Design Practice Research Articles

A Case Study for Using AI Tools to Develop Training Materials for High Consequence Industries

There is a growing interest in leveraging AI technologies to enhance training development in high-consequence industries. This study investigated the integration of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, into the training development process. Previous research has demonstrated the potential of AI through content generation and support tools to improve training design practices. Building upon this foundation, we analyzed the use of generative AI tools via workshops with task and domain experts. By observing task expert interactions, we identified potential benefits, challenges, and limitations associated with the use of generative AI in training development. A domain expert evaluation provided valuable feedback on the quality of training materials developed with generative AI. Findings from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of how AI can augment training development in high-consequence industries, offering valuable guidance for training practitioners seeking to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness.

Proposal for an Effective Design Practice Education in the Post-COVID Era through Metaverse Platforms

Proposal for an Effective Design Practice Education in the Post-COVID Era through Metaverse Platforms

Investigating the Effects of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Language Learning Strategies on Cognitive Load and Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

This study investigates the impact of AI-assisted language learning (AIAL) strategies on cognitive load and learning outcomes in the context of language acquisition. Specifically, the study explores three distinct AIAL strategies: personalized feedback and adaptive learning, interactive exercises with speech recognition, and intelligent tutoring with data-driven insights. The research employs a pretest-posttest random assignment experimental design, utilizing three experimental groups and a control group, with a total of 484 EFL students specializing in teaching English as a foreign language participating in the study. Data collection involves pre- and post-tests, questionnaires, and interviews to assess the influence of AIAL strategies on cognitive load and learning outcomes. Cognitive load is measured using the Cognitive Load Scale, while pretest-posttest assessments evaluate the efficacy of AIAL interventions across various language skills. These results contribute to the existing body of AIAL research by offering empirical evidence for the effectiveness of specific strategies in optimizing language learning experiences. The implications of this study extend to educators, researchers, and developers in the field of AIAL, emphasizing the potential of AIAL to enhance language acquisition processes and inform instructional design practices.

Influence of Hotel Design on Guest Experience and Satisfaction in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of hotel design on guest experience and satisfaction in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low-cost advantage as compared to field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that aesthetic appeal, functionality, and comfort of hotel interiors significantly contribute to guest satisfaction. Elements such as room layout, furniture design, lighting, and color schemes can create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, enhancing the perceived quality of the stay. Additionally, common areas like lobbies, restaurants, and recreational facilities also impact guests' first impressions and ongoing experiences. The design must cater to diverse guest needs, offering both communal and private spaces that facilitate social interactions and personal relaxation. Moreover, incorporating local culture and unique design elements can provide a memorable and authentic experience, further boosting guest satisfaction. Sustainable and eco-friendly design practices are increasingly valued by guests, reflecting their growing environmental consciousness. Overall, a well-thought-out hotel design can significantly enhance guest experience, leading to higher satisfaction, repeat visits, and positive reviews, which are vital for the hotel's success in a competitive market. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental psychology theory, services cape theory and expectancy-disconfirmation theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of hotel design on guest experience and satisfaction in Kenya. Hotels should prioritize investing in visually appealing and unique design elements, especially in common areas like lobbies. Policymakers should encourage and incentivize sustainable design practices in the hospitality industry.

Innovation Inspired by Nature: Applications of Biomimicry in Engineering Design.

Sustainable development is increasingly driving the trend toward the application of biomimicry as a strategy to generate environmentally friendly solutions in the design of industrial products. Nature-inspired design can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by improving efficiency and minimizing the environmental impact of each design. This research conducted an analysis of available biomimetic knowledge, highlighting the most applied tools and methodologies in each industrial sector. The primary objective was to identify sectors that have experienced greater adoption of biomimicry and those where its application is still in its early stages. Additionally, by applying the available procedures and tools to a selected case study (technologies in marine environments), the advantages and challenges of the methodologies and procedures were determined, along with potential gaps and future research directions necessary for widespread implementation of biomimetics in the industry. These results provide a comprehensive approach to biomimicry applied to more sustainable practices in product design and development.

Exploration on the Teaching Reform of Cultural and Creative Product Design Based on the Cultivation of Art and Labour Integration Talents

The teaching mode of art-industry integration talent cultivation is a project-driven design education mode based on the combination of art and skill constructed. The research in this paper explores the creative practice of cultural and creative product design, takes the effectiveness of the combination of art and craft and practice as the evaluation basis, and proposes a PCA point cloud alignment algorithm based on feature matching, so as to realize the innovation of teaching cultural and creative product design. The normalization of point cloud coordinates is achieved by PCA, and the current state prediction and covariance are obtained based on the normalized results. The results show that in the demand analysis of cultural and creative product design, the Kano value of students’ knowledge development demand reaches above 0.703. It shows that in the art-industry fusion talent cultivation mode, the effectiveness of practical teaching should be taken as the research acceptance standard, so as to explore a new mode and a new path about the cultivation of talents of cultural and creative design in colleges and universities.

A Critical Review on the Advancements in Exploration and Production of Shale Gas

The exploration and production of shale gas have seen significant advancements in recent years, driven by the increasing global demand for clean energy sources. These advancements encompass the understanding of a wide range of areas, including the formation theory of shale gas reservoirs, evaluation methods, well drilling, completion, and simulation techniques. Innovative design, modelling, and field practices have been developed for shale gas well drilling and completion, as well as its production techniques. Furthermore, new simulation techniques, software, algorithms, and other tools have been introduced to improve the modelling and simulation of shale gas production. Experimental and simulation research in shale gas exploration, development, and production using hydraulic fracturing has also seen considerable progress. These advancements are contributing significantly to the global demand for clean energy sources with a promise to achieve sustainable development goals. This review work explores the exploration and exploitation of shale gas with a detailed description of multidisciplinary research efforts, providing valuable insights into shale reservoir/rock characterization and geo-mechanics, fluid-surface interactions, gas adsorption behaviours and single- and multi-phase flow mechanics. These advancements are not only increasing the efficiency and productivity of shale gas extraction but also paving the way to meet the future global energy demand while also contributing to the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The novelty of the review work is that it exhibits a combined qualitative and quantitative study of recent advancements in the sphere of exploration and production of shale gas reserves and its discoveries around the globe.

Bayesian-Based Approach in Soil Characterization for Tophole Design

Summary This paper addresses Bayesian-based data-driven site characterization (DDSC) methods for estimating soil parameters used in tophole casing design. Different models are applied to data sets of piezocone tests (CPTu) conducted in Brazilian fields, and their performance is compared to some characterization techniques currently used by the oil and gas industry. Regression models are crucial for soil characterization for tophole casing design. Data-driven methods consist of a powerful tool for this purpose, allowing handling uncertainties originating from soil variability. This paper addresses regression models devoted to sparse data, namely geotechnical lasso (Glasso) and Gaussian process regression (GPR) from a Bayesian perspective considering prior knowledge of site information. This approach provides statistical information on soil parameters like undrained shear strength, supporting structural analysis of wellhead systems, and conductor/surface casing strings. Data sets were collected from in-situ CPTu tests conducted in the Campos basins in eastern Brazil. The first case study addressed primary CPTu data, including cone tip resistance, friction sleeves, and total pore pressure, to characterize undrained shear resistance as a random variable. In this context, the parameter was modeled using Phoon’s modified Bartlett test to calculate sample sizes that ensure stationarity. This approach presented relevant results in assessing the probability of failure for conductor and surface casing design based on the operator’s internal design criteria. In these applications, more robust techniques were used to improve data characterization. Glasso and GPR models are used to model parameter tendencies and evaluate the random data. These methods differ in prior probability density functions adopted—Laplace and Gaussian, respectively—and they are compared with regression techniques widely used in design practice. All the models were trained to estimate undrained shear resistance. Preliminary results confirm that the technique improves the characterization of soil strata and undrained shear strength, with a beneficial effect on the analysis of offshore tophole structural design cases. Some metrics, such as mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE), indicate that GPR outperforms other methods. This is an innovative methodology applied in real-case scenarios with data ceded from the partner operator. The formulation evaluates uncertainties associated with the spatial heterogeneity of the material, continuously improving robustness with each new project data. This enables a better understanding of soil behavior in specific oil fields and can assist the decision-making process in well design, improving operational safety. Furthermore, the results of the statistical modeling support reliability-based analysis to deliver probability-based indicators for well integrity design.

Understanding the Changes in Brain Activation When Viewing Products with Differences in Attractiveness.

Product design and attractiveness are pivotal factors that determine people's positive reactions when viewing a product and may eventually affect their purchasing choices. Comprehending how people assess product design is crucial. Various studies have explored the link between product attractiveness and consumer behavior, but these were predominantly behavioral studies that offered limited insight into the neural processes underlying perceptions of product attractiveness. Gaining a deeper understanding of these neural mechanisms is valuable, as it enables the formulation of more objective design guidelines based on brain activity, enhancing product appeal and, ultimately, spurring consumer purchases. In our study, we sought to (1) elucidate the neural network engaged when individuals evaluate highly attractive product images, (2) delineate the neural network activated during the evaluation of less attractive product images, and (3) contrast the differences in neural networks between evaluations of highly and less attractive images. We utilized fMRI to investigate the neural activation patterns elicited by viewing product images of varying attractiveness levels. The results indicated distinct neural activations in response to the two types of attractive images. Highly attractive product images elicited activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the occipital pole, whereas less attractive product images stimulated the insula and the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). The findings of this project provide some of the first insights of its kind and valuable insights for future product design, suggesting that incorporating more positive and rewarding elements could enhance product appeal. This research elucidates the neural correlates of people's responses to product attractiveness, revealing that highly attractive designs activate reward-related brain regions, while less attractive designs engage areas associated with emotional processing. These findings offer a neuroscientific basis for further studies on developing design strategies that align with consumers' innate preferences, potentially transforming product design and marketing practices. By leveraging this knowledge, designers can craft products that not only meet functional needs but also resonate more deeply on an esthetic level, thereby enhancing consumer engagement and purchase likelihood.

Assessment of the performance of spread footings and mat foundations on expansive soils

This paper presents two real case buildings that are redesigned considering the heave of the ground formation. The buildings are evaluated for upward swelling pressure, taking into account dead load, live load, and expansive soil load combinations. The criterion used to evaluate the safety of buildings constructed on expansive soils is first presented. Then, two scenarios regarding soil wetting are examined. In the first scenario, water only reaches the perimeter of the building, causing soil expansion at the outer boundaries. In this case, swelling pressure is only applied to the outer parts of the buildings. In the second scenario, heave occurs beneath the interior part of the building due to leakage from the domestic supply network. The structural integrity of the two buildings is evaluated by observing angular distortion at varying levels of swelling pressure. This assessment aims to determine to what extent the use of traditional foundation systems (spread footing and mat foundation) is feasible to support buildings on expansive soils considering different levels of swelling pressure. The study focuses on performing a detailed structural analysis of the building using the ETABS. The findings of this study have important implications for the design and construction practices in semi-arid regions.

User-centered Social Interaction Design in Intelligent Personal Assistants and Social Robots

User-centered design practices are used to develop the social interaction characteristics of intelligent personal assistants and social robots. In this approach, developers establish characteristics favored by the majority of users. However, catering to target users may negate the benefits in user experience and use intention achieved from matching a product’s characteristics to the preferences of individual users. The present study examines differences between target versus individual user based approaches to user-centered design. Specifically, a framework is presented on how to develop a product to meet individual user preferences. Results show that individual user preferences, while similar to the target user preferences, can vary significantly from the baseline. Machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches should be employed to help adjust social interaction approaches from a baseline to individual user preferences.

Barriers and enablers for the adoption of sustainable design practices using new design methods – Accelerating the sustainability transformation in the manufacturing industry

Product development and manufacturing organizations struggle in their sustainability transformation and do not sufficiently contribute to sustainable production and consumption. Design researchers, at the same time, develop and propose a plethora of new and improved design methods that can support the manufacturing industry in such transformation. It is, despite this, well-documented in literature that the industrial adoption of such proposed design methods is challenging. Previous research in the design domain has mainly studied this issue from a process and methodological perspective, whereas previous research in the management domain instead has focused on organizational, and human-behavioral aspects. This poses a research gap for more interdisciplinary research that studies the adoption of design methods from all three perspectives (i.e., process and methodology, organization, and human behavior). Six parallel case studies were carried out with three different product development and manufacturing organizations to collect qualitative empirical data. Glaserian grounded theory was used to analyze the collected data. This resulted in a descriptive framework that captures 53 interdisciplinary factors influencing the adoption of sustainable design practices using new and improved design methods. The descriptive framework is compared to interdisciplinary literature to further clarify and explain the findings, highlighting both practical and theoretical implications. This research provides three main contributions to theory and practice: (1) Two new concepts are introduced and used to explain the empirical findings, which are referred to as the dualism of design methods, and the situational design problem; (2) Nine systemic barriers and eight propositions are formulated, which highlight the need for a paradigm shift in how design is practiced in industry, how cognitive biases inside organizations can lead to a state of pseudo-sustainability, and the need for improved information and data management capabilities in organizations; (3) Sustainable design thinking is proposed as an potential enabler to address several of the main barriers, as it aims to provide a base competence of sustainable design to systematically challenge cognitive biases inside organizations.

"It spreads like wildfire": mothers' gatherings for vaccine acceptance.

This case study describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of an initiative to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake among refugee and immigrant women in Clarkston, Georgia. Applying the principles and practices of human-centered design, Mothers x Mothers was co-created by Refugee Women's Network and IDEO.org as a series of gatherings for refugee and immigrant mothers to discuss health issues, beginning with the COVID-19 vaccine. The gatherings included both vaccinated and unvaccinated mothers and used a peer support model, with facilitation focused on creating a trusting environment and supporting mothers to make their own health decisions. The facilitators for Mothers x Mothers gatherings were community health workers (CHWs) recruited and trained by Refugee Women's Network. Notably, these CHWs were active in every phase of the initiative, from design to implementation to evaluation, and the CHWs' professional development was specifically included among the initiative's goals. These elements and others contributed to an effective public health intervention for community members who, for a variety of reasons, did not get sufficient or appropriate COVID-19 vaccine information through other channels. Over the course of 8 Mothers x Mothers gatherings with 7 distinct linguistic/ethnic groups, 75% of the unvaccinated participants decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine and secured a vaccine referral.

Research on the Application of Soundscape Design in Domestic Suspense Films: A Case Study of Lost in the Stars

This paper takes the soundscape design of domestic suspense films as the research object, aiming to explore the classification, case analysis, and production process of soundscapes in domestic suspense films, and to propose innovative strategies. Firstly, by defining and classifying film soundscapes, the characteristics of soundscape design in domestic suspense films are summarized. Secondly, through a specific case study of Lost in the Stars, the application and effect of soundscape design in domestic suspense films are analyzed. Next, the production process of soundscapes in domestic suspense films in the digital cinema era is introduced, including sound design, simultaneous recording, post-production, mixing, and playback stages. Finally, innovative strategies for the soundscape design of domestic suspense films are proposed. This research aims to provide theoretical support and innovative ideas for the practice of soundscape design in domestic suspense films.

Effects of Spatial Type and Scale of Small Urban Open Spaces on Perceived Restoration: An Online Survey-Based Experiment

Small urban open spaces are critical components of high-density urban environments, and could bring multiple health benefits. However, the factors related to the restorative effect of these small urban open spaces are not well studied. This study explored how site type (lawn, water, and plaza) and spatial scales (10 × 10 m, 20 × 20 m, 30 × 30 m, and 40 × 40 m) might be associated with small urban open space’s restorative effects. We created the virtual scene images of the 12 sites and used PRS-11 to measure 1130 participants’ perceived restoration when viewing those images. The results indicated that lawn has the highest restorative effects, and are the most preferred. No significant differences in the restorative effects of sites with different spatial scales were detected, even a 10 × 10 m site has considerable restorative effects. We found high preference contributes to larger differences in the restorative effects of lawns and plazas. Those who prefer the sites may gain more restoration increases when viewing lawn scenes compared to plaza scenes. Moreover, adults over 50 years old have higher perceived restorations, and young adults aged 18–25 have a greater increase in restoration between plaza scenes and natural scenes, indicating young adults could benefit more from the building of small green spaces. These findings have direct implications for design practice. More small urban open spaces of lawn and water should be built to provide more restoration benefits, especially for young people.

Facade and Envelope Design in Architecture--The Evolution, Technological Innovation, and Visual Expression

This essay explores the evolution, technological innovation, and visual expression of facades and envelopes in modern architecture through the lens of three seminal case studies: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House, and Walter Gropius's Bauhaus School. These case studies highlight the transformative impact of architectural design principles on building aesthetics and functionality. The Notre Dame Cathedral introduced a revolutionary structural system that liberated the facade from its traditional load-bearing role, allowing for expansive stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings that set the stage for future architectural innovations. Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House exemplifies the minimalist approach, emphasizing transparency and the seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces. The Bauhaus School, under Gropius's leadership, merged art, technology, and craftsmanship, creating a new architectural language characterized by simplicity and functional beauty. Through a detailed analysis of these projects, the essay provides insights into the enduring influence of these architectural milestones on contemporary design practices.

Design of Rock Support in Low Overburden and Hard Rock Conditions with the use of Rock Mass Classification Systems and Numerical Analyses: a Study Based on the Construction of the Hestnes Railway Tunnel, Norway

AbstractEngineering rock mass classifications are used to describe rock masses and to assist in the design of rock support in hard rock tunneling. In most of the encountered geological- and rock mechanical conditions, from hard and competent rock to poor and fractured rock masses, the application of classification systems has normally resulted in successful and economic designs. However, complex ground conditions as these derived from tunneling in low rock overburden pose several challenges to rock mass classification and support design. In the present study, an analysis of the ground behavior and tunnel stability in a portion with very low rock overburden during the construction of the Hestnes railway tunnel (Norway) was conducted to investigate the performance of the current classification practice for tunnel rock support design. The results have revealed several challenges, which are related to conservative rock mass and rock support assessments due to the lack of consideration of the important stabilizing effect that rock arching has on tunnel stability. It was also found that with the application of an integrated methodology able to combine classification methods with numerical simulations and detailed information of the ground properties and behavior, more optimal designs in the form of rock reinforcement with bolts and shotcrete can be achieved when rock mass quality Q < 1. On this basis, a set of design recommendations was developed for the integration of classification systems with more elaborated engineering design analyses to provide guidance in design optimization for hard rock tunnels subject to low overburden.

Daunted by design: creating tools of slow violence

Design today is tackling increasingly complex societal issues; however, it is also prone to instrumentalisation in this endeavour. This paper examines how design practice and solutions can become a tool for daunted managerialism, a form of slow violence that conceals, prolongs, and even reinforces the complex and interwoven sources of social and environmental harm. It argues that design problem-solution spaces are often constructed with naturalised norms and subjectivities, which can lead to design processes and outcomes that incite cruel optimism, prioritise certain harms over others, and become tools for governing precarity. This argument is illustrated with examples from different domains of design addressing complex societal issues, such as sustainable design, social design, humanitarian design, and participatory design. We propose that design outcomes should not be regarded as solutions, but as intermediaries of engagement that can facilitate sociological and political imaginations that empower society in general, and marginalised people and communities specifically, to resist and transform violent systems.

Sustainability through Biomimicry: A Comprehensive Review of Bionic Design Applications.

The research objective of this paper is to examine the role of bionic design in advancing sustainable development within industrial design by outlining its theoretical framework; analyzing its applications in morphological, functional, and material aspects; identifying current challenges; and projecting future trends toward eco-integration, resource efficiency, and technological innovation. First, the definition, development history, and theoretical basis of the sustainable development of bionic design are outlined. Secondly, the application of bionic design in sustainable industrial design is analyzed in depth, including the application of morphological bionic design in exploring the combination of nature and innovation, the role of functional bionic design in integrating biological function and product innovation, and the harmonious unification of material bionic and environmental friendliness. Finally, it points out the current challenges faced by bionic design, such as barriers in design practice and market acceptance issues, and looks forward to the sustainable development trend of bionic design, including eco-integration, resource efficiency enhancement, technological innovation, integrated application, etc., to provide new ideas and impetus for the sustainable development of the industrial design field in the future.

Embedding assessment flexibilities for future authentic learning

ABSTRACT Studies reporting flexible assessment strategies and their impact across different modes of study remain limited with little emphasis placed on the role these arrangements play in devising authentic assessment processes. This paper synthesises recent research work depicting flexible design principles and practice strategies for how educators might effectively and with confidence move assessment forward in ways that prepare students for a multitude of future possibilities. Evidence is presented for how such assessment arrangements can be created to allow for a valid and authentic representation of student performance in increasingly digital learning environments. Authentically future-facing assessment in higher education needs to be adaptable, ideally offering an element of flexibility and agency to students which helps them to continuously connect what they are learning – ideas to thinking, principles to problems, theory to practice, learning to life.