Product Design Research Articles

Evaluating the suitability of niches for additive manufacturing production: proposal for a numeric evaluation tool

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a wide set of technologies that can be used for many different scopes. AM is now a well-integrated prototyping and development tool in most industrial endeavours, while proper end-product manufacturing has only seen very specific niche successes. Given the complexity of AM’s matrix, which is full of discontinuities and non-trivial intercorrelations that play a relevant role in product design and development, it should not come as a surprise that not many end-product applications have succeeded in making use of it. This paper argues that understanding AM’s complex matrix and correctly identifying suitable production niches for it are key elements of this issue, a topic for which existing literature and tools are scarce. The analysis of AM’s status quo for end-product manufacturing and the review of existing approaches to integrate these technologies with product development are the basis used in this paper to propose a suitability assessment tool to fill this knowledge gap.

Enhancing precision in 3D printing for highly functional printing with high-speed vision

3D printing has revolutionized product design and manufacturing across various industries by enabling the creation of complex geometries with minimal waste. Despite its advancements, 3D printing still faces significant challenges, including spatial constraints and process control limitations. This paper introduces novel approaches to improve the functionality and precision of material extrusion 3D printers for the fused deposition modeling method, particularly for additional printing tasks such as printing on existing objects or continuing a print on a relocated object without prior knowledge of its position or even the environment is changed. We introduce a compensation system integrating a high-speed vision system for robot arms to address these challenges. Our system employs a three-step pose estimation process—fast point feature histograms (FPFH)-based, corner-based, and sub-pixel edge-based methods—to ensure high accuracy in restoring the position of printed pieces for additional printing tasks on a given object. Experimental results demonstrate substantial improvements in printing precision, with the system achieving sub-millimeter and sub-pixel accuracy. These advancements not only eliminate work area constraints but also enhance the adaptability and reliability of 3D printing processes.

Advancing heavy manufacturing

Advancing heavy manufacturing The main objective of ENGINE is to develop a first-time-right (FTR) and zero-defect metal product design and manufacturing system, then demonstrate it on the marine engine supply chain. Our ambition is to increase the competitiveness of industry and SMEs, reduce manufacturing defects and waste, create new business cases and improve employee well-being.

ELEMENTS OF RETAIL STORE INTERIOR DESIGN : A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON ENHANCING CUSTOMER IN STORE EXPERIENCE

This research aimed to formulate the essential elements in retail store interior design. The retail store landscape is expected to undergo significant changes and trends in 2024. In this context, digitalization is expected to grow directly in proportion to e-commerce. Several AI-related concepts are also becoming increasingly favored. There are opportunities to explore key design elements in adapting to these developments. A good understanding of these elements can enhance the store’s image and create a positive experience. A qualitative method was also used to obtain 10 participants through focus group discussions involving retail store visitors as well as experts and interior product designers. The results showed that there are several important elements in designing retail store interiors, including physical elements such as the exterior area, interior area, display area, interior layout, and point of purchase. These physical elements play a significant role in creating an attractive and functional store appearance. Additionally, social elements are also important, including merchant characteristics, merchant outfits, crowding, customer characteristics, and privacy. These elements help in creating symbols and meanings relevant to visitors. Therefore, retail interior design that considers the store exterior, store interior, interior layout, and store displays can create a pleasant and meaningful shopping experience for customers

The Concept of Building an Integrated Digital Ecosystem to Improve the Quality of Products and Services of Defense Industry Enterprises

Research and development of systems for managing material, technical, and intellectual resources are key directions for improving manufacturing processes in the modern world. In recent years, the question of integrating various management systems has become particularly relevant due to the widespread adoption of quality management systems and their certification to meet current regulatory requirements. This study attempts to merge the advantages of using product lifecycle information support technologies, such as data and information management, with the concept of digital twins, including virtual design, digital product modeling, and real-time analysis. The analysis covers the constituent elements of the generalized product design and manufacturing process, addressing the construction of an integrated digital ecosystem to enhance the quality of products and services in the defense-industrial complex. This ecosystem is based on the integration of technologies for continuous product information support using their digital twins and an integrated quality management system. It is shown that the approach to evaluating the effectiveness of purposeful processes should be complemented by a risk-oriented model, which includes response scenarios to potential adverse effects of the operation of the purposeful organizational-technical system. A structural scheme and formalized description of a generalized product information support model are presented, allowing for the integration of specific quality indicators into a unified strategic outcome. Ultimately, a concept for building an integrated digital ecosystem for defense-industrial enterprises is proposed, aimed at enhancing the overall quality of products and services.

Guideline for Large-Scale Analysis of Centrifugal Blower Using Wall-Resolved Large Eddy Simulation

Abstract To reduce the number of prototypes during product design and accurately predict unsteady phenomena occurring at off-design points, a method for accurately predicting the performance of centrifugal blowers through numerical analysis is required. This article presents a guideline for accurately predicting the performance of centrifugal blowers using compressible flow analysis with large eddy simulation (LES). In LES analysis, it is important to have a grid resolution that resolves the minimum vortex scale near the wall (referred to as wall-resolved LES) and to consider detailed geometry such as the length of the suction pipe. The calculations in this study used a model blower, which is a scale model of a single-stage centrifugal blower for use in industrial plants. The model blower was experimentally measured for various parameters such as the blower pressure coefficient, the static-pressure-rise coefficients of the impeller and vane-less diffuser, the shaft power, and the pressure fluctuations at the inlet of the impeller and the inlet of the vane-less diffuser. The results of these measurements were compared with those obtained from the wall-resolved LES. The study confirmed that the accuracy of performance prediction can be improved to less than a 4.0% error in the blower pressure coefficient at both design and off-design operating points by resolving the minimum vortex scale with 14.6 billion-grid elements and considering the detailed geometry.

Systematic Layout Planning and Analytical Hierarchy Process for Laboratory Layout Optimization: A Case Study of DESPRIN

The Product Design and Innovation Laboratory (DESPRIN) at Del Institute of Technology plays a crucial role in supporting innovation. Yet, its current layout struggles to meet its users' diverse and evolving needs. This study addresses the problem of inadequate spatial configuration, which hampers workflow efficiency, ergonomics, and the lab's overall capacity to accommodate various activities. To resolve this issue, a flexible layout is designed using the Systematic Layout Planning (SLP) method, emphasizing optimizing space utilization, workflow, and spatial adaptability. Data collected from literature reviews, interviews, statistical analyses, and anthropometric measurements inform the design process to enhance the lab’s quality and spatial efficiency. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed to prioritize key layout design factors, identifying capacity as the most critical element (0.4930), followed by facilities (0.1688), accessibility (0.1414), security (0.1270), and environment (0.0708). The study results in 13 new layout configurations that can accommodate various activities within DESPRIN, providing a more dynamic and responsive user environment.

An observational study of female body shape characteristics in multiracial Malaysia

Abstract The current study aims to explore the representative and typical female body shapes through in-depth observation and analysis of the diversity in Malaysian female body shape characteristics across different ethnic and age groups, which assists in facilitating the establishment of accurate apparel size standards. This study was conducted in Selangor, which is the most populous and developed Malaysian state. The data were collected via a highly systematic approach. The K-mean clustering method was applied to synthesise and analyse the collected data, which classified the body types into five major clusters. The results not only revealed significant differences in the distribution of body shapes across ethnic and age groups but also highlighted the limitations of the various sizing systems currently employed by the Malaysian apparel industry to fulfil the requirements of the diverse Malaysian market. The findings provided practical implications for apparel manufacturers and retailers with concrete evidence to support improved product design and enhance customer satisfaction. A deeper understanding and categorisation of Malaysian females’ body types could also assist the apparel industry in developing more tailored sizing systems. Resultantly, an improved system minimises return rates, optimises inventory management, and supports environmental and sustainability goals by reducing overproduction.

Analysis and Creation of the Lingnan Cultural Identity Handbook for Product Design

The primary languages used in this region are Cantonese, Hokkienese, and Hakka Dialec, each with distinct dialects and local vocabulary, reflecting the local lifestyle and culture. This study had three main objectives: 1) To Scope on important characteristic of Lingnan identity, 2) To create Identity of Lingnan to products and 3) To complete the design Handbook and product design. The study involved a sample group consisting of experts in Lingnan cultural identity, product designers, and entrepreneurs, and the overall research population included 400 individuals interested in these products. Based on insights from the Handbook for Designing Cultural Products, the study developed the Lingnan cultural identity Handbook for Product Design (e-book). The study utilized an experimental research design and employed interviews and a satisfaction questionnaire as research instruments. This study synthesized, analyzed, and translated the collected data into Lingnan symbols, then compiled descriptive interpretations. The statistical methods used. The research findings revealed prominent elements of Lingnan cultural identity, including Chen Clan Temple, Wo'er House, Manchuria Window, Dragon Boat, Suixi Lion Dance, and Guangdong Opera. The region's geography and history deeply ingrain these cultural elements, showcasing the adaptability and wisdom of the local population. The product design concept focused on the creative process, emphasizing the development of products that meet market demands while considering utility, beauty, and value for product users. The evaluation of the Handbook indicated a high level of overall satisfaction (x̄=3.53). Among the three forms of cultural products, the first had the highest level of overall satisfaction (x̄=4.06), followed by the second with a high level of overall satisfaction (x̄=3.83), and the last with a high level of overall satisfaction (x̄=3.73).

Life Cycle Fluoropolymer Management in Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis

Concerns over the life cycle impacts of fluoropolymers have led to their inclusion in broad product restriction proposals for per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), despite their non-bioavailable properties and low exposure potential in complex, durable goods such as non-consumer electrical products. Based on the hypothesis that manufacturers are most able to manage the environmental impacts of their products, practical engineering approaches to implementing life cycle fluoropolymer stewardship are evaluated to bridge the ongoing debate between precautionary and risk-based approaches to PFAS management. A life cycle thinking approach is followed that considers product design and alternatives, as well as the product life cycle stages of material sourcing, manufacturing, field deployment, and end-of-life. Over the product life cycle, the material sourcing and end-of-life stages are most impactful in minimizing potential life cycle PFAS emissions. Sourcing fluoropolymers from suppliers with fluorosurfactant emissions control and replacement minimizes the potential emissions of bio-available PFAS substances. A stack-as-service approach to electrolyzer operations ensures a takeback mechanism for the recycling of end-of-life fluoropolymer materials. Retaining electrolytic hydrogen’s license to operate results in over USD 2 of environmental and health benefits per kilogram of hydrogen produced from reduced greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions compared to conventional hydrogen production via steam methane reforming.

Digital-based pencak silat learning in Indonesia

The use of digital technology has the potential to increase the effectiveness of learning both theoretical and practical materials with a wide range and not limited to space and time. This research aims to develop a digital-based learning model in the form of a website as a medium to improve the skills of the FPOK student athletes in pencak silat. The method used was research and development which consists of five stages, namely needs analysis, product design, product development, preliminary field test, operational field test (comparative test). The results of this research are web-based teaching materials. The design of digital teaching materials has been validated by lecturers of learning technology, and sports skills at UPI Bandung. The learning process increased in terms of mastery of pencak silat skills, exceeding the achievements of the direct teaching method. Keywords: digital-based learning, pencak silat skills, product development

Sound imaging for car/mobility sounds by generative artificial intelligence

Use of generative artificial intelligence becomes popular in recent days. Especially the area of producing image, chatting and sound effects are commonly recognized to use. However it is not so much extended into product design or combinations of image and sounds. In this paper, application examples to design car sound with generative artificial intelligence are presented. These approaches are mixed usage with image generative AI, sound generative AI and sound modification, it leads creative way of producing sound examples for future car and mobility. Lastly, with respect to theme of inter-noise 2024, special sound design for Jules Vernes world will be presented.

A service failure assessment model for smart product consumption experience based on customer perception

Customer perception is an important consideration factor in evaluating the quality of human-computer interaction services. Sustainable user experiences and marketing strategies can be created by analyzing customer perception. By understanding consumer satisfaction with product services in the customer perception area, appropriate product service failure prevention strategies can be formulated. A service failure evaluation model is proposed in this study, which considers the customer tolerance area to accurately evaluate consumers’ behavioral experiences from purchasing to using products. The concept of tolerance area is introduced, and a combination of the fuzzy Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to construct a human-computer interaction service failure evaluation model. Potential service failure factors of smart speakers are accurately evaluated by this model, and these service failure factors are ranked within the tolerance area. The research identifies voice misinterpretation and signal connectivity issues as the primary risk factors impacting the quality of human-computer interaction for smart speakers. The application of this method not only enhances the evaluation of smart speaker human-computer interaction services quality but also aids in the precise identification and prioritization of critical failure modes. The proposed service failure prevention strategies can reduce consumer dissatisfaction and provide innovative references for smart product design and marketing. The findings bolster empirical evidence for service failure prevention strategies in smart products and pave the way for novel perspectives on enhancing the quality of human-computer interaction services.

Prediction of vibro-acoustic sound emissions based on mapped structural dynamics

In the product design of shell-like housing structures for vibrating bodies, acoustic emission plays a significant role in usability and customer comfort. Consequently, the prediction of the emitted sound, e.g., in the form of the radiated sound power, is desired in the earliest possible stage of the development cycle. In industry, performing extensive acoustic testing using microphone arrays or laser scanning vibrometry is often time-consuming or infeasible, as it requires an acoustically treated measurement chamber and specific measurement equipment. On the other hand, accelerometer data is more straightforward to obtain due to the lower cost of the sensors and relaxed constraints on the measurement chamber compared to acoustic measurements. Hence, this contribution utilizes available surface velocity data in an acoustic simulation of the free-field Helmholtz problem. In doing so, it compares a conventional element-based and a mesh-less data-driven mapping technique to investigate the reduction of the number of provided sensor positions for the radiation problem. The open-source boundary element framework NiHu is used to give accurate predictions of acoustic emissions over a wide frequency range. The approach is applied to an industrial problem and validated against microphone measurements.

Enhancing User Experience on Social Media Platforms: A Flow Theory-Based Approach

In recent years, social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter have seen rapid growth and are favored by users of all ages. However, in the age of information overload, the quality of interactions on social media platforms varies significantly, leading to negative feelings among users and affecting their overall experience and loyalty. This study takes the Flow theory as its starting point and investigates the needs of social media users at various stages of the flow experience. We propose modifications to the flow theory model with the aim of enhancing user experience and satisfaction. Firstly, based on literature review, we identify micro-level issues of the product, propose hypotheses, and construct validation experiments in the context of social media. The experiment collects Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and heart rate variability (HRV) data of 31 participants using a multi-channel physiological instrument and collects their emotional experience data using the Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance (PAD) scale. Results indicate that a combined textual-graphical interface layout is superior to other layouts in positively inducing flow and emotional experiences. Positive content tonality is more effective at eliciting positive flow and emotional experiences than negative or neutral content. Video presentations have a stronger sense of immersion and emotional expression, making them more conducive to inducing flow experiences and positive emotional feedback. This study, grounded in user psychology, provides a theoretical framework based on flow and emotional experiences for social media product design, quantitatively examining the positive psychological activities of users when using social media.

A Product Design Method Based on Functional Similarity

A Product Design Method Based on Functional Similarity

Financial Product Design in Decentralized Markets

Financial Product Design in Decentralized Markets

Product Design Sketch Decision Model Based on Improved Capsule Network

Product Design Sketch Decision Model Based on Improved Capsule Network

The Effectiveness of the Dilemma-STEAM Learning Model Based on Motion Graphic Videos in the Subject of Parabolic Motion

Abstract This study aims to develop and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the Dilemma-STEAM learning model using motion graphic videos in teaching Parabolic Motion. The developed motion graphic videos incorporate five Dilemma-STEAM learning syntaxes: Reflection, Exploration, Elaboration, Integration, and Transformation, which address the topic of Parabolic Motion. The development model utilized in this Research and Development (R&D) method follows the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate) with the following stages: 1. Needs analysis, 2. Product design, 3. Product development, 4. Feasibility testing and product trials. Based on needs analysis conducted through field observations, it was found that students require learning media in the form of motion graphics for the subject of Parabolic Motion using the Dilemma-STEAM learning model. Feasibility tests by subject matter experts, media experts, and learning experts were conducted using feasibility questionnaires, yielding an average feasibility percentage of 92% for subject matter experts, 89% for media experts, and 78% for learning experts. Additionally, readability tests and trials of the Dilemma-STEAM learning model were conducted with eleventh-grade students, with average effectiveness percentages of 78% and 75%, respectively. Based on the obtained average percentages, it is concluded that the Dilemma-STEAM learning model based on motion graphic videos is feasible and effective as a learning medium for eleventh-grade Physics.

Exploring Marzano Higher-Order Thinking Skills: Demographic Disparities Among Technical Students

Higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) encompass the capacity to apply knowledge, skills, and values in comprehending, reflecting, solving problems, making decisions, innovating, and creating new ideas. These skills vary among individuals, especially in learning contexts, problem-solving, and product design. The goal of this study is to evaluate technical students' perceptions of their mastery of Marzano's Higher Order Thinking Skills. A total of 351 students, including those from Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering programs at Sultan Abdul Halim Muad'zam Shah Polytechnic, were randomly chosen as participants. This research employed a survey design with a quantitative approach, and data were analyzed using SPSS software, with results presented in terms of means, frequencies, and percentages. Findings suggest that overall, students' mastery of Marzano HOTS remains at a generally low level, except for four specific skills—analyzing error, constructing support, abstracting, and analyzing perspectives—which are rated at an intermediate level. On the contrary, nine HOTS areas were identified as being at a low level. An ETA analysis revealed a minimal positive correlation between Marzano HOTS mastery and variables such as gender, age, field of study, and year of study. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were found in HOTS levels based on gender, age, and year of study. These outcomes suggest that students need further development in HOTS to better tackle learning challenges. The study also offers key insights that could assist TVET practitioners in developing more effective curricula and interventions for improving higher-order thinking skills among technical students.