWI. The appointed researcher adopted a ‘multi-strategy’ (Cresswell 2009) approach to the research; encompassing methods that were both familiar and unfamiliar to those usually adopted by TWI employees and researchers, whom mostly come from engineering and scientific backgrounds. The research was primarily undertaken with the adoption of a ‘craft-design’ approach that uses material investigation to explore and uncover interesting leads for investigation, which was the familiar approach of the researcher coming from a background in textile design. Material studies were carried out inquisitively without the formation of a particular hypothesis and insights were discussed with industry to identify potential commercial and functional application opportunities. Following the identification of an interest in welding stretchy fabrics Speedo agreed to become the main industry partner for the research, providing materials, access to testing equipment and validation of commercial opportunities for material samples relative to their application. The main hypothesis for the research Laser melted patterns can be used to control the elastic behaviour of stretchy textiles to have a targeted and variable compressive effect on the body developed through discussion with Speedo in response to material samples produced using transmission laser welding equipment. A predominant scientific approach was adopted during the second phase of the research to quantify and control this effect: to demonstrate repeatability and test it both on fabric and the body. Methods that were unfamiliar to the researcher prior to this research such as mechanical testing and microscopic analysis were employed. Selection of either a ‘craft design’ or ‘scientific’ approach was made pragmatically in response to the research as it developed. Through a retrospective analysis of applied methods throughout the research trajectory it has been possible to define this particular ‘multi-strategy’ project as a ‘sequential exploratory’ design (Cresswell 2009), whereby periods of subjective investigation are followed by empirical testing. The main process that has been developed by this research is a decorative method of controlling the elastic behaviour of stretchy fabrics using transmission laser welding equipment for a controlled and variable compressive effect on the body. Compression fabrics are used widely within the medical, lingerie and sportswear fields to apply pressure to the body either for an aesthetic or functional advantage. In swimwear, compression fabrics are applied to streamline the silhouette and minimise drag resistance. The technique developed by this research makes a contribution to knowledge within the field of laser processing of textiles, specifically within the field of transmission laser welding, and within the field of compression apparel. In the field of transmission laser welding a new functional capability for all-over surface patterns has been demonstrated. In the field of compression apparel a new decorative method for achieving an increasingly variable compressive effect for a smoother transition between different zones of stretch has been achieved. N.B. All redacted information throughout this thesis is confidential to Speedo.

This thesis explores effective and contextually appropriate means through which manufacturing SMEs can create competitive advantage through design and sustainable Product Service Systems (PSS). The exploration focuses on how design capabilities can be developed and used in non-design led contexts to drive an effective adoption of sustainable product service systems, creating competitive heterogeneity. A comprehensive review of literature gave understanding of perspectives to competitiveness issues, how organisations have been supported towards PSS, sustainability and design adoption and related challenges. From this review surfaced the need to be cautious of contextual considerations leading to a Delphi study. The purpose of the Delphi study was to identify factors relevant for SMEs in Botswana to embrace sustainable PSS as a competitive business strategy. Priorities from the Delphi study informed a study aimed at exploring competitiveness experiences of SMEs and their perceptions of sustainability and product service systems. Following the position of experts on industries highly prioritised in Botswana s economic diversification agenda, this was done with a specific industry; the leather industry. Possible opportunities of how design can address challenges identified and how PSS and sustainability can open new business opportunities for SMEs were also drawn from the findings. A systems success framework was developed using the main findings. The framework was tested through workshops with 3 SMEs who were also participants in the previous study. Through interactions with designers, the workshops exposed SMEs to design and PSS. Findings from the workshops indicate that through design capabilities SMEs can recognise opportunities and translate them in a service context to differentiated offerings suitable for their various markets. A designerly approach also offered a simplified but holistic process for SMEs to engage in systems thinking.

To achieve success in today's competitive environment, companies are realising the importance of design collaboration during new product development. The aim of this research was to develop a collaborative design tool for use by industrial designers and engineering designers. To achieve this, a literature review was undertaken to understand the working relationship among the two disciplines during new product development. Following this, empirical research through interviews and observations outlined three problem areas: conflicts in values and principles; differences in education; and differences in representational tools and methods. The latter was chosen because the problem area of design representations was found to be highly significant. In looking at bridging differences in design representations, a taxonomy comprising 35 forms of sketches, drawings, models and prototypes was generated. A second stage of empirical research was conducted to establish the popularity of each representation and the type of design / technical information that industrial designers and engineering designers communicated with. The information was indexed into CoLab cards that would enable the two disciplines to gain joint understanding and create shared knowledge when using visual design representations. Following a pilot evaluation and minor modifications, student and practitioner interviews with a case study were employed to assess the significance of CoLab. The findings revealed that 82% of the interviewees felt CoLab to have built a common ground through the use of visual design representations. 75% gave a positive rating when asked if the system would enhance collaboration and 91% gave the physical cards a positive response as it provided instant access to information and allowed easy sharing. This thesis is a step towards a greater understanding of collaboration between industrial designers and engineering designers. The use of the CoLab system provides the prospect of achieving a common ground between the two disciplines.

Focusing on the needs of users, design can leverage new product development process by offering insightful knowledge of those needs. This research investigates the technology development of smart homes. Design is utilised as a product research tool to identify key insights of the home life of the older adults living in the UK, and for the purpose of informing the front-end of the new product development process. The review of the literature in the field of smart homes suggests that the developments have lagged by a technology-push approach, the lack of appropriate concepts from users’ perspectives as well as the lack of development strategy, which has consequently been reflected in consumers’ reluctance towards smart homes. As a result, this doctoral research aimed to ‘develop a user-oriented product design research tool that improves the understanding of the home life of older adults.’ To achieve the aim, this research employs qualitative methodology to develop a research process that utilises the cultural probe, semi-structured interview and video tour. Informed by ethnographic tradition, this research establishes its trustworthiness and credibility by employing a thorough process of analysis (qualitative analysis with computer-assisted software NVivo 8 and peers debriefing) and evaluation (creative workshop and evaluative interview) with practitioners from the field of product design, design management and design education. The result of the field investigation is presented as ten personas and taxonomy of nodes, which form the contribution of this research, a sensitising tool and process. This research contributes a sensitising tool - a design-led, user-inspired and participatory product design research that the offers insightful knowledge of those older adults and their relationships with their homes living in the UK. This sensitising tool is developed for the smart home designers for the purpose of generating new product ideas and challenges designers’ preconception of users and smart homes, and provokes reflections on the practices of user-centred and user-participatory design, as examined in the creative workshop. In addition, this research also contributes to the growing debate surrounding the issues relating to ethnographic user research and the use of cultural probe for the design of new smart homes.

This research evaluates the problems that design engineers face when trying to include environmental issues in product design without jeopardizing other design issues. A thorough review of current literature, tools and methodologies on the topic is given whilst their gaps and shortcomings are revealed and the need for a new methodology is formulated. This sets the starting point for the research and the development carried out during this research. A methodology is proposed in this thesis that helps manufacturers of complex products apply the Eco-Design principle and the whole life cycle approach without compromising the economic performance of their products. On one hand the primary objective outlined for the methodology is to include three different issues in product design: economic impact, environmental impact and functional issues whilst avoiding a trade-off. On the other hand, since the methodology is applicable to complex products, the secondary objective is to align and integrate two separate issues: alignment of the design process progress and the product hierarchy. In order to achieve those objectives existing design tools, such as the TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) matrix and the DfX (Design for X) method, are integrated. Furthermore a computer support tool in the form of a user interface is developed that is based on the theoretical framework of the methodology. This user interface allows for a quick analysis of a product and the production of design suggestions in order to enhance the product characteristics. The validation of the research is presented through examples and the application of case studies of different products. This case study approach helps to develop and apply findings during the methodology development and validate the functionality and flexibility of the proposed methodology. Areas of future work which can help increase the knowledge base, scope and applicability of the work carried out are identified.

Engineering changes are unavoidable and occur throughout the lifecycle of products. Due to the high interconnectivity of engineering products, a single change to one component usually has knock-on effects on other components causing further changes. This change propagation significantly affects the success of a product in the market by increasing development cost and time-to-market. As such engineering change management is essential to companies, but it is a complex task for managers and researchers alike. To address this challenge, the thesis at hand investigates the state-of-the-art of research in engineering change management and develops a method to support engineering change propagation analysis, termed FBS Linkage. This method integrates functional reasoning with change prediction. A product is modelled as a network of its functional, behavioural, and structural attributes. Change propagation is then described as spread between the elements along the links of this network. The FBS Linkage concept is designed based on a comprehensive set of requirements derived from both the literature and industry practices as well as a comparative assessment of existing change methods and functional reasoning schemes. A step-by-step technique of building and using an FBS Linkage model is demonstrated. The method’s potential benefits are discussed. Finally, the application of the method to two industrial case studies involving a diesel engine and a scanning electron microscope is presented. The method evaluation indicates that the benefits of the method outweigh its application effort and pinpoints areas for further refinement.

The basic notion of this study is related with visual attributes of products which reflect the identity of the company as well as form and design consistency which is a factor forming corporate identity. The sub-notions of the topic are elaborated in the literature review. The efforts which aimed at finding out the distinguishing characteristics of products focused on certain sample products. Digital camera is selected for the field study. The objective of the study is to put evidence that firms can be distinguished from each other with the help of visual attributes of their products and to determine which factors are effective throughout this process.

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.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:24:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-05-20Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:51:46Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 scatolim_rl_me_bauru.pdf: 1975676 bytes, checksum: 7ac1a28c69deaa6d10cf7861a4dda167 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Este estudo buscou por meio de pesquisas bibliográficas e da pesquisa experimental realizada com portadores de deficiência visual na entidade Olhos D´Alma de Jaboticabal - SP, analisar a usabilidade de produtos alimentícios enlatados. A relevância social volta-se ao portador de cegueira e de baixa visão, cujo foco é investigar quais as dificuldades encontradas durante a identificação e o uso. Foram abordados assuntos sobre o Sistema Braille, a composição estética e funcional da embalagem, o uso de materiais e a adequação à demanda; os riscos da ausência e da má informação e as contribuições que o design pode trazer ao deficiente visual, por meio de técnica e conhecimento e aspectos cognitivos da Semiótica e da teoria de Piaget A não obrigatoriedade da informação em Braille nos produtos exclui o cego, causando dependência durante o uso e a compra. O objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi comprovar, por meio da pesquisa experimental com 20 deficientes visuais, como são os reconhecimentos do produto, as dificuldades encontradas para identificá-los, devido à relevância do design visual, que limita outros sentidos de percepção / This study it searched by means of bibliographical research and of the experimental research carried through with carriers of visual deficiency in the entity Eyes D'Alma de Jaboticabal, SP, to analyze the usability of tinned nourishing products. The social relevance turns it the carrier of blindness and low vision, whose focus is to investigate which the difficulties found during the identification and the use. They had been boarded subjects on the System Braille, the aesthetic and functional composition of the packing, the use of materials and the adequacy the demand; the risks of the absence and the bad information and the contributions that design can bring to the deficient appearance, by means of technique and knowledge and cognition aspects of the Semiotics and the theory of Piaget. The obligator ness of the information in Braille in the products does not exclude the blind person, causing the dependence during the use and the purchase. The main objective of this research is to prove, by means of the experimental research with 20 deficient appearances, as it is the recognition of the product, the found difficulties to identify them, due to relevance of design visual, that it limits other directions of perception

Seit jeher treibt die Motivation, erfolgreiche Produkte – Innovationen – am Markt zu vertreiben, die wirtschaftliche Produktentwicklung von Unternehmen an (Schumpeter 1912). Dabei sind neben einer erfolgreichen Einführung eines Produktes in den Markt, ein relevantes Produktprofil (Bedarfssituation am Markt) sowie die technische oder serviceseitige Lösung dieses Bedarfs durch eine Neuerung (Invention) notwendige Bestandteile einer Innovation (siehe Abbildung 1) (Albers et al. 2018a). Allerdings stellt das Kreieren einer Innovation kein triviales Unterfangen dar, sondern unterliegt vielmehr dem kontinuierlichen Umgang mit Unsicherheiten (Bennett & Lemoine 2014). Dies führt dazu, dass der Prozess in der Produktentwicklung nicht ausreichend planbar und infolgedessen äußerst störanfällig ist (Albers et al. 2019a). Um Entwicklerteams jedoch bestmöglich im Innovationsprozess durch geeignete Vorgehensweisen zu unterstützen, wurde eine Vielzahl an Prozessmodellen entwickelt (Wynn & Clarkson 2018). In der Literatur haben sich unterschiedliche Arten von Innovationen herauskristallisiert, die, insbesondere hinsichtlich der durch sie hervorgerufenen Marktveränderungen, unterschieden werden können (Disselkamp 2005). Diese Unterscheidung ist ausschließlich retrospektiv durchführbar. Zudem existiert keine systematische Betrachtung der Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede zwischen den einzelnen Innovationsarten auf Basis der Informationen, die für die Entwicklung der Produkte notwendig sind. Im vorliegenden Beitrag erfolgt dieser Vergleich anhand dreier Beispiele mit jeweils drei Produkten. [... aus der Einleitung]