Mass Customisation (MC) toolkits are powerful user interfaces that enable customers to engage in the design of their own products. This research follows design research methodology (integrated with design process) to research the user perspective on AM-enabled MC toolkits. This research proposes and validates a design framework to guide designers and software developers in designing a user-centred AM-enabled MC toolkits, enabled using digital fabrication technologies such as Additive Manufacturing (AM). This framework includes pre-implementation assessment, and implementation stages. An initial literature review revealed a lack of standard or universal norms for these user interfaces, and a lack of consistency in their design, in which web objects such as logo, product image, prices, etc. are not shared commonly among toolkits, nor occupy a frequent position. Furthermore, an optimum number of degree of freedom for MC toolkits is lacking from current design knowledge. This research focuses on AM-enabled Mass Customisation toolkits as a means to enable customers design; its concentration is on users. A first quantitative study was conducted to compare and rank of a collection of features. More detailed user requirements regarding the content and layout of MC toolkits were revealed in a workshop. As a part of the second study, four different CAD systems (software programs and 3D-enabling libraries) were used to create MC toolkits. This provided an understanding of the pros and cons of each system, and demonstrated Three.js to be the best system amongst each one s feasibility and application. Based on previous findings, and as a part of the UX-design process, a prototype web-based MC toolkit was constructed, utilising the Three.js library. The prototype was used for a second study as a platform to investigate, the user interaction and usability of the toolkit, to validate the toolkit design as well as provide insights for its improvement. Findings and reflections from all the studies were then visualised and communicated in an interactive design framework. A final study, conducted with professional users (N=4) assessed the usability and technicality of the framework tool and led to a number of suggested improvements. The main contributions to knowledge are: 1- a table was produced to compare the features of four different system, by which Three.js was identified as the most suitable among them 2- most important and expected features for the content were obtained from the user rankings, most frequent location of features for the layout was identified based on the users, and user insights were reflected based on the evaluation of the prototype 3- the UI needs to be flexible in term of degrees of freedom, in another words, each customer (novice or professional) is able to adjust the number of options presented. 4- a framework was proposed through reviewing and adapting existing guidelines and findings from this research.

This thesis explores the research gaps identified from a systematic literature review on the topic of mass personalisation, an emerging field of the enquiry. This research examines the strategic considerations Companies make when pursuing mass personalisation, using a case study methodology and semi structured interviews. This thesis contributes to the theoretical boundary of mass customisation (MC) and mass personalisation (MPer) positioning the contingent supply chain components from Cooper et al. (1997) and Lampel et al. (1996) in a synthesised framework. This research also contributes a taxonomy of the literature and a conceptual model. Practical contributions include the understanding of strategic supply chain management and mass personalisation, through an empirical case study of four organisation. Large corporations with infrastructure that already support MC do indeed make different strategic considerations relating to the technical competency of the workforce, product architecture, and acquisition of advanced manufacturing technology when their stated aim is personalisation. The research finds that the pursuit of personalisation is markedly different from the individualisation promised by mass customisation. Large organisations that are seeking to personalise products from a mass customisation background, retain the economies of scale associated with MC. These Companies leverage their infrastructure for personalised products, however, this does not have to be the case, and in fact, the organisation's size before pursuing MPer and their product complexity are critical factors for the organisation's reliance on MC economies of scale. Typically these companies are the first foray into MPer and are considered risky ventures. The research concluded that mass personalisation, distinct from the individualisation found in MC literature, is in its infancy and as such may look very different in the near-future. The conclusions of this thesis support the possibility for further empirical validation of the role organisation size and current product variety play in the type of MPer pursued.

Three underlining themes govern this dissertation They are as follows: -Change as a constant, indefinable factor within South Africa’s emergent public -Architectural informants as linear, process-driven vectors, and the relevance of potential alternative approaches. -Articulation of space, and the role of signification in architectural form. This project aims to address these themes through applying mapping techniques derived from the social sciences, and, more specifically, anthropology viewed from a classical-philosophy vantage point, to find new explorative ways of truly understanding the context in question. This, in turn, will allow one to respond accordingly and in a manner representative of this new paradigm. The cumulative product aims to create a new, viable architectural intervention that applies relevant theoretical premises in a such a manner that the physical structure can be studied as precedent for approaching future public architectural interventions within the South African context. / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2014. / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

Nas ultimas décadas, houve um aumento na diversidade do perfil dos moradores bem como nos seus requisito específicos em decorrência de mudanças no estilo de vida contemporâneo. Tais mudanças vem tornando a provisão tradicional de habitações padronizadas inadequadas e demandam o desenvolvimento de estratégias de customização capazes de responder aos requisitos específicos dos moradores. Neste contexto, a abordagem da customização em massa (CM) e conceitos relacionados pode potencialmente aumento o valor do produto habitacional através do atendimento dos requisitos específicos do moradores. Apesar disto, a literatura é ainda limitada em termos de estudos que auxiliem organizações a desenvolver estratégias de customização, especialmente no setor habitacional. Visando responder este problema de pesquisa, esta investigação adota a abordagem da design science. Esta abordagem tem por objetivo desenvolver soluções (artefatos, modelos, software, entre outros) que resolvam problemas práticos e ao mesmo tempo tenham potencial para uma contribuição teórica. A solução desenvolvida nesta pesquisa é um modelo conceitual com categorias de decisão para definição de estratégias de customização no contexto habitacional. O modelo contém dez categorias de decisão, que definem o escopo de uma estratégia de customização e abordam aspectos relacionados a interface com o cliente, design do produto, e operações. Outros resultados da pesquisa, além deste modelo, incluem implementações (operacionalizações que demonstram que a solução funciona), avaliação da utilidade da solução, e avaliação da contribuição teórica da solução. O processo de pesquisa envolveu etapas chave da design science: encontrar um problema prático e com potencial para contribuição teórica, obter um entendimento deste problema, desenvolver uma solução, testar a solução, avaliando sua utilidade, e avaliar a contribuição teórica desta solução. Quatro estudos de caso com organizações envolvidas no setor da construção habitacional (no Brasil e no Reino Unido) também foram desenvolvidos. Em termos da contribuição teórica do modelo, algumas categorias (classes de itens, combinações de módulos, unidades de customização, e sequências de configuração) foram desenvolvidas com base em dados empíricos e constituem nova conceitualizações relacionadas a abordagem da CM que podem ser usadas no desenvolvimento de estratégias de customização. Outras categorias (espaço de solução, interface entre módulos, ponto de entrada do pedido, tipos de customização, e abordagens de visualização) baseiam-se em conceitos já disponíveis na literatura. A contribuição destas categorias é adaptar tais conceitos, através da proposição de constructos, visando facilitar a aplicação dos mesmos na definição de estratégias de customização. / There has been an increasing diversity on dwellers profiles and on their requirements in the last few decades, due to major changes in contemporary lifestyles. Such changes are making the traditional provision of standardised houses inadequate, requiring the development of new strategies able to provide customised dwellings. In this context, the application of the mass customisation (MC) approach and related concepts can potentially increase the value of housing through the fulfilling of the specific requirements of dwellers. In spite of that, the literature on the MC approach is limited in providing guidance to organisations in developing customisation strategies, particularly in the house-building sector. In order to address such a problem, a design science approach is adopted in this investigation. Such an approach deals with the construction of solutions (artefact, models, software, among other) for problems with practical relevance and potential for theoretical contribution. The solution devised in this investigation is a conceptual framework to be used by organisations of the house-building sector in defining customisation strategies. The framework entails ten decision categories that define the scope of a customisation strategy and also address some aspects of the clients’ interfaces, product design, and operations areas. Other outputs of this research include (i) instantiations (implementations that demonstrate that the solution works), (ii) evaluation of the solution utility, and (iii) evaluation of the theoretical contribution of the solution. The research process undertaken involved keys steps of the design science approach: find a practical problem with potential for a theoretical contribution, obtain an understanding of such a problem, develop a solution, test the solution and evaluate its utility, and assess the theoretical contribution of the solution. Four case studies with organisations (in Brazil and in the U.K.) of the house-building sector were also carried out and were particularly important in the solution devising and solution testing steps. In terms of theoretical contribution of the solution, some of the categories developed (classes of items, module combinations, customisation units, and configuration sequence) are grounded on empirical data and provide new conceptualisations related to the MC approach and which can be used in defining customisation strategies. Other categories (solution space, modules, module interfaces, order penetration point, types of customisation, and visualisation approaches) rely on existing concepts and underpinnings available on the literature on the MC approach. The main contribution of those categories is to adapt such concepts by proposing operational constructs, enabling such knowledge to be more applicable in devising customisation strategies.

This thesis stems from the future scenario that as additive manufacturing (AM) technologies become cheaper and more readily available, consumers without formal design training will begin to customise, design and manufacture their own products. Much of this activity is likely to infringe on brands' intellectual property. The research explores the feasibility of a situation in which, rather than attempting to prohibit such activity, manufacturers engage with consumers to facilitate it, thus retaining control (albeit reduced) over their brand's image and the quality of products offered. The research begins with a literature review encompassing AM technologies and their adoption by consumers; mass customisation (MC) and the management of variation in product offering; and traditional models of industrial design (ID), including user-centred design and co-design. It finds that conventional definitions of MC and ID are unable to provide for the possibility of consumer intervention in the shape and non-modular configuration of products. Further research was then conducted in the areas of Open Design (including crowdsourcing, open sourcing and 'hardware hacking') as well as bespoke customisation, which were found to be much more accommodating of the scenario proposed. A new term, 'consumer design', is introduced and defined, together with the hypothesis that in future, the role of the industrial designer may be to design 'unfinished' products. An original classification of consumer involvement in ID is presented. Empirical research, undertaken with consumers using an iterative design software package (Genoform), demonstrated a preference for designing within pre-determined boundaries. Action research was conducted to assess consumer-oriented 3D CAD software, and compare its capabilities with that of MC toolkits. A survey of senior designers and brand managers revealed strategies for implementing and managing a brand's product design language, and a guide was created to show the relative importance of designed features. Using these findings, a prototype toolkit was created to demonstrate how a brand might facilitate consumer interaction with the shape design of a complex consumer electronics product (in this case a mobile phone). The toolkit was tested with both consumers and experienced designers to assess its viability. The research finds that it is possible to create a consumer-design toolkit which enables untrained users to change the form of a product, whilst maintaining brand equity and ensuring the product's functionality and manufacturability.

Nas ultimas décadas, houve um aumento na diversidade do perfil dos moradores bem como nos seus requisito específicos em decorrência de mudanças no estilo de vida contemporâneo. Tais mudanças vem tornando a provisão tradicional de habitações padronizadas inadequadas e demandam o desenvolvimento de estratégias de customização capazes de responder aos requisitos específicos dos moradores. Neste contexto, a abordagem da customização em massa (CM) e conceitos relacionados pode potencialmente aumento o valor do produto habitacional através do atendimento dos requisitos específicos do moradores. Apesar disto, a literatura é ainda limitada em termos de estudos que auxiliem organizações a desenvolver estratégias de customização, especialmente no setor habitacional. Visando responder este problema de pesquisa, esta investigação adota a abordagem da design science. Esta abordagem tem por objetivo desenvolver soluções (artefatos, modelos, software, entre outros) que resolvam problemas práticos e ao mesmo tempo tenham potencial para uma contribuição teórica. A solução desenvolvida nesta pesquisa é um modelo conceitual com categorias de decisão para definição de estratégias de customização no contexto habitacional. O modelo contém dez categorias de decisão, que definem o escopo de uma estratégia de customização e abordam aspectos relacionados a interface com o cliente, design do produto, e operações. Outros resultados da pesquisa, além deste modelo, incluem implementações (operacionalizações que demonstram que a solução funciona), avaliação da utilidade da solução, e avaliação da contribuição teórica da solução. O processo de pesquisa envolveu etapas chave da design science: encontrar um problema prático e com potencial para contribuição teórica, obter um entendimento deste problema, desenvolver uma solução, testar a solução, avaliando sua utilidade, e avaliar a contribuição teórica desta solução. Quatro estudos de caso com organizações envolvidas no setor da construção habitacional (no Brasil e no Reino Unido) também foram desenvolvidos. Em termos da contribuição teórica do modelo, algumas categorias (classes de itens, combinações de módulos, unidades de customização, e sequências de configuração) foram desenvolvidas com base em dados empíricos e constituem nova conceitualizações relacionadas a abordagem da CM que podem ser usadas no desenvolvimento de estratégias de customização. Outras categorias (espaço de solução, interface entre módulos, ponto de entrada do pedido, tipos de customização, e abordagens de visualização) baseiam-se em conceitos já disponíveis na literatura. A contribuição destas categorias é adaptar tais conceitos, através da proposição de constructos, visando facilitar a aplicação dos mesmos na definição de estratégias de customização. / There has been an increasing diversity on dwellers profiles and on their requirements in the last few decades, due to major changes in contemporary lifestyles. Such changes are making the traditional provision of standardised houses inadequate, requiring the development of new strategies able to provide customised dwellings. In this context, the application of the mass customisation (MC) approach and related concepts can potentially increase the value of housing through the fulfilling of the specific requirements of dwellers. In spite of that, the literature on the MC approach is limited in providing guidance to organisations in developing customisation strategies, particularly in the house-building sector. In order to address such a problem, a design science approach is adopted in this investigation. Such an approach deals with the construction of solutions (artefact, models, software, among other) for problems with practical relevance and potential for theoretical contribution. The solution devised in this investigation is a conceptual framework to be used by organisations of the house-building sector in defining customisation strategies. The framework entails ten decision categories that define the scope of a customisation strategy and also address some aspects of the clients’ interfaces, product design, and operations areas. Other outputs of this research include (i) instantiations (implementations that demonstrate that the solution works), (ii) evaluation of the solution utility, and (iii) evaluation of the theoretical contribution of the solution. The research process undertaken involved keys steps of the design science approach: find a practical problem with potential for a theoretical contribution, obtain an understanding of such a problem, develop a solution, test the solution and evaluate its utility, and assess the theoretical contribution of the solution. Four case studies with organisations (in Brazil and in the U.K.) of the house-building sector were also carried out and were particularly important in the solution devising and solution testing steps. In terms of theoretical contribution of the solution, some of the categories developed (classes of items, module combinations, customisation units, and configuration sequence) are grounded on empirical data and provide new conceptualisations related to the MC approach and which can be used in defining customisation strategies. Other categories (solution space, modules, module interfaces, order penetration point, types of customisation, and visualisation approaches) rely on existing concepts and underpinnings available on the literature on the MC approach. The main contribution of those categories is to adapt such concepts by proposing operational constructs, enabling such knowledge to be more applicable in devising customisation strategies.

Nas ultimas décadas, houve um aumento na diversidade do perfil dos moradores bem como nos seus requisito específicos em decorrência de mudanças no estilo de vida contemporâneo. Tais mudanças vem tornando a provisão tradicional de habitações padronizadas inadequadas e demandam o desenvolvimento de estratégias de customização capazes de responder aos requisitos específicos dos moradores. Neste contexto, a abordagem da customização em massa (CM) e conceitos relacionados pode potencialmente aumento o valor do produto habitacional através do atendimento dos requisitos específicos do moradores. Apesar disto, a literatura é ainda limitada em termos de estudos que auxiliem organizações a desenvolver estratégias de customização, especialmente no setor habitacional. Visando responder este problema de pesquisa, esta investigação adota a abordagem da design science. Esta abordagem tem por objetivo desenvolver soluções (artefatos, modelos, software, entre outros) que resolvam problemas práticos e ao mesmo tempo tenham potencial para uma contribuição teórica. A solução desenvolvida nesta pesquisa é um modelo conceitual com categorias de decisão para definição de estratégias de customização no contexto habitacional. O modelo contém dez categorias de decisão, que definem o escopo de uma estratégia de customização e abordam aspectos relacionados a interface com o cliente, design do produto, e operações. Outros resultados da pesquisa, além deste modelo, incluem implementações (operacionalizações que demonstram que a solução funciona), avaliação da utilidade da solução, e avaliação da contribuição teórica da solução. O processo de pesquisa envolveu etapas chave da design science: encontrar um problema prático e com potencial para contribuição teórica, obter um entendimento deste problema, desenvolver uma solução, testar a solução, avaliando sua utilidade, e avaliar a contribuição teórica desta solução. Quatro estudos de caso com organizações envolvidas no setor da construção habitacional (no Brasil e no Reino Unido) também foram desenvolvidos. Em termos da contribuição teórica do modelo, algumas categorias (classes de itens, combinações de módulos, unidades de customização, e sequências de configuração) foram desenvolvidas com base em dados empíricos e constituem nova conceitualizações relacionadas a abordagem da CM que podem ser usadas no desenvolvimento de estratégias de customização. Outras categorias (espaço de solução, interface entre módulos, ponto de entrada do pedido, tipos de customização, e abordagens de visualização) baseiam-se em conceitos já disponíveis na literatura. A contribuição destas categorias é adaptar tais conceitos, através da proposição de constructos, visando facilitar a aplicação dos mesmos na definição de estratégias de customização. / There has been an increasing diversity on dwellers profiles and on their requirements in the last few decades, due to major changes in contemporary lifestyles. Such changes are making the traditional provision of standardised houses inadequate, requiring the development of new strategies able to provide customised dwellings. In this context, the application of the mass customisation (MC) approach and related concepts can potentially increase the value of housing through the fulfilling of the specific requirements of dwellers. In spite of that, the literature on the MC approach is limited in providing guidance to organisations in developing customisation strategies, particularly in the house-building sector. In order to address such a problem, a design science approach is adopted in this investigation. Such an approach deals with the construction of solutions (artefact, models, software, among other) for problems with practical relevance and potential for theoretical contribution. The solution devised in this investigation is a conceptual framework to be used by organisations of the house-building sector in defining customisation strategies. The framework entails ten decision categories that define the scope of a customisation strategy and also address some aspects of the clients’ interfaces, product design, and operations areas. Other outputs of this research include (i) instantiations (implementations that demonstrate that the solution works), (ii) evaluation of the solution utility, and (iii) evaluation of the theoretical contribution of the solution. The research process undertaken involved keys steps of the design science approach: find a practical problem with potential for a theoretical contribution, obtain an understanding of such a problem, develop a solution, test the solution and evaluate its utility, and assess the theoretical contribution of the solution. Four case studies with organisations (in Brazil and in the U.K.) of the house-building sector were also carried out and were particularly important in the solution devising and solution testing steps. In terms of theoretical contribution of the solution, some of the categories developed (classes of items, module combinations, customisation units, and configuration sequence) are grounded on empirical data and provide new conceptualisations related to the MC approach and which can be used in defining customisation strategies. Other categories (solution space, modules, module interfaces, order penetration point, types of customisation, and visualisation approaches) rely on existing concepts and underpinnings available on the literature on the MC approach. The main contribution of those categories is to adapt such concepts by proposing operational constructs, enabling such knowledge to be more applicable in devising customisation strategies.

As a result of a growing demand of fast produced fashion and new trends, it seems as if the consumers' needs are changing continuously. Furthermore, the product development of clothes often take place on expected demand and desires, several months in advance and not on request. The fashion industry faces further issues, for instance the difficulty of producing items with perfect fit and how to optimise inventory. Customisation, and more specifcally mass customisation could be a solution to these issues. It would be a way for companies to offer customised products for the individual consumer, but with a price similar to that of massproduction. Earlier research have claimed that digital technologies can be implemented by companies in combination with mass customisation to make their business more effective. How companies work with acitivites and resources to optimise the business process in-house is called operations management and can be crucial for the survival of a company. The aim of this essay is to understand how companies in the fashion industry can work with customisation and mass customisation with the support of digital technologies in order to be competative. Through working with this concept companies may meet the consumers' need and desires. We have, in the theoretical framework, used a model founded in the five dimensions: quality, speed, dependability, flexibility and cost. With these in mind we have studied three companies working with customisation. By doing that we have come to results showing that the concept of mass mustomisation affects all dimensions, but mostly quality. The concept can be used by companies to offer consumers what they demand when they demand it and thus create competitiveness. / Till följd av en växande efterfrågan på snabbt producerat mode och nya trender, verkar konsumenters behov i ständigt förändring. Vidare sker produktutveckling av kläder ofta på prognotiserade behov och önskemål, flera månader i förväg och inte på aktuell efterfrågan. Modebranschen besitter ytterligare problem, som bland annat berör svårigheter att ta fram plagg med en bra passform, samt att optimera lagerhållning. För att frånkomma dessa problemen kan kundanpassning och mer specifikt - konceptet mass customisation ses som en lösning. Det blir ett sätt för företag att erbjuda kundanpassade produkter för den individuella konsumenten, men med ett pris liknande massproduktion. Tidigare forskning har lyft fram digitala teknologier som kan implementeras av företag i kombination med mass customasition, för effektiviserade aktiviteter i verksamheten. Hur företag vidare arbetar med aktiviteter och resurser internt för att optimera affärsprocessen kan benämnas som operations management och kan vara avgörande för ett företags överlevnad. Denna uppsats syftar till att förstå hur modeföretag kan arbeta med kundanpassning och mass customisation, med stöd av digitala teknologier, för att skapa konkurrenskraftighet. Genom att arbeta med detta koncept kan företag i större utsträckning tillmötesgå konsumenters behov och önskemål. Vi har i den teoretiska referensramen utgått från en modell som grundar sig i de fem dimensionerna: kvalitet, hastighet, pålitlighet, flexibilitet och kostnader. Utifrån dessa har vi studerat tre fallföretag som arbetar med kundanpassning på något sätt. Således har vi fått fram ett resultat som pekar på att konceptet mass customisation påverkar samtliga dimensioner, men att det främst karaktäriseras av dimensionen kvalitet. Konceptet kan användas av företag för att erbjuda konsumenter vad de efterfrågar när de efterfrågar det och på så sätt skapa konkurrenskraft.

nternational market entry strategies gained increasing importance due to globalisation. Companies became multinationals. Therefore, new challenges arose due to different market and customer requirements. One topic, which gained importance in B2B context, is customer value. Customer value can be defined as the perceived benefits a company delivers its customers in comparison to the perceived expenses. Nevertheless, no uniform definition exist. In addition to that, if there is a direct connection between B2B customer value and international market entry strategies have not been investigated yet. Therefore, this thesisprojectdeals with the influence of B2B customer value on international market entry strategies. To determine the link, following research question guides this thesis: How does B2B customer value influence international market entry strategies in Northern Europe?The research isnot only focused on Northern Europe but also on the data centre segment. The investigated countries are Norway, Ireland, UK and Finland. These countries are highly interesting for the commission partnerdue to market developments and mega trends. Furthermore, the commission partneris represented by local subsidiaries in the four countries of interest. In order to answer the research question, deep insights are generated via semi-structured interviews. Three customer groups are investigated: Data centre operator as well as owner, constructors including panel builder and system integrators as well as design consultants. The interviews are conducted either face-to-face or if necessary via telephone in the four countries of interest. The interviews include questions about B2B relationships, brand and marketing.If culture influences B2B customer value is investigated indirectly bythe questions on B2B relationship.Market intelligence questions are added in order to create a deeper understanding of the market.Furthermore, these insights also help to interpret the answers of customers. Due to the interviews, a picture of the B2B customer value in Northern Europe is created. Northern European customers value reliable suppliers who can offer quality products as well as solutions. In addition to that, the importance of global brands andmarketing of competences is determined. Due to combining the findings with the cultural dimensions of Hofstede, it is concluded that customer value differs between other countries.Hence, customer value influences international market strategies, as different customer value require distinct international market entry strategies.

Abstract Historically, design has been associated with unique, handmade products and utilities; however, the advent of the Industrial Revolution introduced the system of mass-production, which generated a recurrent and ambivalent problem: the lack of customized products. Generative Design redresses this issue. This new design method is based on a system of rules, which produce a design that maintains individuality and character. Generative Design takes one away from natural elements and the distinct personalities of designs and products. Forming a design out of certain algorithms and sets of rules constricts it to artificiality and separates it from the natural. Hence, Generative Design has mostly developed without paying close attention to natural processes and human interaction. Based on the research, an attempt has been made to bridge the gap between the artificial and the natural, instituting a dialogue between the two. This study has brought together the two concepts of Generative Design and mass production to produce a series of designs which can be mass-produced yet remain unique because of their connection to the natural world.