1,720,953 research outputs found
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Get PDFThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Design for the unaware concerns: Support healthy grieving in working context by building connections between the bereaved and their colleagues
No full textSupport people, especially support the bereaved people, is a challenging task. People’s attitudes towards death vary because many factors can influence it, such as gender, age, educational background, cultural and religious factors. The personality of the attitudes towards death stops people from supporting the bereaved actively because they are aware that their unprofessional actions may cause secondary injury and offend. Similarly, it makes it difficult for the bereaved to express their needs because of the sensitivity of the death.In most situations, due to the concerns listed above, supporting the bereaved to cope healthily is considered as a task that should be better conducted by formal support, such as support provided by psychologists and social workers. However, it is proved that informal social support is also necessary for healthy grieving.This project explores the opportunity of promoting informal social support in the working context. In detail, it focuses on supporting the bereaved to have a healthy grieving by facilitating the support provided by their colleagues. Based on the “Network of care” theory, this project defines all stakeholders in three groups: The bereaved, the colleagues, and the facilitator. This project explores the barriers that stop the colleagues from supporting the bereaved and studies the possibility for the facilitator to facilitate a support strategy. Choosing IDE faculty as the project context, this project ends up with a feasible service supported ritual that can reduce the unaware concerns related to death, raise the awareness of supporting each other, and build the connection between the bereaved and their colleagues, concern-free and caring.Double degree in Integrated Product Design and Strategic Product DesignIntegrated Product DesignStrategic Product Desig
AstroMission: A game that facilitates the emotional connection between children with cancer and their parents
No full textIn Turkey, roughly 3000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every year (Kebudi, 2012). Although there are different types of pediatric cancers, their trajectory is similar and filled with various physical and psychosocial challenges for the patients and their families. Moreover, cancer usually causes a drastic life change for the whole family. To adjust to the changes and cope better with the challenges, it is crucial that children understand cancer, its course, and the treatment (Eiser & Havermans, 1992; Scott, Prictor & Watt, 2003 as cited in Mant et al., 2018). However, in Turkey, parents often avoid sharing cancer-related information with their children, which hinders children’s understanding, adjustment, and coping (Dr. N. Yıldız Silahlı (MD), personal communication, 2022). Therefore, this thesis aims to improve children’s understanding, adjustment, and coping by nudging parents into changing their attitudes and encouraging children to express themselves. To do so, the project utilises the power of play.The project starts by exploring the context of pediatric cancers, the factors that affect children’s understanding, adjustment, and coping, and the strategies to utilise play in the pediatric cancer context through a literature review. Then, the project analyses families’ current experiences, needs and wishes, and the barriers and opportunities in the context through generative interviews with the families and interviews with healthcare professionals, which reveal the reasons behind parents’ attitudes and another key problem: limited emotional sharing between children and parents. Based on the interview results, the project visualises the users’ experiences, needs, and challenges through personas and a user journey map, which shows the need of focusing on the hospitalisation stage.In the light of new findings, the project analyses and reframes the initial design problem and envisions the solution space by defining the design goal, vision and requirements. After generating various solutions that fit within the envisioned space through ideation and conceptualisation, the project introduces the final design: AstroMission, a space-themed role-playing game that aims to facilitate the emotional connection between children and parents. AstroMission consists of several elements with different functions:1. Storyline: It is a metaphorical representation of cancer, treatments, and psychosocial challenges. Parents can use this storyline to give children cancer-related information.2. Missions: They are play opportunities that require the collaboration of children and parents. Their content nudges families into talking about cancer and sharing their emotions with each other in a fun way. 3. Emotion puppets: They are a set of toys that represent four basic emotions of joy, anger, sadness, and fear. They help children to express their feelings. Also, some missions require the family to play with them.4. Hospital room decorations and objects: They reframe the hospital room into a less scary, even fun environment for children. Also, some missions require the family use the objects in the room.5. Mobile app: It presents the missions and the story of the game to the family. Also, it has a social function of connecting the families going through the same experience. Due to the project duration, the project iterates on and validates only the first three elements of the game with the users. However, user evaluations show that AstroMission is desirable and holds great potential to facilitate cancer-related conversations and emotional sharing between parents and children throughout the cancer trajectory. Lastly, the project shows how to put AstroMission into practice by proposing a material and production method and estimating implementation costs. Also, the project presents the recommendations for further development of AstroMission. To conclude, the outcome of this project creates value for the users by improving children’s understanding, adjustment, and coping, and alleviating parents’ psycho-emotional burden. It also creates value for the hospitals by improving the user experience.Integrated Product Desig
Improving toilet posture: Design of an adjustable toilet footrest
No full textIt is time to break the taboo on something that every person does every day: excretion. Using the toilet for micturition and defecation is familiar to everyone. However, discussing personal troubles with going to the toilet is frowned upon. Constipation complaints and urine retention are common, especially among the elderly. There are multiple ways of countering these complaints, with this report focusing on taking the right body posture while sitting on the toilet. This posture consists of raising the knees above hip height, aiming for more pelvic floor muscle relaxation.This report explores a new product design that helps people to fight constipation and urine retention complaints, by assisting them to get an ergonomically beneficial toilet posture. First, the current scenario of this problem and its environment was explored thoroughly, in order to create the full relevant picture. Information was gathered from the target group, medical professionals from ErasmusMC Rotterdam (i.a. urologists and pelvic floor therapists), nursing home staff and other IDE experts. Existing solutions are not fulfilling, or even dangerous, especially for elderly users. Therefore, the target group in this project is focused on the elderly. Through solving sub problems, researching technical possibilities and pinpointing wishes and demands, possible design directions were explored. Eventually, the EasyRaise was chosen as the proposed concept that aimed to solve the problems best. The EasyRaise consists of a platform that effortlessly lifts the legs of the user upwards to the user’s personal perfect height. The user operates the platform by him-/herself with a wireless remote and is informed by a medical expert on the desired optimal height of the platform. Hand support can be included to help the user get on and off the platform and provide help with standing up and balancing. The remote can be stored on the hand support extension. The proposed concept of the EasyRaise went through three types of evaluation. A physical prototype was created to test the working of the lift mechanism. Target group participants were asked to assess the functionalities and desirability of the concept. Finally, ErasmusMC staff were invited to share their medical insights on the EasyRaise, and whether they would recommend it. The EasyRaise leads to increased quality of life and decreased health costs, as autonomy is enhanced and medicines like laxatives are diminished. The report is concluded with a set of recommendations and conclusions that elaborate on the steps needed to take this concept to the next development stage.Integrated Product Desig
Creating an antenna band for the myTemp system
No full textThis graduation report describes the design process of the antenna band of the myTemp system. The myTemp system is a high accuracy core temperature measuring device, that uses an indigestible measuring pill and an antenna band to measure the temperature inside the intestines. It is mainly used in thermo-physiological or exercise-related research, often to research how the core temperature changes in athletes when exercising in hot, humid environments. By researching this, heat-related illnesses or exertional heat strokes can be avoided that are caused by a too high core temperature. The main benefit of the myTemp system lies in the fact that the indigestible measuring pill does not contain a battery and can therefore be manufactured at a lower price than competitive products. This also means that there is no risk of battery leakage in the body. This requires that the system uses an antenna belt. This belt consists of a case containing electronics and a wire that goes around the torso of the user. This wire creates a magnetic field that is able to both charge and well as communicate with the indigestible measuring pill. In this project the main objective was to improve the comfort of the antenna belt, fit the belt to people with different body sizes, increase the reliability of the antenna-pill connection and increase the user experience. The project consists of three phases: the research phase and two ideation phases. In the research phase, relevant information is gathered about the context, user experience and the technology used. In the first ideation phase, multiple antenna configurations have been tested and compared to find an alternative antenna. In the second ideation phase, a user test has been conducted to improve the user experience of the device. At the end of the report, the design is presented and recommendations are given for future development.Integrated Product Desig
Designing SeaBubble docks: A handbook for guidance on the design process for a SeaBubble dock
No full textThe project that is performed is for the master thesis of the master study ‘Integrated Product Design’ at the faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at the TU Delft. The final product is a handbook that functions as a tool to create a dock for SeaBubbles, and it is developed for the company Advier. The process started with exploring the scope. The scope can be split up in three directions: the business direction in which the company Advier and its stakeholders is analysed. It becomes clear that Advier will give the handbook to a design agency that will create the actual dock design. The second direction is the analysis of the location. The network is situated in the area of Dordrecht, also known as Drechtsteden. The effect of the weather and tide on this area is analysed and the conclusion is drawn that the design of the dock must deal with changing water levels. The third direction focuses on the SeaBubble, in which the SeaBubble for seven passengers and twelve passengers are presented. The reservation system is mapped out and shows that the SeaBubble will define its route on the demand, in between it is possible that the SeaBubble will change its route. This has a large impact on the passenger journey. In the passenger journey, two types of passengers are presented: a prepared and an unprepared passenger. The prepared passenger has bought a ticket at home, while the unprepared passenger must buy a ticket at the dock. From this point in the process, the focus will be on the experience of the passenger. By creating a building that fulfils the needs of the passenger when the passenger is being guided, is waiting, and is boarding, the experience of the passenger will be good. The next part that is being analysed is the elements that is needed for guiding, waiting and boarding. For guiding, first the crowd flow is analysed. Based on this crowd flow, a general layout of the building is created for the location of ticket vending machines, waiting areas and potential one-way systems. Secondly, the needed information is analysed and tested in an online 3D environment. The location and the initial way of communication for several information elements is determined. For waiting, literature is analysed, and people are interviewed and observed. The passengers will find distraction on a smartphone or while enjoying the view, having a seat is preferred. For creating a comfortable boarding experience, two supports are needed in an area with even floor and no gaps. By getting inspired from the results, different configurations of docks were created. By determining the principles behind the configurations, the design choices are mapped out. These design choices are structured with a morphological map and explained in the handbook, which is the final product of this master thesis. After finalising the handbook, interviews were held with the client and an architect to evaluate the final product.Integrated Product Desig
The LVATE brace as a tool to delay total knee replacement surgery for patients with knee arthritis
No full textDuring the course of this thesis, the design of a knee brace that improves the quality of life for people with arthritis in the knee, is being researched. The knee joint is covered with articular cartilage which protects the bones from being damaged. Arthritis of the knee is a pathology where this cartilage is damaged potentially even to the extent that direct bone-to-bone contact occurs. The most common symptoms for the patient are pain and inflammation, affecting their mobility and quality of life. Firstly, research is conducted on the arthritis knee disorder, the patients and their interests, and the technical aspect of a knee brace in relation with the knee kinematics. The following main insights are revealed by the analyses: -Arthritis in the knee is wear and tear of the articular cartilage caused by loading. This can be the result of extensive sports, overweight, incorrect alignment of the joint or aging. -There are no treatments available that cure the damaged cartilage tissue. It is in the patient’s interest to slow down the deterioration process. When the disorder impacts the quality of life too much, replacement surgery can be opted for. -Replacement surgery is the last resort option due to its invasiveness, possible complications and high rate of dissatisfied patients. It is therefore preferred to delay the need for a surgery if possible. -The deterioration process can be slowed down by exposing the knee joint to less load. Partially unloading the joint can be beneficial during demanding activities or even daily activities, depending on the stage of arthritis. -A customized fit of the knee brace is preferred for increased comfort and effectiveness. Secondly, during the development phase, two main challenges are explored, being the custom fit of the brace and the unloading mechanism. To make a perfectly fitting brace design, many mock-ups are created and evaluated on their comfort and secure fit. The insights are translated into a standard model that can be shaped around the patient’s 3D scan of the leg. This experimental approach is also applied to find an unloading mechanism that can be integrated in the brace. The concepts are tested by attaching them to the brace mock-ups that were created when exploring the perfect fit. Thirdly, a design proposal is created, resulting in the LVATE brace that can be integrated in Orthobroker’s product-service platform. During the patient’s appointment with an orthotist, a 3D scan of the leg is made and uploaded to a digital platform. The platform morphs the LVATE brace around the 3D scan in such a way that it distributes pressure among tolerant zones of the leg. The brace can then be ordered right away. The unloading mechanism is activated by rotating a knob that is positioned on the lateral side of the brace. Finally, the brace is evaluated on its feasibility, desirability and viability. A conclusion is derived from the evaluation feedback and recommendations are prepared for a further development of the design proposal.Integrated Product Desig
Virtual Fitting of Personalized Knitwear
No full textThe aim of this project was to build a pleasant customer experience of personalizing, virtual fitting and ordering made-to-measure knitwear, so as to improve their satisfaction on fit as well as reduce waste in the fashion industry. The project started with a deep dive into the design context. Relevant knowledge from academic and industry was learned, together with the technology learning on 3D virtual fitting.The research findings revealed several problems on customers’ side: the lack of sensory inputs (visual and tactile) for evaluating apparel fit in online environment; the perceived complexity and uncertainty of making choices on personalized garments; the gap between one's fit requirements (depending on body sizes and personal fit preference) and actual garment sizes. The research findings also confirmed the perceived usefulness of 3D virtual fitting as a promising solution for online shopping. By using the software CLO3D, the visualization of knitwear is achievable, as well as the simulation of how the knitwear fits to different human body models. After the analysis stage, the focus of the project was transferred to how to connect the research findings to the design. An explicit and specific design statement was established, “To design a website that enables customers to customize and order knitwear made to their measurements, in all possible looks, sizes and fits. Include the use of 3D virtual fitting in the website to boost customer confidence in evaluating clothing fit online and shopping enjoyment. In the end deliver the real garment that achieves customer satisfaction”. The design goal, along with a website framework and a list of design requirements, gave a clear guide where the design should go. During the design stage, several iteration cycles were conducted to evaluate the design effectiveness of each part of the website, so as to quickly make design decisions and refine the concept in an early design phase. The final concept was built based on both the design requirements and new inputs from design process. In the last stage an evaluation study was carried out. A user test was done with thirteen participants using the website prototype to finish an order, and a comparison between physical try-on and virtual fitting was done with two of them. From the study results it could be evidenced that the website is able to support people to finish the online process of customizing made-to-measure knitwear, and for the majority the function of virtual fitting achieves its intended effects of enhancing customer confidence and shopping enjoyment. In the end, a review of the concept showed the validity and limitations of this project, some recommendations were discussed as well.Design for Interactio
Coeliac disease as social disease: design for safety during social events
No full textThe coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by the ingestion of gluten affecting people with a genetic disposition. Gluten is a protein that can be found in wheat, rye and barley but it can also be used as protein filler in ice creams and soup. The only treatment for patients is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Due to the restrictive nature of the diet, coeliac people have to develop new habits and routines to overcome uncomfortable situations at home and social situations. Different studies demonstrated that coeliac people are affected emotionally by social events. Coeliac people have to avoid food contained food, be aware of the gluten cross-contamination and find proper gluten-free options. This might lead to the development of anxiety and stress. This is a master report that gathers the research and the design activities to investigate how to create a safe environment for coeliac people during social events. The project was developed through converging and diverging design approaches involving remote user research, literature review and iterative cycles of ideations, development and testing. The project focused mainly on two areas: the perception of the gluten-free diet and the coping strategies or problem-solving skills used during social events. The research approach includes context research as base knowledge about coeliac disease, the challenges of the gluten-free diet, and coping strategies. The user research involved coeliac people to lead the development of a solution that would embrace their needs and values. At the end of the user research, a Framework was developed to describe the context of the social events for coeliac people. The design goal of the project was identified as the project aims to enhance the feeling of security for coeliac people by increasing empathy and decreasing negative emotions. Different concepts were developed according to iterative conceptualizations and evaluation tests of low fidelity prototypes with participants. The insights gathered helped to generate a final concept. The final concept is an event planner app that gives information about how to create a safe environment for coeliac people and more. The final user tests have been conducted in part in person and part remotely with participants who evaluated the possibility to create a safe environment and create empathy. The results demonstrated that by using the final concept it is possible to generate a safe environment and generate empathy. Participants had the possibility to immerse themselves in the challenges that coeliac people face daily. Coeliac people indeed felt to be secure cause people would have the correct information about the preparation of the environment and gluten-free food.Design for Interactio
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