Duolingo is a popular mobile language-learning application that has been around the market since 2012 and has been researched in its language-learning abilities. It is crucial for mobile language learning applications to keep their users interested, nevertheless, as users easily lose interest in continuing their language study. This thesis looks at how Duolingo's gamified system design implements persuasive principles to increase user engagement. The thesis aims to advance the knowledge of user engagement in language learning apps and help create useful mobile language learning applications. To achieve the goal, it was necessary to determine which persuasive principles were being applied by Duolingo's gamified system design. This was done using the Persuasive System Design (PSD) model by Oinas Kukkonen and Harjumaa (2009). The research consisted of qualitative semi-structured interviews with 8 young adults living in Sweden. The aim of the interviews was to find detailed, deep, empirical data and compare it to a theoretical framework using thematic analysis. The results of these interviews showed that Duolingo's gamified system design effectively applies persuasive principles to engage and encourage language learners. However, it was discovered that several persuasive principles needed to be improved in order to further enhance user involvement. This study adds to the understanding of persuasion by demonstrating how these principles can be applied to other mobile language learning applications to increase user engagement.

How can we use more of the materials and products that have already been produced? At the second hand shopping mall ReTuna in Eskilstuna, where circular flows are a reality, there are still many products going to waste. This master thesis project explores the possibilities of upcycle and repurpose driven design, and by that adding new value to existing products. The process of doing that is the basis of this report.  ReTuna Återbruksgalleria is a place where people can leave products they do not want or need anymore.Everyday hundreds of products are left for reuse at ReTuna, which is connected to the overconsumptionthat results in copious amounts of second hand products. Much more than can be taken care of in today’s system. The resources put into every product needs to be valued accordingly to what they truly cost and emit.  This master’s thesis project explores how to design within the planetary boundaries by taking care and responsibility for what already is produced. The first phase of the project consists of observations and interviews to get an understanding of how ReTuna works. The framing of the project was decided after the research phase, which resulted in focus on one specific product, dining chairs. The next part of the project involves upcycling workshops, building of prototypes and an exhibition, all with a focus on increasing the value for second hand chairsand giving the material new areas of use. The last part of the project presents a design result, with an approach for involving more repurpose driven design and upcycling within design and product development.

No description available.

Karlstad står inför sin största stadsomvandling i modern tid. Fler bostäder, utökad och förbättrad stadskärna, förnyad infrastruktur för både tåg-, buss-, bil-, gång- och cykelresenärer är delar av kommunens vision inför 2030. Handelsindex tyder på fortsatt goda förutsättningar till konsumtion. En efterlängtad satsning på ett nytt handelskvarter mitt i centrala Karlstad får äntligen startbesked och en ny modern handelsplats med inslag av kulturhistoriskt intressanta lokaler tar vid. En saluhall tillkommer, något man trodde var efterlängtat och därmed skulle locka besökare. Men utfallet visade sig bli annorlunda. Med höga förväntningar invigdes år 2016 den sista etappen av handelskvarteret Valvet. Kort efter öppning har förhoppningarna om Valvets nysatsning för centrumutvecklingen i staden raserats, den respons man förväntade och det kundflödet man räknade med uppstod aldrig. År 2017 tar man beslutet att avveckla handelsverksamheten för att istället satsa på restaurangverksamhet och nöjen i lokalerna. Syftet med arbetet är att studera källorna till varför etableringen av Handelskvarteret Valvet inte lyckades leva kvar. Michael Porters konkurrensstrategi, femkraftsmodellen, samt Porters generiska basstrategier utgör det teoretiska ramverket och för att berika den kvalitativa studien har intervjuer gjorts med personer i direkt anknytning till projektet om Valvet. Annan datainsamling har skett via dokument från Karlstad kommun och också publicerade artiklar i värmländska tidskrifter. Resultatet visar att på att det finns flera orsaker till att etableringen inte lyckades i den utsträckning man först önskade. Klimatet har förändrats i centrum i takt med ökad e-handel och externhandel, konkurrensen har således ökat. Samtidigt har ett bristfälligt kundunderlag skapat en övertro på en av huvudaktörerna, kundflödet blev bristfälligt och påverkade hela handelskvarteret negativt. Värdeskapande faktorer har varit svaga, däribland utformning, synergieffekter och hyresgästmixen. Antydan till en förskjutning i centrum, från konsumtion till upplevelser, har möjligen också haft en inverkan vid etableringen. / Karlstad faces its greatest urban transformation in modern times. More housing, expanded and improved city centers, renewed infrastructure for train, buses, cars, pedestrians and cyclists are all part of the municipality's vision by 2030. The trade index indicates continued favorable conditions for consumption. An anticipated investment in a new commercial district in the center of Karlstad is finally launched, and a new modern shopping center with elements of historical- and cultural interesting areas is taking place. A market hall is added, something that was thought to be wished-for and would attract visitors. But the outcome turned out to be different. With high expectations in 2016, the final stage of the shopping center Valvet was opened. Soon after opening, the hopes for Valvet's new initiative for city center development were gone. The response expected and the anticipated customer flow never occurred. In 2017, the decision is taken to discontinue the shopping center, to instead change the concept into restaurants and a giant event park. The purpose of this work is to study the sources of why the establishment of Valvet shopping center failed. Michael Porter's competitive strategy, the five forces analysis model, constitutes the theoretical framework. In order to enrich the qualitative study, interviews have been made with people directly related to the project Valvet. Other data collection has been carried out via documents from the municipality but also published articles in Värmländska newspapers. The result shows that there are several reasons why the establishment failed to the extent that was first desired. The climate has changed in the city center in line with increased e-commerce and external trade, competition has thus increased. At the same time, a deficient customer base has created a superstition about one of the main players, the customer flow became deficient and had a negative effect on the entire trading district. Value-creating factors have been weak, including design, synergy effects and the tenant mix. The hint of a shift in the center, from consumption to experiences, may also have had an impact on the establishment.

The work involves an architectural design for a facility located on The Mall in Washington, District of Columbia. The Museum of American Immigrants is a proposed facility for housing the exhibits regarding immigration sequences and their development that make up the United States of America. The ethnographic nature of the work, its artifacts, their collection, exhibition, preservation, and mutations is seen as a means to nurture our better understanding of the on-going struggle with the experiment called America. With reference to current theories of museum architecture, examples of other similar museum buildings, site constraints, and programming, the work strives towards the integration of architecture and purpose. The building is expected to provide layers of experience in both spatial and ethnic terms. The precise geometry defines the spaces and voids, while the way the exhibits are organized defines the building as a framework of displays. The design method used in developing the building called The Museum of American Immigrants has involved a personal understanding in working with the contemporary design Vocabulary and programmatic concerns to create a learning environment for the Visitors while making every effort to achieve contextual balance and harmony required by the surroundings. / Master of Architecture

Effective management and operation of modern networks heavily rely on efficient network configuration management and infrastructure. Manual configuration management has been proven inefficient, and there is a need to automatize it. Such automatization can be done using YANG, which provides a standardized data modeling language that works across various network devices, offering a vital tool for network management. However, ensuring the performance and dependability of YANG modules requires effective testing. Manually creating configuration files for YANG modules is time-consuming, prompting the need for automated solutions. In this thesis, a prototype was developed to address this challenge by utilizing directed graphs and topological sorting techniques to generate configuration files for YANG modules. The development and evaluation of the prototype demonstrate its efficient time utilization, while acknowledging its limitations in handling complex YANG modules. The findings suggest that incorporating directed graphs and topological sorting in future YANG module testing tools holds promise as an effective approach. / Effektiv hantering och drift av moderna nätverk är starkt beroende av effektiv nätverkskonfigurationshantering och infrastruktur. Manuell konfigurations hantering har visat sig vara ineffektiv, och det finns ett behov av att automatisera den. Sådan automatisering kan göras med hjälp av YANG, som tillhandahåller ett standardiserat datamodelleringsspråk som fungerar på olika nätverksenheter och erbjuder ett viktigt verktyg för nätverkshantering. Dock krävs effektiv testning för att säkerställa prestanda och tillförlitlighet hos YANG-moduler. Manuell skapande av konfigurationsfiler för YANG-moduler är tidskrävande, vilket motiverar behovet av automatiserade lösningar. I denna avhandling utvecklades en prototyp för att möta denna utmaning genom att använda riktade grafer och topologisk sortering för att generera konfigurationsfiler för YANG-moduler. Utvecklingen och utvärderingen av prototypen visar på dess effektiva tidsanvändning samtidigt som dess begränsningar vid hantering av komplexa YANG-moduler erkänns. Resultaten antyder att inkludering av riktade grafer och topologisk sortering i framtida verktyg för testning av YANG-moduler kan vara en effektiv metod.

The introduction of the private vehicle in urban communities (towns and cities) resulted in numerous urban problems experienced in the developed and developing world. These include, inter alia, economic inefficiency due to traffic congestion; a high mortality rate relevant to vehicle users and non-vehicle users; air & noise pollution and overall poor quality of life for residents. As part of the literature review, it was found that the level of urban problems experienced will intensify and worsen, if sustainable transportation systems were not introduced in urban areas. These predictions were made based on the following three factors: * The increase of the world population – It was predicated that the world population will increase by 2.3 people billion between 2011 and 2050. The total world population is therefore expected to be 9.3 billion in 2050. * The urbanisation rate experienced – It was predicated that the entire world population growth, along with an additional 300 million people, will be absorbed by urban areas between 2011 and 2050. Urban communities will therefore accommodate 6.2 billion people, or 67% of the world population, in 2050. * The level and growth in private vehicle ownership – The developed world consists of a high level of vehicles per 1 000 residents (655 in 2010), but experienced a decline in growth of 0,8% between 2005 and 2010. Contrary to the developed world, the developing world had a low level of vehicle ownership per 1 000 residents (128 in 2010), but experienced an increase of 21.9% between 2005 and 2010. Apart from the above data, the literature review introduced planning theories and international as well as national policies. The three planning theories that were researched each revealed ten principles of sustainable alternative transportation measures for an unsustainable private vehicle orientated urban area. These sustainable measures were used to introduce the option of a sustainable non-motorised transportation system to the demarcated study area. The three planning theories researched were: * The Smart growth theory * New urbanism, and * Pedestrian mall developments. International and national policies were scrutinised to obtain a point-of-view on how different countries, cities, spheres of government and type of documentation addressed non-motorised transportation developments. The examination of the policies also provided insight on how South African spheres of government were addressing non-motorised transportation in South African urban communities, if at all. The international policies include the “Share the road” document compiled by the United Nations in 2010; Mount Rainier Town Centre Urban Renewal Plan (2005) (USA) and Ottawa’s Transport Master Plan (2008) (Canada). The South African policies included the National Non-motorised Transportation Policy (2008); National Transport Master Plan (2011); Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (2012) and //Khara Hais Spatial Development Framework (2012) (local municipality). Following the literature review, is an empirical study consisting of 2 sections. Firstly, a pilot study, which consists of international and local examples, was researched. These examples were identified as they consist of vehicle-free areas within the central business district. The success of the vehicle-free developments was measured and the information utilised to guide recommendations for the demarcated study area within the town of Upington (case study). Pilot study examples include Copenhagen, Denmark; Ghent, Belgium; Santa Monica, USA and Cape Town, South Africa. Secondly, a case study was analysed. A study area within the South African town of Upington, Northern Cape Province was demarcated. The status quo of relevant aspects, including but not limited to; the climate, coverage, parking, road hierarchy and transport modes were obtained and analysed. This analysis was conducted in order to establish a) if the study area experienced urban transport related problems and b) if the implementation of a non-motorised transport system will be more sustainable for the general public of Upington, as opposed to the current private-vehicle dependable system. Inputs from Town Planners were also obtained in order to obtain a multi-dimensional point-of-view. In the conclusion of the researched study it was found that a) the planning theories have been successfully implemented in the examples of the pilot studies and therefore these principles could apply to the demarcated study area in Upington. b) International policies addressed non-motorisation developments more comprehensively than the South African policies. Shortages especially existed at the provincial and local spheres of government where implementation should take place. c) Through the analysis of the case study it become evident that the demarcated study area within Upington was burdened by private vehicle orientated transport problems. However, the analysis also indicated that the study area has the potential to make a successful transition from being dependable on unsustainable private vehicles to sustainable non-motorised transportation. Finally, tailor-made recommendations (based on information derived from planning theories, policies, pilot study and case study) were made for the study area situated within Upington. These recommendations include the phased development of a pedestrian-only area, the development of parking garages (outside the pedestrian area), which are linked to the pedestrian-only area and the development of a public transportation system by means of busses. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The introduction of the private vehicle in urban communities (towns and cities) resulted in numerous urban problems experienced in the developed and developing world. These include, inter alia, economic inefficiency due to traffic congestion; a high mortality rate relevant to vehicle users and non-vehicle users; air & noise pollution and overall poor quality of life for residents. As part of the literature review, it was found that the level of urban problems experienced will intensify and worsen, if sustainable transportation systems were not introduced in urban areas. These predictions were made based on the following three factors: * The increase of the world population – It was predicated that the world population will increase by 2.3 people billion between 2011 and 2050. The total world population is therefore expected to be 9.3 billion in 2050. * The urbanisation rate experienced – It was predicated that the entire world population growth, along with an additional 300 million people, will be absorbed by urban areas between 2011 and 2050. Urban communities will therefore accommodate 6.2 billion people, or 67% of the world population, in 2050. * The level and growth in private vehicle ownership – The developed world consists of a high level of vehicles per 1 000 residents (655 in 2010), but experienced a decline in growth of 0,8% between 2005 and 2010. Contrary to the developed world, the developing world had a low level of vehicle ownership per 1 000 residents (128 in 2010), but experienced an increase of 21.9% between 2005 and 2010. Apart from the above data, the literature review introduced planning theories and international as well as national policies. The three planning theories that were researched each revealed ten principles of sustainable alternative transportation measures for an unsustainable private vehicle orientated urban area. These sustainable measures were used to introduce the option of a sustainable non-motorised transportation system to the demarcated study area. The three planning theories researched were: * The Smart growth theory * New urbanism, and * Pedestrian mall developments. International and national policies were scrutinised to obtain a point-of-view on how different countries, cities, spheres of government and type of documentation addressed non-motorised transportation developments. The examination of the policies also provided insight on how South African spheres of government were addressing non-motorised transportation in South African urban communities, if at all. The international policies include the “Share the road” document compiled by the United Nations in 2010; Mount Rainier Town Centre Urban Renewal Plan (2005) (USA) and Ottawa’s Transport Master Plan (2008) (Canada). The South African policies included the National Non-motorised Transportation Policy (2008); National Transport Master Plan (2011); Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (2012) and //Khara Hais Spatial Development Framework (2012) (local municipality). Following the literature review, is an empirical study consisting of 2 sections. Firstly, a pilot study, which consists of international and local examples, was researched. These examples were identified as they consist of vehicle-free areas within the central business district. The success of the vehicle-free developments was measured and the information utilised to guide recommendations for the demarcated study area within the town of Upington (case study). Pilot study examples include Copenhagen, Denmark; Ghent, Belgium; Santa Monica, USA and Cape Town, South Africa. Secondly, a case study was analysed. A study area within the South African town of Upington, Northern Cape Province was demarcated. The status quo of relevant aspects, including but not limited to; the climate, coverage, parking, road hierarchy and transport modes were obtained and analysed. This analysis was conducted in order to establish a) if the study area experienced urban transport related problems and b) if the implementation of a non-motorised transport system will be more sustainable for the general public of Upington, as opposed to the current private-vehicle dependable system. Inputs from Town Planners were also obtained in order to obtain a multi-dimensional point-of-view. In the conclusion of the researched study it was found that a) the planning theories have been successfully implemented in the examples of the pilot studies and therefore these principles could apply to the demarcated study area in Upington. b) International policies addressed non-motorisation developments more comprehensively than the South African policies. Shortages especially existed at the provincial and local spheres of government where implementation should take place. c) Through the analysis of the case study it become evident that the demarcated study area within Upington was burdened by private vehicle orientated transport problems. However, the analysis also indicated that the study area has the potential to make a successful transition from being dependable on unsustainable private vehicles to sustainable non-motorised transportation. Finally, tailor-made recommendations (based on information derived from planning theories, policies, pilot study and case study) were made for the study area situated within Upington. These recommendations include the phased development of a pedestrian-only area, the development of parking garages (outside the pedestrian area), which are linked to the pedestrian-only area and the development of a public transportation system by means of busses. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The general body of academic knowledge on the commercial development of smaller towns is in its infancy. Yet its inherent potential is well perceived from a development and market perspective. Shopping centre development could have an important function in getting products and services to the marketplace in an economical way. Furthermore, it could have a very significant socio-economic impact in the central business district (CBD). Although such a shopping centre will surely create new businesses, employment and production opportunities for local businesses it is of importance to first determine the financial viability and impact of the new development on existing businesses. Developers and researchers often approach the subject of shopping centre development from different perspectives. The research output is often of limited impact as the critical link between demographical analysis and financial viability is not made. Researchers are usually excluded from the physical establishment, rental structures, tenant mix, design, cost of construction, return on investment, funding and future management of the proposed new shopping centre project. Linking demographic assessment and financial viability is a critical output of this study. Bethlehem and its district are quite unique in a number of ways, especially regarding the presence of a large farming community. Bethlehem provides goods and services to residents of Bethlehem, Clarens, Kestell, Harrismith, Heilbron, Paul Roux, Petrus Steyn, Reitz, Senekal and Warden. The main shopping activity occurs in the CBD of Bethlehem and its surrounding areas. Bethlehem only has one major shopping centre (the Metropolitan Centre) that provides goods and services for the people in the surrounding area. This causes an over concentration in the CBD and too much traffic in an already limited space. There is a high need for Bethlehem to provide a bigger shopping centre for the citizens of the town, as well as the surrounding areas. This study investigates the need for a new shopping centre in Bethlehem and will determine whether a new shopping centre will be viable within the area The empirical study revealed that approximately half of the respondents are not satisfied with the current shopping centres in Bethlehem. A greater amount of respondents felt that the shopping centres do not offer enough parking. The study revealed that, from a consumer point of view, there is definitely a need for a new shopping centre in Bethlehem and that there is a gap of approximately 12 892m² GLA (Gross leasable area). However, this was determined before the opening of the new Dihlabeng Mall. The Dihlabeng Mall occupies 24 142m², therefore an oversupply is already taken place. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The general body of academic knowledge on the commercial development of smaller towns is in its infancy. Yet its inherent potential is well perceived from a development and market perspective. Shopping centre development could have an important function in getting products and services to the marketplace in an economical way. Furthermore, it could have a very significant socio-economic impact in the central business district (CBD). Although such a shopping centre will surely create new businesses, employment and production opportunities for local businesses it is of importance to first determine the financial viability and impact of the new development on existing businesses. Developers and researchers often approach the subject of shopping centre development from different perspectives. The research output is often of limited impact as the critical link between demographical analysis and financial viability is not made. Researchers are usually excluded from the physical establishment, rental structures, tenant mix, design, cost of construction, return on investment, funding and future management of the proposed new shopping centre project. Linking demographic assessment and financial viability is a critical output of this study. Bethlehem and its district are quite unique in a number of ways, especially regarding the presence of a large farming community. Bethlehem provides goods and services to residents of Bethlehem, Clarens, Kestell, Harrismith, Heilbron, Paul Roux, Petrus Steyn, Reitz, Senekal and Warden. The main shopping activity occurs in the CBD of Bethlehem and its surrounding areas. Bethlehem only has one major shopping centre (the Metropolitan Centre) that provides goods and services for the people in the surrounding area. This causes an over concentration in the CBD and too much traffic in an already limited space. There is a high need for Bethlehem to provide a bigger shopping centre for the citizens of the town, as well as the surrounding areas. This study investigates the need for a new shopping centre in Bethlehem and will determine whether a new shopping centre will be viable within the area The empirical study revealed that approximately half of the respondents are not satisfied with the current shopping centres in Bethlehem. A greater amount of respondents felt that the shopping centres do not offer enough parking. The study revealed that, from a consumer point of view, there is definitely a need for a new shopping centre in Bethlehem and that there is a gap of approximately 12 892m² GLA (Gross leasable area). However, this was determined before the opening of the new Dihlabeng Mall. The Dihlabeng Mall occupies 24 142m², therefore an oversupply is already taken place. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013