Context Of Design Research Articles

Cyborg Children: A Systematic Literature Review on the Experience of Children Using Extended Reality.

This literature review presents a comprehensive and systematic account of research on the experiences of children with extended reality (XR), including VR, AR, and other types of immersive technologies that enhance and augment children's activities. The search on Scopus and Web of Science produced 531 outputs. Content analysis with inter-rater reliability (Krippendorff's α) and Leximancer, a software for text mining, were used for analyzing the material. Four research strands were identified: (1) interventions, treatments, and medical procedures in clinical contexts; (2) teaching and learning enhanced by XR; (3) children's adoption and user experiences; (4) design and prototyping of XR hardware and software for children. The results showed the following findings: (a) studies on children's clinical interventions and treatments using HMD-supported immersive virtual reality comprise the most substantial strand of studies; (b) research in this area, and in teaching and learning studies, has grown dramatically since 2017, while the other areas have been stagnant over the years; (c) AR research is still limited and is mainly applied in educational contexts for design and prototyping; (d) few studies have considered children's perspectives on XR safety issues; (e) research on the use of XR for enhancing social and emotional skills development is underrepresented. Future research should focus on the potential of XR technologies for interventions to enhance children's psychosocial wellbeing and health more broadly. The further implications and study limitations for the fast-developing nature of this transdisciplinary research field are also discussed.

Activating sustainability in the design process

Abstract Design decisions have an impact on societies and the environment. Making the impact of design tangible facilitates the mitigation of its negative consequences. The purpose of this paper is to outline what methods and actions a User Experience (UX) practitioner could use in order to support sustainable development. At Ergosign GmbH, an agency creating digital experiences, we conducted a review of existing guidelines and principles to determine the relevance and usefulness of those frameworks in the User Experience Design (UXD) context. The analysis resulted in the creation of six guiding principles to introduce sustainability concerns into the design process. Additionally, we mapped related UX methods and heuristics to each principle. Each of the six principles, as well as an exemplary method, are described in detail in this article. A first practical evaluation of the principles suggests that assessing impact and identifying preventive actions is possible at all stages of the design process. Furthermore, there is no strict correlation of a principle with a particular project phase. While an early analysis generates a more holistic action plan, a later assessment provides more concrete advice. Both approaches can deliver notable improvements in the reduction of resource usage.

Safety of combined ablative radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in three phase I trials

BackgroundStereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is safe and effective for treatment of extracranial metastatic disease, but its safety when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has not yet been comprehensively reported. Here we report adverse events (AEs) associated with combined SBRT and ICI using prospectively-collected data on patients in three trials investigating multi-site SBRT combined with ICI. MethodsPatients were included from three prospective trials of ICI (pembrolizumab; nivolumab/urelumab or nivolumab/cabiralizumab; nivolumab/ipilimumab) with SBRT to 1–4 sites. AEs were recorded prospectively using the CTCAE v4.0. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method with a 90-day landmark. Association of patient characteristics with cumulative incidence of AEs was assessed using Fine-Gray regression. Results213 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 10 months. Over the follow-up period, 50 % and 27 % of patients experienced at least one grade ≥ 2 or grade ≥ 3 AE, respectively. Cumulative incidences of grade ≥ 2 and grade ≥ 3 AEs at 6 months were 47 % and 23 %, respectively. Three grade 5 AEs rated “possibly” related to treatment occurred outside the 90-day dose-limiting toxicity window. Landmarked survival analysis of patients with or without grade ≥ 3 AEs showed no significant difference in progression-free or overall survival. Dual-agent ICI was significantly associated with grade ≥ 3 AE. ConclusionThis analysis features the largest prospectively evaluated cohort of patients treated with combination ablative SBRT and ICI to date and provides context for future trial design. We conclude that multi-site SBRT and ICI can be safely co-administered when SBRT is delivered with prioritization of normal tissue constraints.

Professional nurses’ experiences of managing epilepsy at limited resource rural facilities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa

BackgroundEpilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting approximately 50 million individuals globally, contributing significantly to the global disease burden. Professional nurses play a crucial role in the care and treatment of people living with epilepsy, ensuring their safety and well-being. Professional nurses frequently encounter challenges, such as restricted access to drugs, specialised equipment, and epilepsy treatment training. Despite these obstacles, professional nurses are essential to providing high-quality care to patients with epilepsy in remote locations. MethodsA qualitative design using explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was employed to achieve the objectives of the study. The sample comprised 20 professional nurses working in selected rural communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews and analysed using Tesch's eight steps of data analysis. ResultsFour themes emerged from the data: experiences of professional nurses during management of epilepsy; inadequate training in management of epilepsy; insufficient supply of antiepileptic drugs and late presentation to local clinics. ConclusionThe study found that professional nurses experienced several challenges hindering the effective management of epilepsy. Cultural beliefs in supernatural causes of epilepsy significantly influence treatment preferences, consequently delaying diagnosis and treatment. Despite limited resources and cultural barriers experienced by professional nurses, they strive to provide appropriate care to minimise seizures. Ongoing education and training on epilepsy management is vital to enable professional nurses to keep up-to-date with current methods and new developments.

Exploring the efficacy of ecolabels as a marketing strategy: Insights from the emerging bioplastic packaging market

AbstractThe packaging industry's significant role in plastic production and environmental pollution underscores the need for more sustainable alternatives. Bioplastics emerge as a promising solution, yet consumer understanding of this innovative material often lags, particularly in emerging markets. This study thus aims to explore effective marketing strategies for communicating bioplastic packaging to shape consumer adoption and disposal practices in such markets. Through a case study approach, we examine the role of ecolabels as a marketing tool across key sectors of the bioplastic packaging supply chain. Drawing upon the signalling theory, we identify key characteristics of effective signals, including costly signalling, visibility, clarity, fitness, consistency and credibility, which should be integrated into a broader context of ecolabels design in order to encourage consumer adoption and responsible disposal. Our study also identifies instances where noises from the environment may have little impact and where communication gaps hinder feedback loops between consumers and producers.

Posttranscriptional tuning of gene expression over a large dynamic range in synthetic tobacco chloroplast operons.

Achieving optimally balanced gene expression within synthetic operons requires regulatory elements capable of providing a spectrum of expression levels. In this study, we investigate the expression of gfp reporter gene in tobacco chloroplasts, guided by variants of the plastid atpH 5' UTR, which harbors a binding site for PPR10, a protein that activates atpH at the posttranscriptional level. Our findings reveal that endogenous tobacco PPR10 confers distinct levels of reporter activation when coupled with the tobacco and maize atpH 5' UTRs in different design contexts. Notably, high GFP expression was not coupled to the stabilization of monocistronic gfp transcripts in dicistronic reporter lines, adding to the evidence that PPR10 activates translation via a mechanism that is independent of its stabilization of monocistronic transcripts. Furthermore, the incorporation of a tRNA upstream of the UTR nearly abolishes gfp mRNA (and GFP protein), presumably by promoting such rapid RNA cleavage and 5' exonucleolytic degradation that PPR10 had insufficient time to bind and protect gfp RNA, resulting in a substantial reduction in GFP accumulation. When combined with a mutant atpH 5' UTR, the tRNA leads to an exceptionally low level of transgene expression. Collectively, this approach allows for tuning of reporter gene expression across a wide range, spanning from a mere 0.02-25% of the total soluble cellular protein. These findings highlight the potential of employing cis-elements from heterologous species and expand the toolbox available for plastid synthetic biology applications requiring multigene expression at varying levels.

Designing for financial inclusion in developing countries: Digital financial service for low-income women in Ghana

Digital financial inclusion initiatives in developing countries have gained salience because of their potential to improve the socioeconomic condition of marginalized groups such as low-income women. However, persistent challenges remain in overcoming the digital divide in developing countries and enhancing access and participation of women in digital financial services. Despite the growing scholarly attention, little is known about how digital technologies might be designed to enable financial inclusion of women in developing countries. Using the technology affordances approach, we extend previous theorizing on inclusive information system, and introduce a relational approach to designing for inclusion. Specifically, we conduct a case study of a digital finance initiative in Ghana involving the design of an interactive voice response system (IVR) for low-income women where systemic barriers to technology adoption and use are pervasive. We show the significance of user feedback, environmental factors, and affordances for more inclusive information system design. We contribute a theoretically grounded framework that takes holistic account of the sociotechnical context of IS design for inclusion.

An Approach to Potentially Increasing Adoption of an Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Electronic Medical Record Encounter in Canadian Primary Care: Protocol for a User-Centered Design.

Primary care physicians are at the forefront of the clinical process that can lead to diagnosis, referral, and treatment. With electronic medical records (EMRs) being introduced and, over time, gaining acceptance by primary care users, they have now become a standard part of care. EMRs have the potential to be further optimized with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI). There has yet to be a widespread exploration of the use of AI in primary health care and how clinicians envision AI use to encourage further uptake. The primary objective of this research is to understand if the user-centered design approach, rooted in contextual design, can lead to an increased likelihood of adoption of an AI-enabled encounter module embedded in a primary care EMR. In this study, we use human factor models and the technology acceptance model to understand the results. To accomplish this, a partnership has been established with an industry partner, TELUS Health, to use their EMR, the collaborative health record. The overall intention is to understand how to improve the user experience by using user-centered design to inform how AI should be embedded in an EMR encounter. Given this intention, a user-centered approach will be used to accomplish it. The approach of user-centered design requires qualitative interviewing to gain a clear understanding of users' approaches, intentions, and other key insights to inform the design process. A total of 5 phases have been designed for this study. As of March 2024, a total of 14 primary care clinician participants have been recruited and interviewed. First-cycle coding of all qualitative data results is being conducted to inform redesign considerations. Some limitations need to be acknowledged related to the approach of this study. There is a lack of market maturity of AI-enabled EMR encounters in primary care, requiring research to take place through scenario-based interviews. However, this participant group will still help inform design considerations for this tool. This study is targeted for completion in the late fall of 2024. DERR1-10.2196/54365.

An engineering design-based mathematics activity example based on STEM approach in middle school: Cold storage design

Engineering design practices in STEM education focus on reflecting the discipline-specific work of engineers in a manner that is suitable for the student level and course learning objectives. Using an engineering design context also facilitates student identification of global problems and feasible solutions to address such problems. In this article, within the framework of STEM approach, an engineering design activity that can be applied in middle school mathematics course is presented. Additionally, examples of students’ experiences of the engineering design-based mathematics activity are given. The "Cold Storage Design Activity" was executed in a classroom setting, and the implementation process underwent examination and evaluation. 12 eighth-grade students from a middle school in Turkey took part in the implementation. The middle school were able to successfully perform an engineering design process and effectively overcome challenges through teamwork. The results of the activity show that middle school students are excited and eager to participate in a design activity.

Makna Filosofis Iwel-iwel dalam Selamatan Bayi di Jawa: Kajian Linguistik Antropologis

This research aims to describe the philosophical meaning of “iwel-iwel”, a traditional Javanese food, using an anthropological linguistic approach with contextual design. Data analysis was carried out by collecting data through interview, observation, note taking and documentation techniques. After that, the process of interview transcription and notes was carried out, followed by the process of reading and analyzing the data. From data analysis, the author obtained the origin of the words and the philosophical meaning of “iwel-iwel” that were then scientifically interpreted in the discussion under the related theories and approaches. The results of this research proved that “iwel-iwel” has philosophical meanings in accordance with the values of local Javanese wisdom. “Iwel-iwel” came from the Javanese word “cemiwel” which means excited; the Arabic word “waliwalidaya” which means parent; and part of the saying “laa ilaha illallah” which means there is no God but Allah. At least “iwel-iwel” contained 10 philosophical meanings, namely (1) a symbol of balance, (2) a representation of calm, (3) a symbol of happiness, (4) respect for tradition, (5) connectedness to nature, (6) a symbol of simplicity, (7) a combination of taste and color, (8) patience and warmth, (9) experience and wisdom, and (10) a symbol of harmony.

Exploring How Instructional Designers Prioritize the Relationship Between Universal Design and Learning Context in Higher Education

Exploring How Instructional Designers Prioritize the Relationship Between Universal Design and Learning Context in Higher Education

Scalar Field Prediction on Meshes Using Interpolated Multi-Resolution Convolutional Neural Networks

Abstract Scalar fields, such as stress or temperature fields, are often calculated in shape optimization and design problems in engineering. For complex problems where shapes have varying topology and cannot be parametrized, data-driven scalar field prediction can be faster than traditional finite element methods. However, current data-driven techniques to predict scalar fields are limited to a fixed grid domain, instead of arbitrary mesh structures. In this work, we propose a method to predict scalar fields on arbitrary meshes. It uses a convolutional neural network whose feature maps at multiple resolutions are interpolated to node positions before being fed into a multilayer perceptron to predict solutions to partial differential equations at mesh nodes. The model is trained on finite element von Mises stress fields, and once trained it can estimate stress values at each node on any input mesh. Two shape datasets are investigated, and the model has strong performance on both, with a median R-squared value of 0.91. We also demonstrate the model on a temperature field in a heat conduction problem, where its predictions have a median R-squared value of 0.99. Our method provides a potential flexible alternative to finite element analysis in engineering design contexts. Code and datasets are available at: https://github.com/kevinferg/sfp-cnn.

Mode selection for component mode synthesis with guaranteed assembly accuracy

In this work, a modular approach is introduced to select the most important eigenmodes for each component of a composed structural dynamics system to obtain the required accuracy of the reduced-order assembly model. To enable the use of models of complex (structural) dynamical systems in engineering practice, e.g., in a design, optimization and/or control context, the complexity of the models needs to be reduced. When the model consist of an assembly of multiple interconnected structural components, component mode synthesis is often the preferred model reduction method. The standard approach to component mode synthesis for such system is to select the eigenmodes of a component that are most important to accurately model the dynamic behaviour of this component in a certain frequency range of interest. However, often, a more relevant goal is to obtain, in this frequency range, an accurate model of the assembly. In the proposed approach, accuracy requirements on the level of the assembly are translated to accuracy requirements on component level, by employing techniques from the field of systems and control. With these component-level requirements, the eigenmodes that are most important to accurately model the dynamic behaviour of the assembly can be selected in a modular fashion. We demonstrate with two structural dynamics benchmark systems that this method based on assembly accuracy allows for a computationally efficient selection of eigenmodes that (1) guarantees satisfaction of the assembly accuracy requirements and (2) results in most cases in reduced-order models of significantly lower order with respect to the industrial standard approach in which component eigenmodes are selected using a frequency criterion.

Rancangan e-LKPD Berbasis Collaborative Creativity Learning (CCL) Pokok Bahasan Perpindahan Kalor Pada Mesin Pembuatan Gula Pasir

Physics as a subject matter involves understanding concepts and mathematical applications that are often a challenge for students, for example the concept of heat transfer. To provide a memorable and interesting learning experience, the context of the e-LKPD design can be taken from everyday life, such as the process of making granulated sugar in a sugar factory. The process involves the concept of heat transfer, for example the stages of evaporation and crystallisation of neera. The purpose of this study was to analyse the validity of the design and learners' responses to the e-LKPD design. This type of research is development research with the ADDIE model and is limited to the development stage. Data collection involved literature study, observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. The validation results obtained an average percentage value of 87.33%, with a very feasible category and learner responses showed a high level of interest, with a percentage value of 83%. Thus, e-LKPD based on collaborative creativity learning (CCL) on the subject of heat transfer in sugar making machines can be considered feasible and can be implemented effectively to students in learning activities.

Proactive insights into place management: spatiotemporal effects of street food activities in public spaces

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the utilisation of street food to redefine place management in public spaces in Egypt. The study examines the spatiotemporal effects of this approach, considering the preferences of both vendors and consumers alongside contextual design factors.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, conducted in Cairo, Egypt, a spatial ethnographic approach was used to delve into the process of place management in areas hosting street food activities. Focus group interviews were conducted with a random sample of street food vendors and consumers.FindingsThe results of this case study confirm the significant impact of street food on its surroundings, emphasising the importance of the people–place relationship. Insights from group interviews shed light on essential questions regarding the timing, location and drivers of spatiotemporal effects around food activity areas, as well as the entities controlling these effects and their mechanisms. The findings underscore the necessity of harmoniously balancing the needs of vendors and consumers without detrimentally affecting the context.Practical implicationsThe proactive insights gleaned from this study hold potential for replication in other cities, offering valuable insights into the roles and specialisations of actors involved in managing street food places. However, achieving a more comprehensive understanding of stereotypes and underlying themes is imperative.Originality/valueThis study contributes to filling a research gap by exploring strategies to integrate vendors’ and consumers’ preferences and designs into specific contexts. It provides proactive and preventive solutions to mitigate adverse spatiotemporal effects of street food activities within the studied context.

Mobile AR Interaction Design Patterns for Storytelling in Cultural Heritage: A Systematic Review

The recent advancements in mobile technologies have enabled the widespread adoption of augmented reality (AR) to enrich cultural heritage (CH) digital experiences. Mobile AR leverages visual recognition capabilities and sensor data to superimpose digital elements into the user’s view of their surroundings. The pervasive nature of AR serves several purposes in CH: visitor guidance, 3D reconstruction, educational experiences, and mobile location-based games. While most literature reviews on AR in CH focus on technological aspects such as tracking algorithms and software frameworks, there has been little exploration of the expressive affordances of AR for the delivery of meaningful interactions. This paper (based on the PRISMA guidelines) considers 64 selected publications, published from 2016 to 2023, that present mobile AR applications in CH, with the aim of identifying and analyzing the (mobile) AR (interaction) design patterns that have so far been discussed sporadically in the literature. We identify sixteen (16) main UX design patterns, as well as eight (8) patterns with a single occurrence in the paper corpus, that have been employed—sometimes in combination—to address recurring design problems or contexts, e.g., user navigation, representing the past, uncovering hidden elements, etc. We analyze each AR design pattern by providing a title, a working definition, principal use cases, and abstract illustrations that indicate the main concept and its workings (where applicable) and explanation with respect to examples from the paper corpus. We discuss the AR design patterns in terms of a few broader design and development concerns, including the AR recognition approach, content production and development requirements, and affordances for storytelling, as well as possible contexts and experiences, including indoor/outdoor settings, location-based experiences, mobile guides, and mobile games. We envisage that this work will thoroughly inform AR designers and developers abot the current state of the art and the possibilities and affordances of mobile AR design patterns with respect to particular CH contexts.

Development of the Empathy in Design Scale: Measuring Employees’ Empathy Toward Users in Service Design

Abstract To design user-centered services, it is essential to build empathy toward users. It is hence strategic to trigger empathy for users among professionals concerned with shaping service user experiences. There is, however, a lack of quantitative tools to measure empathy in design. Through two studies, we report on the development and validation of the Empathy in Design Scale (EMPA-D). The tool aims to measure service employees’ empathy toward users. Grounded in theories from psychology and design, we first generated and tested a pool of items through expert inspection and cognitive interviews. In Study 1, we administered 16 items to 406 full-time service employees from various industries, including employees in customer-facing positions. In Study 2, we iterated on additional items and administered a revised scale to 305 service employees. The selected model consists of 11 items and has a three-factor structure (Emotional interest/Perspective-taking, Personal experience and Self-awareness), which showed an adequate model fit and good internal consistency. Evidence of convergent validity was provided by moderate correlations of the EMPA-D scale with empathy measures in psychology (SITES, Empathy Quotient, Interpersonal Reactivity Index), whereas discriminant validity was demonstrated by low correlations with the narcissism measure Narcissistic Personal Inventory. We outline how this self-reported empathy measure can support organizations in enhancing their services and discuss potential limitations of quantitatively measuring empathy in service teams. Research Highlights We present the development and validation of the Empathy in Design Scale (EMPA-D), a self-report measure of employees’ empathy toward users of a service. We report on two validation studies and document the psychometric properties of the scale. The selected model consists of 11 items and a three-factor structure (Emotional interest/Perspective-taking, Personal experience and Self-awareness). The resulting EMPA-D scale contributes to filling the gap in metrics to assess empathy in the service design context. In industry, measuring employees’ empathy support the selection of appropriate empathic interventions to foster the service user-centeredness.

The World’s Oldest Pavements and in the Town Žilina Into the Context Within Municipal Engineering

Abstract In this article, the authors explore examples of preserved cultural heritage related to traffic structures, focusing on the world's oldest bridges in Europe and Slovakia, as well as the oldest preserved roadways. They delve into the detailed history of Marians Square in Žilina, particularly its surface treatment, drawing from credible historical sources. The article also presents comparisons of elasticity modules and deformations of the roadway, based on measurements taken in 1966 and the last reconstruction from 1995 to 1997, which cost SK 64.5 million (equivalent to EUR 6.9 million in 2024). Through an evaluation of mechanical characteristics and environmental criteria, the authors conclude that the reconstructed road, even in 2024, effectively protects against frost damage, minimizes particulate matter and noise pollution (excluded motor traffic), and adheres to principles of contextual design for pavements.

Empathetic and Emotive Design Heuristics.

The design of user interfaces and systems that promote positive emotional interaction and reaction from end users is becoming a critical area in the design of applications and systems for use by the general population. In this paper we describe our work in the creation of a set of empathetic design heuristics that were developed from examination of the literature in this area within the context of healthcare user interface design. The heuristics and their potential application are explored.

Exploring factors hindering the uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis by potential users in Namibia.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for people who are at substantial risk of HIV infection, in conjunction with other HIV prevention tools and strategies. Unfortunately, the uptake of PrEP among potential users in Namibia's Okongo district is low. The objective of this study was to explore and describe the factors that hinder the uptake of HIV PrEP by potential users at the Okongo District Hospital in Namibia. A qualitative exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used. The study sought to understand the factors hindering uptake of HIV PrEP by potential users in the peri-urban setting of Okongo District Hospital, Namibia. Purposive sampling was used to select participants for this study, with qualitative data being gathered from semi-structured interviews with 20 potential PrEP users. The data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Participants reported numerous factors hindering uptake, including level of understanding, non-compliance on the part of the health department, distances, and attitudes. Additionally, participants maintained that health workers do not put enough effort into educating patients in the different hospital departments about PrEP, and sometimes there is insufficient stock of the medicine, both of which hinder PrEP uptake. Despite the PrEP rollout, multiple obstacles continue to hinder PrEP uptake, especially in the outskirts of Okongo district. This study recognises that there is a need to work hand in hand with the support systems of both potential users.