This thesis report contains the development of a new ladder specifically designed for needs of the rooftop tent users. The project has been conducted by two students wor- king full time over the duration of twenty weeks with the start in mid-January and is a culmination of their education in industrial design engineering at Luleå university of technology. The thesis is a collaboration with Thule which is a Swedish compa- ny specializing in outdoor and transportation products for the active user. Thule’s largest user base are the occasional users, which uses their products once or twice a year. The current ladder used by Thule today is a telescopic solution that is mainly deri- ved from standards concerning contractable ladders and not specifically made for rooftop tent ladder. Thus, it has a lacking usability and is constructed from many dif- ferent parts which makes it unnecessarily complex and heavy. This has led to Thule wanting this project to explore the possibilities of creating a more weight optimized and cost-efficient ladder that can achieve several lengths ranging from 1,5 to 2,5 meters. This while also making it more user friendly and safe while incorporating the company values. Thus, the mission statement reads: “To create a safe, high quality, and easy to use rooftop tent ladder for the occasion- al, recreational user while reducing weight and complexity” The schedule has followed an iterative process influenced by the phases of design thinking, which is to emphasize, define, ideate, prototype, and finally test. This has helped to solve the complex problems by focusing on the users and their needs. To start this off, an extensive analysis of the market competition, users, Thule, and the current ladder was performed to be followed up with more creative methods as bra- instorming and different stages of sketching, aimed to solve the problems that was found. All of which later was constructed to a feasible concept with computer aided design, prototyping methods, and computer renderings. The result is a new rooftop tent ladder with a sliding design, fulfilling most of the project scope as well as solving other problems found in the first phases. The project has also provided Thule with a full-scale, functional mock-up to prove the concept, as well as some recommendations for future work. / <p>Product patent protected by Thule Sweden. Patent office: Germany. Reference number: DE102023100495.6</p>

In this project, a stackable and foldable basket would be developed. The basket will be used for grocery shopping, where it can replace single use bags. Private individuals would own and use the basket for grocery shopping and grocery stores would use it for home deliveries. The project was divided into two phases. In the first phase, the research phase, relevant facts were gathered. A literature study focusing on sustainability was conducted as well as user studies. All information resulted in a number of insights that formed the basis for the coming phase. Some ofthe major insights were that people appreciate the feeling of ‘close to nature’ in relation to food and that shopping for food must not take up unnecessary time or be complicated. Also, it was realized that a basket intended for home delivery and a basket intended for private use would differ. Therefore, it was decided to focus on making a basket intended for private use. In the second phase, the design phase, a large number of ideas were generated. CAD, sketching and rapid prototyping were used as tools. Iterations resulted in four concepts of baskets. The baskets were folded in different ways and had different value-added functions. Prototypes were made and used during user tests, which resulted in no longer continuing to develop any type of value-added function. It was also decided to continue developing the concept of The straight collapsible basket. This basket was similar to a box in shape and would therefore, for practical reasons, also be well suited for home delivery. Likewise, with eliminated value-added functions, the basket would not risk becoming too complex. Therefore, home delivery was again included within the use of the basket. A detailed CAD model was made where the design was adapted tothe requirements of injection moulding. Likewise, the design and material were adapted to the mood board that had been developed. The material was also selected based on a smaller LCA, made in the GRANTA EduPack program. In parallel, solid mechanics calculations were made to ensure that the basket would meet the load capacity requirements. The result is a product proposition that meets the requirements of stackability and foldability. It is adapted for both private use and home delivery. / I detta projekt skulle en vikbar och stapelbar korg utvecklas. Korgens ska användas till mathandling, där den kan ersätta engångspåsar. Privatpersoner kan äga och använda korgen till mathandling och livsmedelsbutiker kan nyttja den vid hemleverans. Projektet var uppdelat i två faser. I den första fasen, researchfasen, samlades relevant fakta inom området. En litteraturstudie med fokus på hållbarhet gjordes och användarstudier utfördes. Informationen resulterade i ett antal insikter som låg till grund för den kommande fasen. Några av de större insikterna var att människor uppskattar känslan av naturnära i relation till mat och att mathandling inte får ta upp onödig tid eller vara krångligt. Framförallt insågs att skillnaderna mellan en korg ämnad för hemleverans och en korg ämnad för privat bruk skulle riskeras vara för stora. Därför beslutades det att fokusera på att göra en korg anpassad för privat bruk. I den andra fasen, designfasen, genererades ett stort antal idéer. CAD, skiss och rapid prototyping var verktyg som användes. Iterationer resulterade i fyra koncept, bestående av korgar. Korgarna fälldes ihop på olika sätt och hade olika mervärdesfunktioner. Prototyper av kartong gjordes som sedan användes vid användartester. Användartesterna resulterade i att inte längre fortsätta utveckla någon typ av mervärdesfunktion samt att fortsätta utveckla konceptet av The straight collapsible basket. Denna korg var lik en låda till formen och skulle därför av praktiska skäl lämpa sig bra även inom hemleverans. Likaså, med eliminerade mervärdesfunktioner skulle korgen inte riskera att bli komplex att hantera. Därför blev det aktuellt att åter inkludera hemleverans inom användandet av korgen. En detaljerad CAD-modell gjordes där designen anpassades efter de kravsom tillverkningstekniken formsprutning ställer. Likaså anpassades designen och materialet efter den mood board som tidigare tagits fram. Materialet valdes också baserat på en mindre LCA, gjord i programmet GRANTA EduPack. Parallellt gjordes hållfasthetsberäkningar för att säkerställa att korgen skulle möta de krav som hade satts gällande last. Resultatet är ett produktförslag som uppfyller kraven på stapel- och vikbarhet. Den är anpassad för både privat bruk och hemleverans.

Public library services in New Zealand are being re-examined in light of the developments in ICT and an increasingly multicultural population. The research question investigated was “Can an internet portal on a public library website be used to meet the information needs of new Chinese Mandarin immigrants to the Auckland region of New Zealand?” In an attempt to effectively answer the research question and sub-questions the researcher conducted a literature review on two aspects relevant to the study: immigration theory and information behaviour (IB). Thirty Chinese Mandarin speaking recent migrants to the Auckland region of New Zealand were interviewed in-depth to determine their information behaviour (IB) and resources used. The findings indicate that respondents were in need of everyday survival information. The findings suggest that a more coordinated approach to information provision, for example through a library web portal, will assist respondents in their search for information relating to their initial settlement. / Information Science / M. Inf.

This thesis is a study of the cultural history of children’s reading. It is argued that it is important to apply a wider historical perspective to the contemporary debate on the rapid changes in children’s and young people’s reading habits, and that existing historical research rarely deals with reading as a practice, but rather with its institutional and textual conditions such as the school, the library system and children’s literature. The thesis thus aims to explore the practice of reading and its relations to historical circumstances.Through a close reading of 30 retrospective interviews conducted in the 1970’s and 80’s, the analysis deals with some of the experienced motives, inter- pretations, materialities and social dimensions of children’s reading practices experienced in the first decades of the 20th century. It offers a discussion of these practices as related to wider historical contexts. Theoretically, the analysis is in- spired by the conceptualizations of a ‘history of reading’ in the works of Roger Chartier, Robert Darnton and Jonathan Rose.It is concluded that even if the informants in principle had access to different models, motives and genres for reading, the practice of reading often had to take on the character of improvisation in contexts where material resources and soci- al sympathies for reading were lacking. Furthermore, in relation to the complex social tensions and dynamics surrounding reading, the practice may also be defined by its degree of legitimacy and/or autonomy in a given context.These results imply that further research and debate is needed on the con- nections between the value attributed to reading in relation to changing concepts of work and “usefulness”, on the collective historical experiences of cultural progression, and on issues of the identity of the modern children’s library. / Akademisk avhandling som med tillstånd av Forsknings- och utbildningsnämnden vid Högskolan i Borås framläggs till offentlig granskning klockan 13.00 fredagen den 16 december 2011 i sal M506, Högskolan i Borås

Améliorer l'interaction entre un utilisateur et un environnement 3D est un défi de recherche primordial pour le développement positif des technologies 3D interactives dans de nombreux domaines de nos sociétés, comme l'éducation. Dans ce document, je présente des interfaces utilisateur 3D que nous avons développées et qui contribuent à cette quête générale. Le premier chapitre se concentre sur l'interaction 3D pour des terminaux mobiles. En particulier, je présente des techniques dédiées à l'interaction à partir de touches, et à partir de gestes sur les écrans tactiles des terminaux mobiles. Puis, je présente deux prototypes à plusieurs degrés de liberté basés sur l'utilisation de flux vidéos. Dans le deuxième chapitre, je me concentre sur l'interaction 3D avec les écrans tactiles en général (tables, écrans interactifs). Je présente Navidget, un exemple de technique d'interaction dédié au controle de la caméra virtuelle à partir de gestes 2D, et je discute des défis de l'interaction 3D sur des écrans multi-points. Finalement, le troisième chapitre de ce document est dédié aux environnements virtuels immersifs, avec une coloration spéciale vers les interfaces musicales. Je présente les nouvelles directions que nous avons explorées pour améliorer l'interaction entre des musiciens, le public, le son, et les environements 3D interactifs. Je conclue en discutant du futur des interfaces utilisateur 3D.

O objetivo geral deste estudo foi de identificar quais são os aspectos do design de interface de uma plataforma gratuita de ensino digital, GeekieLab, dirigida ao ENEM e adotada no Ensino Médio público da cidade de São Paulo. O método de estudo de caso único permitiu explorar aspectos da interface a partir de entrevistas e observações com os usuários, expandindo as informações e discussões teóricas do design. Baseando-se nos padrões extraídos das entrevistas, a pesquisa propôs verificar a percepção do aluno ao utilizar a plataforma. A revisão bibliográfica foi utilizada para definição do recorte da pesquisa e planejada para complementar o embasamento teórico, como também identificar as reflexões dos estudos já realizados sobre os métodos e elementos de design em recursos digitais. Autores como Ramos e Santos (2006) e Norman e Spohrer (1996) foram utilizados para a elaboração de padrões e correlações dos aspectos educacionais. No que diz respeito aos aspectos de design, utilizou-se Garret (2011) e Goodwin (2009) como base para o estudo do design de interface. Para especificidades, como os elementos de interação, utilizou-se a abordagem de Verplank (2007) e Reeves e Nass (1996). Para os elementos de informação, recorreu-se a Pettersson (2013). E para os elementos visuais, foram utilizadas as obras de Lupton e Phillips (2008). Pretende-se, com isso, contribuir para o conhecimento nas áreas de design e educação, além de apontar aspectos relevantes para tornar mais eficiente uma interface com propósito educacional. / The general objective of this study was to identify the Of the interface design of a free digital teaching platform, GeekieLab, addressed to ENEM and adopted in Public High School of Sao Paulo City. The single case study method allowed Explore aspects of the interface from interviews and observations With users, expanding information and theoretical discussions Of the design. Based on the standards drawn from the interviews, the The research proposed to verify the student\'s perception when using the platform. The literature review was used to define the Of the research and planned to complement the theoretical basis, As well as to identify the reflections of the studies already carried out About methods and design elements in digital resources. Authors such as Ramos and Santos (2006) and Norman and Spohrer (1996) Were used for the elaboration of patterns and correlations of Educational aspects. With regard to the design aspects, Garret (2011) and Goodwin (2009) were used as the basis for the study Of the interface design. For specificities, such as the elements Of interaction, we used the approach of Verplank (2007) and Reeves And Nass (1996). For the information elements, it was used Pettersson (2013). And for the visual elements, the Works by Lupton and Phillips (2008). It is intended, therefore, to contribute Knowledge in the areas of design and education, as well as Relevant aspects to make an interface more efficient. For educational purposes.

Orientador: Helen de Castro Silva Casarin / Banca: Sueli Angélica do Amaral / Banca: Paulo Sérgio Teixeira do Prado / Resumo: A pesquisa trata do tema competência informacional, especificamente sobre a busca de informações científicas por pós-graduandos no ensino de pós-graduação nas áreas de Ciências Agronômicas e Ciência Florestal, cujo principal objetivo é verificar o desempenho dos pósgraduandos na busca de informações científicas. Tem como objetivos específicos: a) elaborar um instrumento para avaliar a competência informacional dos participantes na busca de informações científicas; b) verificar se os participantes conhecem e utilizam os operadores booleanos na elaboração de estratégias de busca; c) verificar se os participantes estão familiarizados com a elaboração de estratégias de busca; d) investigar como os participantes costumam utilizar fontes de informação para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas; e) levantar subsídios para os programas de capacitação dos usuários da Biblioteca da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, da UNESP, campus de Botucatu, que auxiliem o desenvolvimento de competências informacionais. Para a coleta de dados foi elaborado um questionário com base em normas de competência informacional para ensino superior desenvolvidas pela Association of College and Research Libraries, da American Library Association, e também em pesquisas internacionais sobre o tema. O questionário foi aplicado via internet aos alunos dos Programas de Pós-graduação em Agronomia e Ciência Florestal da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, UNESP, campus de Botucatu. Os resultados demonstraram que os alunos de modo geral possuem dificuldade no uso dos operadores booleanos, na elaboração das estratégias de busca e na utilização das ferramentas de buscas disponíveis, sejam as bases de dados ou os catálogos eletrônicos. A inclusão de políticas de desenvolvimento das competências informacionais nas aulas e cursos... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The research deals with the issue information literacy, specifically on the search for scientific information for graduate students in education post-graduation in Agricultural Sciences and Forestry Science, whose main objective is to verify the performance of graduate students in search of scientific information. Its specific objectives: a) develop an instrument to assess the information literacy of the participants in the search for scientific information, b) whether the participants know and use Boolean operators in developing search strategies, c) whether the participants are familiar with the development of search strategies, d) investigate how the participants tend to use sources of information for the development of research, e) raise subsidies for training programs for users of the Library of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, UNESP, Botucatu, that assist the development of information competencies. For data collection a questionnaire was elaborated based on information literacy standards for higher education developed by the Association of College and Research Libraries, American Library Association, and also in international research on the subject. The questionnaire was administered via the Internet to students of the Post-graduate degree in Agronomy and Forest Science, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, UNESP, Botucatu. The results showed that students generally have difficulty in the use of Boolean operators, the development of search strategies and the use of search tools available, whether the databases or electronic catalogs. The inclusion of policies on skills in informational classes and courses taught by the Library can improve the performance of students in the use of information resources. / Mestre

Electronic mail, email, is one of the most widespread computer applications today.While email in general is very popular among its users, there are also drawbacks withemail usage: an increasing amount of messages that overwhelm users, systems that aretoo complex for naive users and at the same time do not support the needs of experiencedusers.In order to answer the main research question “Which design solutions couldimprove the situation of individual email users in a working context when it comes tocommunication and handling large numbers of incoming and stored email messages?”three studies conducted in email users’ working environment are described. The studiedorganisations are one academic research laboratory, one technical company, andone primary medical service organisation. The studies are focused on email usage,organisation of email messages, novice versus experienced users’ needs, managers’email usage, and information and communication overflow.The results indicate that the different strategies used to handle email are a matter ofa balance between advantages and disadvantages of these strategies. The choicebetween them is depending on the users’ total work situation and cannot be understoodby investigating the email communication alone.One advantage of email is the cognitive comfort it brings to its users by liberatingthem from thinking about tasks that can be solved by sending an email message, butthis advantage disappears when the sender cannot trust that the receiver will act uponthe message.Users develop their handling of email with experience and work position. Themedia that managers use to handle the increased communication that follows with ahigher position are email and meetings. One habit that do not change with position isto allow incoming messages to interrupt other work tasks, despite the asynchronousnature of email. This is particularly remarkable for managers who often complain thatthey need more uninterrupted time. The interruptions may partly be attributed to thelack of functionality in email systems to adapt the interfaces to the users’ work habits.In this case incoming messages result in a signal regardless the importance of them.Email is a part of an information and communication flow. Some users have problemshandling this flow. Overflow problems could be diminished by making senders ofmessages more aware of the receivers’ communicative situation. Email systems couldprovide feedback to senders of messages based on the receivers’ perception of his/hersituation.One of the studies indicates that it may be even more complicated to replace an oldemail system than introducing an email system for the first time in an organisation.The investment experienced users have made in the old system may be substantial.A model of time usage for organisation of email messages is also presented in orderto compare different strategies.Several design solutions are suggested with respect to folder usage, sorting emailmessages into folders, reducing the number of stored messages, and tailoring the emailsystem to the user’s work habits. / QC 20100524

Los estudios de necesidades de información aportan una metodología con lo cual investigar, de manera sistemática, las características de los usuarios con relación a la información que necesitan para el desarrollo de su trabajo. Igualmente proporcionan criterios objetivos para tomar decisiones a la hora de planificar nuevos sistemas de información o adecuar los ya existentes. Esta tesis ha profundizado en los estudios de necesidades de información en el entorno hospitalario desde dos puntos de vista. Por una parte, se ha establecido un marco teórico de referencia que guíe las investigaciones en este campo. Para ello se ha buscado exhaustivamente la información publicada sobre la materia aportando el procedimiento que se ha empleado. De los trabajos recuperados, se ha realizado el análisis tanto del modo de producción y consumo como de su contenido. En segundo lugar, se ha realizado el estudio de las necesidades de información de los médicos del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia utilizando como método de recogida de información la Técnica del Incidente Crítico. / Information needs studies provide a methodology to investigate, systematically, the characteristics of users in relation to the information they need to develop their work. Also it provides criteria for making decisions when planning new information systems or adapting the existing ones. This thesis focuses on information needs studies in hospital setting and has developed two complementary strategies. First, it has established a theoretical framework to guide research in this field. This has been an exhaustively searched of published information on the matter by providing the procedure to be used. Of retrieved papers, it has conducted the analysis of both production and contents. Secondly, a study has been made of the doctorâ s information needs in the Hospital Clinico Universitario in Valencia and the critical incident methodology has been used for data collection.

A survey was conducted of 969 science researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This long survey concluded with three questions requesting usersâ perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the campus libraries, and what single improvement the libraries could make to support scientific research and education. While the scope of these questions was more limited than large-scale surveys such as LibQUAL+TM, the results largely confirmed information from a local implementation of that survey. In addition, an interactive visualization tool was developed to help with analysis of the resulting comments. A summary of the major findings, recommendations for library improvements, and overall conclusions is given.