L'expérience de l'utilisateur (UX) est devenue une préoccupation majeure pour la conception de produits. Aujourd'hui, il existe différents outils pour l'évaluation de l'expérience de l'utilisateur sur l'apparence des produits finaux. Très peu d'outils et de méthodes permettant d'anticiper l'expérience de l'utilisateur au cours de la conception amont existent. Cette thèse explore le large éventail de dimensions en conception qui constituent potentiellement l'expérience de l'utilisateur. Les propriétés dynamiques des produits apparaissent comme un facteur important. Dans les expérimentations, un logiciel basé sur des mots et des liens d'inspiration, ainsi que la technique ‘body storming' sont testés comme un moyen de génération de l'expérience utilisateur. Les concepts et les gestes d'interaction produits sont ensuite évalués par une combinaison de questionnaires et de mesures comportementales et physiologiques. Les résultats des expérimentations montrent premièrement qu'une large gamme de dimensions de conception doit être considérée dès la conception amont, deuxièmement qu'il est possible d'appliquer les évaluations UX sur les premiers concepts et troisièmement que les évaluations UX peuvent également être effectuées sur les propriétés dynamiques comme les gestes d'interaction. Cette thèse apporte aussi un nouveau modèle sur l'expérience de l'utilisateur et une liste de dimensions en conception pour la recherche en design et pour les designers. / The User Experience (UX) has become a major concern for the design of consumer products. Today exist various tools for the evaluation of static properties of final products on their User Experience value. However, very few tools and methods are available that allow anticipating the future User Experience during the first stages of product conception. This thesis explores the wide range of design dimensions that potentially form the experience of the user. Dynamic product properties emerge as an important factor for User Experience. In the studies a software based on inspiration words and links, as well as the technique body storming are tested as a new means of User Experience generation. The produced early concepts and interaction gestures are then evaluated through a combination of questionnaires, behavioural and physiological measurements. The study results show firstly that a wide range of design dimension needs to be regarded to design for User Experience, secondly that it is possible to apply UX evaluations on early concepts and thirdly that UX evaluations can also be done on dynamic properties like interaction gestures. This thesis furthermore contributes design research and practice with a new model on the mechanism of User Experience and a list of design dimensions for early product conception.

Hydroponics is a method of cultivating plants without the use of soil. Soil acts as a growth medium which gives plants stability, provides nutrients and allows roots to be kept wet without drowning. In hydroponics the soil’s functions are replaced by synthesized methods. Stability comes from a substrate (i.e. LECA, rockwool perlite).The 16 essential nutrients are solved in water which are distributed to plants’ roots by different techniques. To generate photosynthesis natural light is replaced by artificial light, especially red light in the proximity of 660 nm. Hydroponics has been used as a cultivation method for at least 2000 years. During the 20th century industrial applications became common since plastics allowed for complex systems engineering. The method also makes it possible to grow the same amount of crops with approximately 10% water usage and 25% of the area compared to conventional cultivation. During the past few years systems for home use has emerged but the product genre is still in its cradle. This master thesis covers a new conceptual design of a hydroponic home system. The project was carried out at Omecon AB in Stockholm as a consulting design project. Omecon AB is an engineering consultant agency within mostly mechanical construction looking to widen the competence base. Using a design process based on Human-Centered Design the project involved the stakeholders users, extreme users, Omecon AB, plant experts, electronics engineering and service as well as plastics design engineering. Additional/supplemental economical–, ecological– and social sustainability aspects has been considered during all phases of the process. By using the Human-Centered Design process the problem range is expanded from its initial state which results in a more complete end result. Common methodology altered with some unorthodox twists has been utilized throughout the project. The final result is a conceptual hydroponic system for home environment which is designed as an interior design product as well as a high-performance cultivation system. By using natural materials such as wood and steel the users expands its life span and thus mitigates the negative environmental impact. Another aspect which prolongs the products life span is the modular usage which lets users vary and choose their preferred settings. All manufactured materials included in the final concept were flow resources and the parts were engineered to be easily separable for future replacement and recycling. A new type of pot was invented along with a new way of adjusting the height-wise position of lamps. The aeroponic technique, which was applied to this concept, is generally considered to generate the largest plants and thus comprises higher performance compared to other home systems. The use of substrate was also eliminated which decreases continous material consumption within hydroponics. / Hydroponik är en metod för att odla växter utan jord. Jord i odling agerar som ett växtmedium som ger plantor stabilitet, tillför näringsämnen och tillåter rötter att vara i väta utan att dränka dem. I hydroponik ersätts jordens funktioner med syntetiska metoder. Stabilitet ges av ett substrat (t.ex. LECA-kulor, stenull eller perlit). De 16 essentiella näringsämnena löses i vatten och distribueras till plantors rötter med hjälp av olika tekniker. For att skapa fotosyntes ersätts naturligt ljus med artificiellt ljus. Speciellt rött ljus i närheten av 660 nm. Hydroponik har använts som odlingsmetod i åtminstånde 2000 år. Under 1900-talet blev industiella applikationer vanliga eftersom plast möjliggjorde tillverkling av komplexa system. Metoden tillåter även att odla samma mängd grödor med 10% av vattenmängden och 25% av ytan jämfört med konventionell odling. Under de senaste åren har system avsedda för användning hemma blivit vanligare men produktgenren är fortfarande ung. Det här examensarbetet täcker en ny konceptuell design av ett hydroponiskt system för hemmabruk. Projektet utfördes på Omecon AB i Stockholm som ett konsultarbete inom design. Omecon AB är en konsultfirma som mestadels är verksamma inom mekanikkonstruktion men de vill vidga sin kompetens. Genom användning av en designprocess som har baserats på Human-Centered Design har projektet involverat intressenterna användare, extrema användare, Omecon AB, växtexperter, en elektronikingenjör samt plastkonstruktion. Vidare har aspekter inom ekonomisk–, ekologisk– och social hållbarhet beaktats genom alla faser av processen. Via användning av Human-Centered Design-processen har problemrummet expanderats från den initiala utgångspunkten vilket resulterar i ett mer komplett slutresultat. Vanlig metodik varvat med okonventionella anpassningar har använts genom projektet. Slutresultatet består av ett konceptuellt hydroponiskt system för hemmabruk som är designat som en inredningsprodukt samt ett odlingssystem med hög prestanda. Genom användning av naturliga material som trä och stål förlänger användarna produktens livslängd och på så sätt förmildras den negativa klimatpåverkan. En annan aspekt som förlänger produktens livslängd är moduläriteten som låter användare variera och välja deras föredragna inställningar. Alla tillverkade material inkluderade i slutkonceptet var flödesresurser och delarna konstruerades så att de går lätt att separera för framtida ersättning och återvinning. En ny typ av kruka uppfanns tillsammans med ett nytt sätt att justera höjden av lamporna. Den aeroponiska tekniken, som används is konceptet, är allmänt ansedd att generera de största plantorna och innefattar därför högre prestanda jämfört med andra hydroponiska hemmasystem. Användning av substrat eliminerades också vilket minskar kontinuerlig materialkonsumption inom hydroponik.

Production and consumption of products contribute to the global sustainability challenge by degrading natural and social systems. This thesis focuses on branded products, which through powerful images and meanings symbolise the core business of a company and a platform of identification for its stakeholders. This study investigates the possibility to align a brand and its company with sustainability. With the help of a small branded design company in Berlin, which served as case study, a strategic management planning process was conducted and action research was used to be able to engage the participants in creating movement towards sustainability. The research shows that there are major internal and external barriers and motivations that can either hinder or inspire. The actions and approaches that were identified for a branded design company represent possible means to transform its business towards sustainability. Natural resources are decreasing relative to the growth in human population and affluence. This fuels the need to develop more sustainable products so that human needs and natural eco-systems can thrive. A branded design company has the ability to help lead society through innovating products, services, and activities towards a sustainable future.

De nouveaux produits et services jouissent aujourd'hui d'un succès surprenant, alors qu'ils ne s'intègrent pas dans les canons traditionnels de l'innovation. Sans proposer de ruptures technologiques ni d'usages clairement identifiés, ces biens suscitent toutefois une large exploration d'usages nouveaux et inconnus, à l'image du service web Twitter ou du téléphone iPhone qui viennent bouleverser les pratiques quotidiennes de leurs usagers dans de nombreux domaines, y compris professionnels.La littérature apporte des réponses partielles aux enjeux soulevés par cette classe de biens, mais semble limitée par une vision des biens comme systèmes de découplages de la conception d'usages : celle-ci aurait lieu au sein de la firme par des approches de type analyse d'usage ou bien auprès d'usagers-concepteurs très compétents.Nous proposons ici une théorie qui veut intégrer ces différents apports tout en soulevant les hypothèses que nous jugeons trop restrictives sur les usagers, les biens et leurs rapports à la conception d'usage. Ce projet nous amène à rediscuter la notion de biens pour les considérer comme des espaces de conception d'usages, à destination d'acteurs à la fois usagers et concepteurs.Ce nouveau paradigme suppose en revanche de réinterroger le rôle de la firme dans l'organisation de cette action collective de conception d'usages. La confrontation de notre modèle théorique à trois études de cas révèle que les succès que l'on connait aujourd'hui reposent sur une organisation sophistiquée des relations entre la firme et ses usagers concepteurs, ainsi qu'une ingénierie spécifique de dispositifs de conception, de formation et de coordination. / De nouveaux produits et services jouissent aujourd'hui d'un succès surprenant, alors qu'ils ne s'intègrent pas dans les canons traditionnels de l'innovation. Sans proposer de ruptures technologiques ni d'usages clairement identifiés, ces biens suscitent toutefois une large exploration d'usages nouveaux et inconnus, à l'image du service web Twitter ou du téléphone iPhone qui viennent bouleverser les pratiques quotidiennes de leurs usagers dans de nombreux domaines, y compris professionnels.La littérature apporte des réponses partielles aux enjeux soulevés par cette classe de biens, mais semble limitée par une vision des biens comme systèmes de découplages de la conception d'usages : celle-ci aurait lieu au sein de la firme par des approches de type analyse d'usage ou bien auprès d'usagers-concepteurs très compétents.Nous proposons ici une théorie qui veut intégrer ces différents apports tout en soulevant les hypothèses que nous jugeons trop restrictives sur les usagers, les biens et leurs rapports à la conception d'usage. Ce projet nous amène à rediscuter de la notion de biens pour les considérer comme des espaces de conception d'usages, à destination d'acteurs à la fois usagers et concepteurs.Ce nouveau paradigme suppose en revanche de réinterroger le rôle de la firme dans l'organisation de cette action collective de conception d'usages. La confrontation de notre modèle théorique à trois études de cas révèle que les succès que l'on connait aujourd'hui reposent sur une organisation sophistiquée des relations entre la firme et ses usagers concepteurs, ainsi qu'une ingénierie spécifique de dispositifs de conception, de formation et de coordination.

This thesis examines the ways in which the Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition educated (, and entertained the public in the first half of the twentieth century by promoting a modern way of life, helping to establish a commercial culture of homemaking. By exploring the ways in which the Exhibition represented popular conceptions of the 'modern' within their social and historical contexts, the thesis challenges the dominance of Modernist aesthetics and values on writing on design, architecture and consumption. Chapter one explores the unease felt by a particular group of writers towards the Ideal Home Exhibition, which it locates in relation to a wider intellectual condemnation of modernity and suburbia. Chapter two looks at the founding of the Exhibition by the Daily Mail in 1908. Chapter three analyses how the Daily Mail and the Exhibition constructed an 'ideal audience' and why the idea of an 'ideal home' was so appealing. Chapter four looks at the ways in which ideas about 'labour-saving', which were part of a concern with national efficiency that drew on the doctrines of scientific management, have constructed the 'ideal home' as a site of change and experimentation. Chapter five explores how the 'Tudorbethan' semi and the popular appropriation of the Modern Movement in the Exhibition represented tensions between the longings for the past and aspirations for the future. Chapter six investigates the representation of non-English peoples and places and the display of Empire in the Exhibition. Chapter seven looks at how the Exhibition addressed the question of the 'house that women want', focusing on the actual participation of women in the Exhibition, as 'natural' experts and paid professionals. Chapter eight makes some conclusions on the ways in which the audience's experience of 'suburban modernity' in the Exhibition was dependent on the interaction of the themes outlined in the earlier chapters. The thesis ends with a review of the past, present and future of the Ideal Home Exhibition.

[pt] Representações gráficas bidimensionais - tais como o desenho - e modelos tridimensionais físicos (maquetes, mock- ups ou protótipos) são recursos tradicionalmente utilizados por designers para comunicar a idéia de um projeto. Com a crescente inserção do computador no cotidiano e o desenvolvimento do CAD (Computer Aided Design), as áreas projetuais ganharam mais um recurso de representação gráfica: o desenho auxiliado por computador. Diante deste panorama, esta pesquisa procurou investigar junto a alunos e professores do curso de Desenho Industrial com Habilitação em Projeto de Produto do Departamento de Artes e Design da PUC-Rio como se dá a representação e apresentação de seus projetos. A partir da análise do discurso dos entrevistados verificou-se a necessidade de se investigar não só como as diferentes habilidades e processos de representação bidimensional e tridimensional da idéia são utilizadas em paralelo, tais como a habilidade em desenhar à mão, a elaboração de modelos físicos, e a modelagem digital, mas também de se dar o devido destaque ao questionamento, por parte dos entrevistados, da estrutura curricular atual do curso, e sua demanda por novas frentes de atuação da disciplina de Computação Gráfica, de forma a permitir maior capacitação profissional aos alunos de projeto de produto. / [en] Two-dimensional graphic representation - such as drawings - and physical three-dimensional models - such as mock-ups and prototypes - are resources traditionally used by designers to communicate the idea of a project. With the growth of computer use and the development of CAD (Computer Aided Design), project areas gained one more graphic representation resource. Considering this scenario, this research work has investigated how Product Design students at Pontificia Universidade Católica in Rio de Janeiro do the representation and presentation of their projects. The research was based on interviews with teachers and students and concluded that both human varied capabilities and two- dimensional or three-dimensional representation are relevant - hand drawing ability, drawing practice, physical models manufacturing and digital modeling are equally important. It was also verified that there is a strong aspiration between the interviewees for a revision of the present course structure and for the development of new areas of Computer Graphics utilization, so that the Product Design students can achieve a better level of professional capability.

Contemporary product and production development is typically carried out with the support of computer tools where the design of products and workstations are originated and evaluated within virtual environments. Ergonomics addresses factors important to consider in the product and production development process to ensure a good fit between humans and the items being designed. Digital human modelling (DHM) tools enable simulations and analyses of ergonomics in virtual environments. Anthropometry is central when using DHM tools for product and production development to ensure that the design fits the intended proportion of the targeted population from a physical perspective. Several methods have been prescribed to consider the anthropometric diversity that exists within human populations. Still many DHM based simulations in product and production development processes are done with approaches that are poor in representing anthropometric diversity. Hence, there is a need for better tools and methods that would support DHM tool users to more effectively and efficiently consider anthropometric diversity in the design process. In this thesis current methods for anthropometric diversity considerations have been reviewed and new methods and functionality have been developed and implemented in a DHM tool. Mathematical models have been developed to consider three specific parts important to the consideration of anthropometric diversity: generation of suitable test cases, prediction of missing anthropometric data and implementation of more diverse anthropometric variables such as strength and flexibility. Results show that the proposed methods are accurate and advantageous compared to approaches often used in industry today. The mathematical models for generation of suitable test cases and prediction of missing anthropometric data have been implemented in an anthropometric software module. The module has undergone usability testing with industry DHM tools users. The developed anthropometric module is shown to answer to relevant needs of DHM tool users and fit into the work processes related to DHM simulations and ergonomics analyses utilised in industry today.

This work deals with addressing the issues related to design of double toggle switch mechanisms with emphasis on structural, dimensional and dynamic aspects. Currently, almost all the issues related to electrical switches are dealt from electromagnetic point of view; the operating mechanism is hardly touched. It is observed that kinematic parameters influence electrical performance of switch significantly. Therefore, there is a need to develop methodologies for supporting exploration of diverse kinematic chains (KCs) for this purpose. Visual inspection is tedious and error prone even when a complete list of design criteria is available, hence, the work presented in the thesis contributes towards automated design of toggle switch mechanisms. In this context, in house modular kinematics data structure is found useful for using it as a tool in the design of toggle switch. Modular kinematics, typically used for kinematic analysis, works on the principle of finding the configuration of a mechanism using a given set of modules by a procedure called module sequence. This module sequence is used and interpreted in a number of ways for its effective use in various design stages. Structurally, a set of seven conditions must be satisfied by a KC to exhibit double toggle. These conditions are broadly classified into three categories: criteria for KC, function assignment criteria and criteria for stoppers. These three criteria are to be checked automatically by use of module sequence in the same order as mentioned. In the criteria for KC, one of the conditions is that, the KC should not have fractionated degrees of freedom (d.o.f.). Hence, detection of fractionation in a KC is inevitable. In literature, is was found that the algorithms for detection operate at their worst case complexity, O(n4), and some of them do not report joint fractionation. Thus, the algorithms are not only robust but also computationally expensive. Therefore, a frugal and comprehensive method O(n2) is implemented to detect fractionation using modular kinematics. Also, inherent structural pattern embedded in fractionated KCs is hardly studied in literature. It is found that the way body and joint fractionation is defined in fractionated KCs is inconsistent. So, fractionation is interpreted as symbolic partitioning of joints and links in the traditional body and joint fractionation types respectively. Based on the number of ways of partitioning, simple and multiple types of fractionation are recognized. Valid partitions are identified using the notion of fractionating and non-fractionating subchains. Relative locations of these subchains influence distribution of d.o.f. across the fractionated KC. Conventional representation of KCs as links and joints or graphs is difficult to comprehend this distribution. For this, a novel concept of fractionation graph is introduced that gives d.o.f. distribution information and the relative locations of the constituent subchains across the KC. Modular kinematics gives a constructive description of fractionated KCs. Characterization of fractionated KCs, based on presence of multiple separation links, is introduced as order of fractionation. Uniqueness for a given order of fractionation is also justified. After the criteria for KC, a KC is tested for feasibility for function assignment criteria. This requires recognition of active and passive subchains of the KC with respect to input and output pairs. For this, module sequence is characterized for recognition of the subchains. Based on these subchains, locations of stoppers are derived. Using this information, an algorithmic approach to assign functions (functions like spring, ground link, input link, etc.) to derive distinct driving mechanisms provided isomorphic elements (links and joints) of the KC are known beforehand, is introduced. The design parameters influencing dimensional synthesis have been identified as dimensions of links, spring anchor points and stopper locations. Sub-problems associated with each parameter are analyzed. It is found out that optimum location of stoppers for selecting operational range of motion is necessary by taking into account the considerations of timing of switch and impact velocity. Based on the analysis, an algorithmic way to design single toggle switch mechanisms is introduced. Timing for closing or opening of a switch is one of the critical measure that determines its performance. Timing should be as low as possible without exceeding the impact velocity at the instant contacts meet each other. Timing of a switch depends on the dimensions of the links, inertial parameters, spring stiffness etc. For a given timing for a mechanism, dynamic synthesis, in this thesis, deals with finding the inertial parameters of the links using Quinn's energy distribution method, modular kinematics, and Nelder and Mead's downhill simplex method for optimization. This thesis helps the designer to use modular kinematics as a potential automated tool to select a valid design to make the solution space more meaningful in the design of toggle switch mechanisms.

Triangle meshes have become an increasingly popular shape representation. Given the ease of standardization it allows and the proliferation of devices (scanners, range images ) that capture and output shape information as meshes, this representation is now used in applications such as virtual reality, medical imaging, rapid prototyping, digital art and entertainment, simulation and analysis, product design and development. In product development manipulation of mesh models is required in applications such as visualization, analysis, simulation and rapid prototyping. The nature of manipulation of the mesh includes annotation, interactive viewing, slicing, re-meshing, mesh optimization, mesh segmentation, simplification and editing. Of these editing has received the least attention. Mesh model often requires editing either locally or globally based on the application. With the increased use of meshes it is desirable to have formal reasoning tools that enable manipulation of mesh models in product development. The mesh model may contain artifacts like self-intersection, overlapping triangles, inconsistent normal’s of triangles and gaps or holes with or without islands. It is necessary to repair the mesh before further processing the mesh model. An automatic algorithm is proposed to repair and fill arbitrary holes while maintaining curvature continuity across the boundaries of the hole. The algorithm uses slices across the hole to first identify curves that bridge the hole. These curves are then used to find the surface patch that would fill the hole. The proposed algorithm works for arbitrary holes in any mesh model irrespective of the type of underlying surface and is able to preserve features in the mesh model that are missing in the input information. Since editing during product development is mostly feature based, an automatic algorithm to recognize shape features by directly clustering the triangles constituting a feature in a mesh model is proposed. Shape features addressed in the thesis are volumetric features that are associated with either addition or removal of a finite volume. The algorithm involves two steps – isolating features in 2D slices followed by a 3D traversal to cluster all the triangles in the feature. Editing a mesh model mainly implies editing local volumetric features in that model. An automatic algorithm is proposed for parametric editing of volumetric features in the mesh model. The proposed algorithm eliminates the need of original CAD model while manipulating any volumetric feature in the mesh model based on feature parameters. An automatic algorithm to manipulate global shape parameters of the object using the mesh model is developed. Global shape parameters include thickness, drafts and axes of symmetry. As the mesh models do not explicitly carry this information global editing of mesh models (other than for visualization) has not been attempted thus far. This thesis proposes the use of mid-surface to identify and manipulate global shape parameters for a class of objects that are classified as thin walled objects. Mid-curves are first identified on slices of the part and then the mid-surface is obtained from these mid-curves. Results of implementation are presented and discussed along with the scope for future work.

Les nanomatériaux manufacturés (comme les nanoparticules d’oxydes métalliques, les nanotubes de carbone, les nanofibres etc.) possèdent des propriétés remarquables qui leur confèrent des applications industrielles innovantes. Néanmoins, ces nouveaux matériaux soulèvent des inquiétudes vis à vis de leurs potentiels risques. Ces nanomatériaux manufacturés connaissent une production et une commercialisation croissantes. Par conséquent, de plus en plus de personnes sont potentiellement exposées à ces nanomatériaux (aussi bien les consommateurs que les opérateurs) à travers les aérosols qui pourraient être émis au cours du cycle de vie du matériau. L’une des approches possibles de réduction de risque serait la prévention de l’émission qui consisterait en une conception réfléchie du matériau avec un compromis performance/sûreté. La thèse présentée ici suit cette approche. Il s’agit de comprendre le phénomène et les mécanismes d’émission des nanomatériaux manufacturés à l’aide d’outils théoriques et expérimentaux. Le dispositif expérimental développé au cours de cette étude vise (i) à reproduire à l’échelle laboratoire des activités en conditions réelles, (ii) à identifier les mécanismes d’émission, et (iii) à mener simultanément des analyses qualitatives et quantitatives* des nanomatériaux manufacturés émis. Pour la sollicitation mécanique, le procédé d’abrasion a été choisi ; quant au vieillissement environnemental, le choix s’est porté sur un procédé d’exposition accélérée aux rayons d’UV en présence d’humidité et de chaleur. Les résultats suggèrent que les entités microscopiques présentes à la surface d’un matériau (appelées aspérités ou rugosités) subissent globalement 4 types de mécanismes d’enlèvement pendant l’abrasion, suivant la variation de 18 paramètres (liés au matériau et au procédé). Ces mécanismes déterminent la forme, la taille et le nombre de particules de l’aérosol émis. De plus, dans le cas des échantillons testés dans les conditions expérimentales données, il a été observé, lors des essais mécaniques seuls, la génération d’aérosols dans lesquels sont retrouvées des nanomatériaux manufacturés liées à leur matrice. Il s’agit de particules nanométriques et micrométriques. Cependant, dans le cas du couplage abrasion/vieillissement environnemental, après un temps donné de détérioration, il est constaté l’émission de nanomatériaux manufacturés libres, en plus des nanomatériaux manufacturés liés à leur matrice. Les résultats expérimentaux relatifs aux sollicitations mécaniques ont été mis en corrélation avec des lois de mécanique classique utilisant des modèles analytiques. Le modèle utilise en partie des relations semi-empiriques ; après ajustement, on observe une très bonne convergence modèle-expérience. Ce modèle a été utilisé pour réaliser une étude de sensibilité sur les 18 paramètres évoqués précédemment, et ce pour une variation de 25% pour chaque paramètre. Ceci permet d'illustrer la capacité du modèle à hiérarchiser l'influence des différents paramètres sur l'émission de particules, pour des conditions données. Ainsi, ce travail a permis de développer un ensemble constitué d’une part d’outils expérimentaux et d’autre part d’un modèle. Si cet ensemble est largement perfectible, il permet toutefois d’ores et déjà d’entamer une conception “nanosafe by design”. / Engineering nanomaterials (ENM) like metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, etc. possess various innovative properties and their industrial use creates new opportunities. However, they also present new risks and uncertainties. There is an ever growing production and use of the products containing these ENM, like nanocomposites or nanocoatings, which result in an increasing number of workers and consumers exposed to ENM upon their emission (in the form of aerosols) from the products containing them. One of the most favored approaches, to minimize this emission, would be a preventive one which would focus on altering the product’s material properties during its design phase itself without compromising with any of its added benefits.This thesis advocates this approach. It attempts to understand the ENM emission phenomenon and its yielding mechanisms on the basis of combined experimental and theoretical approaches. The experimental set-up, developed during this thesis, is equipped with the necessary elements which can (i) seek to reproduce the real life activities on a laboratory scale (ii) identify the emission mechanism (iii) carry out both qualitative as well as quantitative*analysis of the emitted ENM simultaneously. Whilst the mean chosen for applying the mechanical solicitation or stress is an abrasion process, for the environmental weathering, it is an accelerated UV exposure process in the presence of humidity and heat. The results suggest that depending upon 18 material and process properties/parameters, the microscopic entities present on the surface of a product, called asperities, undergo mainly 4 types of removal mechanisms during abrasion. It is these mechanisms that decide the shape, size and the number of the aerosol particles emitted. Moreover, for the given test samples and experimental conditions studied during the thesis, application of the mechanical stresses alone was found to generate the emitted ENM aerosols in which ENM is always embedded inside the product matrix, thus, a representative product element. In such a case, the emitted aerosols comprise of both nanoparticles as well as microparticles. But if the mechanical stresses are coupled with the environmental weathering, then the eventual deterioration of the product, after a certain weathering duration, may lead to the emission of the free ENM aerosols too. All these experimental findings, pertaining to the effect of the mechanical stresses alone, have also been put into the perspective with classical material and mechanics state laws using a predictive analytical model. A close agreement** of the estimated results of this model with the experimentally measured ones has validated its functioning. This model was used to perform a sensitivity analysis on the aforementioned 18 parameters to rank the influence of a25% variation in each of their values on the particle emission for the given conditions.Thus, during the present thesis, both experimental and theoretical approaches have been developed to study the emission. Despite the fact that these approaches are perfectible, they can still be used during product design phase for the product to be “nanosafe by design”.