Design Experience Research Articles

Measures of Information Visualizations in Design Studio Education: Designing Climate Change Visualizations

The climate crisis and sustainability are priority issues that are increasingly integrated into all fields of study in universities. For the field of communication design, there is a challenge to deliver effective designs on the climate crisis due to the complexity of the issue and the large volume of scientific data involved. To overcome this challenge, information visualizations are designed to help communicate complex data. Information visualizations, being data-driven, necessitate specific design principles in addition to fundamental graphic design skills. This study investigates the communication of the climate crisis through information visualizations, with the aim of determining the prominent measures and relevant design language that can be incorporated into design studio education. We conducted three focus groups with academics teaching communication design studios and professionals who have work experience in information visualization design and experts who are doing projects on sustainability and the climate crisis. The findings highlight the importance of actionability, enlightening, evoking curiosity, evoking emotions, localization, personification and positivity in designing effective climate change visualizations. This study contributes to the fields of information visualization and communication design by offering measures to enhance climate change visualizations and providing insights for teaching these principles in communication and graphic design studios.

Exploring Individuals' Views and Feedback on a Nutritional Screening Mobile App: Qualitative Focus Group Study.

Malnutrition is a major global health challenge. Worldwide, approximately 390 million adults are underweight, while 2.5 billion are overweight. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) has been implemented successfully in the United Kingdom to assess the nutritional status of patients in health care settings. Currently, MUST is available as a web-based tool or as a paper-based version, However, the paper tool can lead to calculation errors, and web-based tools require internet access, limiting use in some communities. The MUST app uses clear and simple navigation and processes information precisely, so could potentially improve the accuracy and accessibility of malnutrition screening for health care professionals (HCP) in all settings. This study aimed to explore the views of HCPs on the content, functionality, and usability of a newly developed mobile app for MUST. We performed a qualitative study using deductive and inductive framework analysis. A series of online focus groups (~1 hour each) were conducted, exploring potential users' views on the app's content design, functionality, and usefulness, which was set in demonstration mode and not available for direct use with patients. Each focus group used a semistructured approach and predefined topic guide. Participants were recruited consecutively and United Kingdom-wide using advertisements through emails, newsletters, and on social media across appropriate local and national networks. Participants had the opportunity to look at the app on their phones before giving feedback and an on-screen demonstration of the app was provided during the focus group. Data were analyzed using deductive and inductive framework analysis. In total, 8 online focus groups were conducted between August 2022 and January 2023. Participants (n=32) were dietetic and nutrition HCPs or educators with experience in using MUST in clinical or community settings. Data analysis revealed three broad themes: (1) improving the app for better use in practice, (2) user experience of design, and (3) barriers and facilitators in different settings. Overall feedback for the app was positive with potential users considering it to be very useful for improving routine and accurate screening, particularly in the community, and mainly because of the automatic calculation feature, which may help with improving discrepancies. Participants generally considered the app to be for professional use only, stating that patients may find it too clinical or technical. Participants also made suggestions for app sustainability and improvements, such as incentives to complete the demographics section or the option to skip questions, and the addition of more subjective measures and instructions on measuring ulna length. The MUST app was positively evaluated by potential users, who reported it was user-friendly and an accessible way to screen for malnutrition risk, whilst improving the accuracy of screening and availability in community settings.

Study on the Indoor Thermal Environment of Traditional Residences in Southern Jiangsu—A Case Study of Xue Fucheng’s Former Residence, Wuxi City

Traditional residences in Southern Jiangsu are residential buildings characterized by local features that embody climate adaptability principles and reflect ecological wisdom and cultural significance rooted in environmental harmony. On the basis of the inheritance of architectural culture and the development of green design, this study aims to explore the scientific and green construction practices of traditional residences, with Xue Fucheng’s Former Residence in Wuxi City as a representative case of southern Jiangsu architecture. By measurement and data analysis, this study investigates the indoor thermal environment of traditional residences, focusing on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and radiant heat. It analyzes the methods and architectural mechanisms employed by traditional residences in Southern Jiangsu to control light, wind, and heat in the living environment. The findings summarize the inheritable experience in green and ecological design of traditional residences in Southern Jiangsu, providing a prudent reference for establishing a green building construction model and technique system with distinct features of Southern Jiangsu.

Design and Implementation of a MIPS Datapath

Finally, the integration of these individual components culminates in the execution of the complete MIPS datapath. The MIPS (Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages) architecture serves as a widely recognized and utilized instruction set architecture. Implementing the complete datapath involves orchestrating the flow of instructions through the CPU, from instruction fetch to execution and memory access, showcasing the culmination of our efforts in crafting a functional and efficient processor. In essence, this project not only provides a hands-on experience in HDL-based digital design but also immerses us in the intricacies of CPU architecture, emphasizing the importance of each component in achieving a harmonious and high-performance computing system

Embracing Minimalism: A Guide to Modern Graphic Design Practices

Over time, the practice of graphic design has been undergoing progressive changes so much so that various authorities have come up with various specifications. There are various types of graphic designs amongst which are web design, user interface and user experience design, advertising and marketing design, game design, motion graphics, cartoons and animations, illustrations and typography, and publication design to mention but a few. This topic extrapolates the nuances of a minimalist approach to modern graphic design and in this essay; the word “graphics” has been used as a generic term that encapsulates corporate designs of items such as news magazines, journals, annual reports, calendars, book cover designs and such like. The objective of this research is to bring to the fore and compartmentalize the various stages of the minimalist approach to creating a cutting-edge modest design. The research methodology employed for this study is studio-based and practice-led, the survey and quasi-ethnographic study with some touch of literature review. Discussion exclusively centered on the antecedents of minimalism and steps to be taken in achieving a catchy design using the simplest techniques possible while it was concluded that it is more advantageous to adopt the minimalist approach to graphic designs with reasons rightly highlighted and expatiated on.

Psychological interventions to prevent the onset of major depression in adults: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis

Psychological interventions are increasingly discussed as a method to prevent major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults who already experience subthreshold depressive symptoms. In this individual participant data meta-analysis, we quantify the effect of preventive interventions against control on MDD onset in this population, and explore effect modifiers. In this systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis, we screened full-texts of eligible studies within the Metapsy research domain for articles on psychological interventions for depression, from database inception to May 1, 2023, published in English, German, Spanish, and Dutch. We included individual participant data of randomised trials comparing psychological interventions with a control group regarding their effects on MDD onset in adults with subthreshold depressive symptoms but no MDD at baseline, confirmed by standardised diagnostic interviews. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool. Effect on the onset of MDD (the primary outcome) and moderators were analysed using one-stage individual participant data meta-analysis. Survival analyses were conducted to examine effects on time to MDD onset within 12 months. We involved people with related lived experience in the study design and implementation. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42017058585. 30 of 42 eligible randomised controlled trials with 7201 participants (2227 [30·9%] male, 4957 [68·9%] female, and 17 [0·2%] preferred not to report their sex) were included in our analysis (3697 participants had intervention and 3504 participants had control). The mean age of participants was 49·9 years (SD 19·2). Of the 3152 participants with reported ethnicity, 1608 (51·0%) were White. Five studies received a high risk of bias rating. Psychological interventions were associated with significantly reduced MDD incidence at post-treatment (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0·57 [95% CI 0·35-0·93]; τ2=0·29; 18 studies), within 6 months (0·58 [0·39-0·88]; τ2=0·11; 18 studies), and within 12 months (0·67 [0·51-0·88]; τ2=0·05; 19 studies). No significant effect was observed at 24 months (IRR 1·16 [95% CI 0·66-2·03]; τ2=0·10; six studies). Preventive effects were stronger for individuals who had not previously had psychotherapy (IRR 0·39 [95% CI 0·25-0·62]) compared with those who had received psychotherapy before (0·92 [0·61-1·36]; p=0·029; seven studies). Although no overall linear association was identified, higher baseline depressive (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety symptom (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) scores were associated with greater reductions in MDD onset risk. On the study level, delivery type appeared to moderate outcomes, with conference telephone calls being more effective than delivery via face-to-face, internet-based, and other formats (p=0·002), albeit based on only two studies of conference telephone calls with four comparisons. Other factors (eg, age) showed no significant differential effects. Our findings show the effectiveness of preventive psychological interventions for subthreshold depressive symptoms. Tailoring interventions to consider participant-level and study-level factors could help to increase the impact of such interventions on a population level. None.

Upskilling the cell therapy manufacturing workforce: design, implementation, and evaluation of a massive open online course.

Cell therapies have gained prominence as a promising therapeutic modality for treating a range of diseases. Despite the recent clinical successes of cell therapy products, very few formal training programs exist for cell therapy manufacturing. To meet the demand for a well-trained workforce, we assembled a team of university researchers and industry professionals to develop an online course on the principles and practice of cell therapy manufacturing. The course covers the basic cell and systems physiology underlying cell therapy products, in addition to explaining end-to-end manufacturing from cell acquisition through to patient treatment, industrialization, and regulatory processes. As of September 2023, >10,000 learners have enrolled in the course, and >90% of respondents to the course exit survey indicated that they were "very likely" or "likely" to recommend the course to a peer. In this article, we discuss our experience in the collaborative design and implementation of the online course as well as lessons learned from quantitative and qualitative student feedback. We believe that this course can serve as a model for how academia and industry can collaborate to create innovative, scalable training programs to meet the demands of the modern biotechnology workforce.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We assembled a team of university researchers and industry professionals to develop an online course on the principles and practice of cell therapy manufacturing. We believe that this course can serve as a model for how academia and industry can collaborate to create innovative, scalable training programs to meet the demands of the modern biotechnology workforce.

Sharing the ocean: fostering blue synergies for sustainable whale-watching

Whale-based tourism activities offer unique opportunities for humans to observe cetaceans in their natural habitats. Well-planned experiences can provide educational value and promote respectful enjoyment of marine wildlife. Conversely, poorly managed activities can negatively impact cetaceans by injuring or killing them (through collisions with boats) or altering their behavior, such as resting time, nursing or diving. This study presents an example of designing and implementing a whale-based tourism activity in the Canary Islands (Spain), with the participation of researchers, whale-watching operators and tour guides, public policy-makers, and civil society, with a strong focus on educational values. The coastal communities are crucial in promoting sustainable whale-watching practices through educational initiatives, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration. The paper employs a process-monitoring approach to evaluate the whole procedure of whale-watching activity implementation. We assume that the success of any tourism activity depends on the process that leads to its creation. The analysis emphasizes the need for careful planning and execution to design and implement marine tourism experiences. Concerns for tourism satisfaction and safety and the need for environmental sustainability challenge the management of whale-watching operations. In this regard, engaging local communities, addressing safety and conservation concerns, and promoting responsible tourism practices are essential for mitigating these challenges and ensuring the long-term viability of whale watching as a sustainable and educational activity.

The influence of cultural design in hospitality spaces

Uttarakhand's rich culture, with its flavorful cuisine, vibrant textiles, and melodious folk music, offers a unique opportunity to create a memorable dining experience. By incorporating elements like Himalayan-inspired decor, traditional dishes, and friendly service, your restaurant can transport guests to the heart of this beautiful region. This research explores the profound impact of Uttrakhand's unique cultural heritage on the design, ambiance, and overall experience of hospitality spaces, specifically focusing on restaurants. By examining various cultural elements such as cuisine, aesthetics, social norms, and values, the study aims to understand how these factors shape the distinct identity and appeal of Uttrakhand's restaurant establishments. Through a combination of literature review, in-depth interviews with restaurant owners and patrons, and field observations, this research will delve into the ways in which Uttrakhand's cultural heritage is reflected in the design, decor, menu offerings, and service standards of local restaurants. The findings will provide valuable insights for restaurant owners, designers, and tourism professionals seeking to preserve and promote Uttarakhand's cultural heritage through the development of authentic and memorable hospitality experiences.

Analysis of VR and AR Applications in Various Fields based on HCI Principles

Due to the continuous development of hardware and software, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies are rapidly maturing and becoming popular in people's lives. However, people do not have much knowledge and understanding of them. In order to enable more people to understand Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality and distinguish between them, this article will provide some basic explanations of VR, AR, and HCI. Through specific cases, the application of VR and AR in urban cultural creative design, education field, business field, game field, tourism and cultural experience, and manufacturing industry will be presented and analyzed. In addition, how they are applied based on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles will be discussed separately. Furthermore, the feasibility of this technology and its impact on the industry were discussed. Finally, the limitations of VR and AR technologies were discussed, and some solutions were proposed. The future development directions of VR and AR technologies were also discussed.

Assessing the impact of workload and clinician experience on patient throughput: A multicenter study.

Various strategies have attempted to address increased patient lengths of stay (LOS), but effectiveness varies. Factors related to work design and workforce experience may also play significant roles. Utilizing data from the Discharge in the A.M. trial, we aimed to validate an electronic measure of workload (i.e., note count) and assess the relationship of workload, patient complexity, and physician years of experience to LOS. Retrospective observational study at three large academic hospitals with hospital medicine physicians and patients they care for during the study. Workload as measured by electronic note count and physician years of experience; patient LOS. From February 9, 2021 to July 31, 2021, 59 physicians completed daily surveys for 93% of 2318 scheduled shifts. We observed a moderate correlation (r: .56) between starting morning census and note counts but no association with LOS. We observed an effect modification between note count and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), with LOS increasing by 2.3% (95% CI: 0.3%, 4.3%; p = .02) and 3.9% (95% CI: 2.0%, 5.9%; p < .0001) per patient for every 1 unit increase in note count for patients with a moderate CCI or severe CCI, respectively. Years since training was associated with a 0.7% decrease in LOS (95% CI: -1.3%, -0.1%, p = .03). Physician workload, as measured by note count, was associated with longer LOS with higher CCI, while more years of experience was associated with shorter LOS. Original Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05370638.

Optimization of the route of the refueling machine to reduce the refueling time: Case study of the BN-800 reactor

Sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR) are included in the list of fourth-generation nuclear energy systems, the so-called generation IV (GEN-IV). It is the only technology of GEN-IV that possesses the significant practical experience of design, construction, and operation of high-power reactors. Due to the high temperature of the coolant at the BN-600 and BN-800 reactor core outlets, the steam generator produces steam with higher enthalpy, and this significantly increases the efficiency of cogeneration at SFR power plants in comparison with pressured water reactor (PWR) or boiling water reactor (BWR) units. The primary nuclear fuel effectiveness rises due to cogeneration with higher efficiency of a sodium-cooled fast reactor nuclear power plant (NPP) in comparison with thermal reactors. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the reactor refueling outages to improve the nuclear power plant utilization factor.It is possible to reduce the duration of the reactor refueling by the route optimization of the refueling machine movement. The prevailing in the world thermal neutron reactors with water cooling have a refueling machine that points the certain fuel assembly using two coordinates. The fast neutron reactors use sodium as a coolant; thus, there is a problem with its violent reaction with water and air oxygen. Therefore, it is necessary to exclude the contact of sodium and surrounding air during the refueling. To achieve this, the system of refueling machine pointing is used, consisting of two or three eccentrically located rotating plugs with hydraulic locks. The article presents the results of the creation of mathematical models of refueling machine movement and fuel assembly gripping. The time-optimal algorithms for the operation of refueling machines with three rotating plugs are proposed. The use of the new algorithm allows to reduce the time of movement of the grip of the refueling machine by 30–37%.

Impact of Islamic Art on the Architectural Design of Mosques in Amman

Objectives: This article aims to highlight and study traditional and contemporary Islamic Art in Jordanian mosques. Methods:. Comparative analysis of Islamic Art concerning the mosque architecture in Amman, analysis of theoretical works on this topic, and historical approach. The study will also include a study of mosques in Amman. Results: When designing new mosques, architects need to study not only traditions, design experience, the space-planning solution of the mosque, and the functional organization of space but also the meaning of ornaments. The ornaments on the facade and interior, as well as various art objects in the interior, are the most expressive differences that indicate that the building belongs to the culture of Islam and forms a religion. Conclusions: Islamic art and architecture in Jordan have deep roots in the history of the religion. Many buildings and structures were built during the reign of the Umayyads, Abbasids, and other dynasties, who left their mark on architecture and design. Islamic sculptures and decorations also reflect Jordan&amp;apos;s culture and heritage richness.

The Influence of Screen Brightness and Saturation on Emotional Perception in Human-Machine Interactions: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is essential in emotional and cognitive processes, yet the effects of light and color on brain activity and emotional perception remain underexplored. This study examined the influence of screen brightness and saturation on emotional perception in human-machine interfaces under simulated daytime, cloudy, and nighttime conditions, with 29 volunteers participating. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy assessed PFC hemodynamics. Results indicated higher pleasantness for low versus high saturation under both high and low brightness, while high brightness and saturation were more attractive to participants. High-saturation screens activated the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and left dorsolateral PFC (dIPFC) under high brightness, whereas low saturation increased left dIPFC activation under low brightness. OFC activation positively correlated with pleasantness, while left dIPFC activation negatively correlated with attractiveness. These findings highlight the neurophysiological impact of light and color on emotional perception, providing insights to optimize interface design and user experience in varying lighting conditions.

Socio-spatial analysis of Australian residential care facilities: A case study of traditional, medium, and small household models

While it is imperative to develop building design innovation to adapt to new care models and organisational processes in residential care facilities, there is a lack of research evidence on the interplay between design and resident lived experience, particularly when examined through a building design lens. This study aims to explore the building design factors that contribute to residents' quality of life (QoL), and thus, their ability to find home. The research objectives are to: 1) document and analyse the layout and spatial design of three different typologies (Traditional, Medium, and Small Household models) against key QoL themes and the residents' everyday lived use and sense of feeling at home; and 2) compare the architectural, layout, and lived use of the three typologies through a socio-spatial lens. Employing a mixed methods approach, incorporating architectural and ethnographic research strategies, we identified six key design concepts encompassing 14 factors that might be related to residents' quality of life. The research highlights distinct everyday lived use and spatial adaptation among the three building typologies, with the Small Household case study standing out for providing an excellent holistic setting, resulting in high levels of observed QoL. This paper also suggests practical insights into improving building design briefs.

ПЕРЕДУМОВИ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ ІНФРАСТРУКТУРИ ЗИМОВИХ ВИДІВ СПОРТУ У М. КРЕМЕНЕЦЬ, ТЕРНОПІЛЬСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ

The article examines the potential for the development of professional and amateur winter sports infrastructure in Kremenets town, Ternopil region. On the basis of pre-project studies, a project concept for the development of winter sports infrastructure in Kremenets town was developed. The expediency of expanding the existing material base of winter sports and supplementing it with new facilities, in particular, the creation of an educational and recreational center for alpine skiing in the Volovytsia mountain within the city limits, is substantiated. The following methods were used during the research: content analysis of scientific, normative, archival materials and urban planning documentation; field surveys with analysis of residents' movement trajectories; comparative analysis of the design experience of winter tourism and sports centers in Ukraine and abroad; monitoring of some of these complexes visitors behavior; analysis and evaluation of the natural and urban planning potential of the city territory; analysis of technical, ecological and socio-economic aspects related to the design of a new center of winter sports in Kremenets. The principle approaches to the formation of the concept of winter sports infrastructure development in the Kremenets town, Ternopil region are defined: the application of a systemic approach with the modernization of the existing resource base and the combination of new facilities with the existing ones with the help of convenient transport and pedestrian connections; ensuring a sufficient number of beds for reception and accommodation of athletes in the city; taking into account the visual relationships between the planned centers of winter sports and the landscape and architectural dominants of the city; taking into account the value of natural landscapes when choosing the location of the planned complexes of winter recreation and sports.

Compensatory practices for the renovation of public spaces in the historical environment of cities

The experience of revitalization of public spaces in the historical environment of cities in the practice of foreign and domestic design experience is analyzed. The task is to determine the place and role of modern art and modern architecture in the life of the historical city center in an environment filled with cultural heritage objects. The foreign and domestic experience of practical accent solutions used as temporary, compensatory practices for the renovation of public spaces in the historical environment of cities is considered. The potential of a new perception as a tool for renewal and an integrated approach to solving the strategy for revitalizing public spaces of historical city centers is revealed.

School buildings performance evaluation method (SC-BPE Method)

Assessing the condition of school buildings is essential to ensure a quality learning environment for users. Therefore, the objective of this article is to propose a Method for Evaluating the Performance of School Buildings. In this work, design science research was the method used to create the artifact, which consists of 4 stages. A literature review of academic works and national and international standards and guidelines were carried out to identify the criteria that should be considered in assessing the performance of school buildings. 71 subcriteria were identified, grouped into 12 criteria according to their correlations: facilities, finishes, fire safety, thermal, acoustic and visual comfort, infrastructure, sustainability, habitability, safety (of the school and the student), external factors and environments. The 12 criteria were further divided into 2 dimensions. The weighting of these criteria was performed using the Delphi method. For this stage, 6 experts from four different cities with experience in design, conservation and maintenance of school infrastructure were selected. Subsequently, a method of evaluating the criteria and measuring performance was proposed, which consists of the weighted sum of the evaluations of each criterion, based on a visual inspection and completion of the established protocols. The School Building Performance Evaluation Method encompasses all aspects of the building and is a viable form of evaluation, without requiring sophisticated equipment.

Navigating the places we now inhabit

Learning design involves creating educational opportunities that are engaging and effective. In many countries, this process must attune to indigenous ways of being and knowing. In the context of Aotearoa New Zealand, the learning design process requires the ability to create culturally inclusive learning opportunities that are respectful of Maori culture, but also beneficial to all learners - a process that calls for deeper reflection and understanding of tikanga Maori (Maori customs and practices). This paper highlights the experiences of migrant learning designers and teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand, who work at the intersection of Maori knowledge and Western educational practices. As non-indigenous immigrants, learning designers, teachers, and educational researchers, the authors drew on autoethnography as the methodology, to analyse and reflect on their role as allies of Maori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand. This research aims to find and share ways of reconciling principles of learning design with different ways of knowing, whilst honouring the Maori culture. The paper contributes to wider debates in education that discuss how indigenous knowledge systems can enrich modern educational practices.

Navigating Digital Transformation

This paper outlines the design and implementation experience of a mentorship-based teaching approach for a third-year undergraduate Information Systems on Digital Strategy and Transformation. In its first iteration in 2021, the course struggled with a lack of engagement between staff and students, and overwhelmed students at the end of the semester. The mentorship-based teaching approach was trialled in the second iteration of the course to encourage learner agency and improvement in the students’ learning journey. Implementation of mentorship-based teaching resulted in a higher overall course satisfaction rate and improved staff-student engagement. The application of the mentorship model has been continually fine-tuned each semester since its implementation in 2021. The experience from this design and implementation serves as a case study to incorporate mentorship into the curriculum to facilitate learner agency. Educators may apply a similar process and framework to design a mentorship-based teaching strategy regardless of discipline.