Roadmap For Design Research Articles

Design Roadmapping in an Uncertain World: Implementing a Customer-Experience-Focused Strategy

Technology is rapidly changing, and customers are seeking not just products and services but experiences. Traditional approaches to strategic planning using product and technology roadmaps are no longer sufficient. This article describes the emergence of what the authors call “design roadmapping” approaches that are grounded in the creation of customer experiences, and which drive the choices of features, functionality, and technology. Design roadmapping provides stability for the future, even as technologies are changing, and keeps organizations more focused on the customers they are serving.

Cognition based bTBI mechanistic criteria; a tool for preventive and therapeutic innovations

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury has been associated with neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. To date, although damage due to oxidative stress appears to be important, the specific mechanistic causes of such disorders remain elusive. Here, to determine the mechanical variables governing the tissue damage eventually cascading into cognitive deficits, we performed a study on the mechanics of rat brain under blast conditions. To this end, experiments were carried out to analyse and correlate post-injury oxidative stress distribution with cognitive deficits on a live rat exposed to blast. A computational model of the rat head was developed from imaging data and validated against in vivo brain displacement measurements. The blast event was reconstructed in silico to provide mechanistic thresholds that best correlate with cognitive damage at the regional neuronal tissue level, irrespectively of the shape or size of the brain tissue types. This approach was leveraged on a human head model where the prediction of cognitive deficits was shown to correlate with literature findings. The mechanistic insights from this work were finally used to propose a novel protective device design roadmap and potential avenues for therapeutic innovations against blast traumatic brain injury.

Gamification of employee training and development

Gamification has become increasingly common in employee training. Simultaneously, our scientific understanding of gamified learning has grown. However, there are few resources that provide specific recommendations for science‐based gamification in employee training to address the research–practice gap. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to describe our current scientific understanding of gamification as it can be used to realistically improve web‐based employee training. First, because gamification is commonly misunderstood, we explain what gamification is in the context of training. Second, because gamification is commonly misapplied, research on the effectiveness of gamified learning as related to training design is reviewed. Finally, to provide a clear roadmap for training design, we describe a formal process for gamifying web‐based training in a scientifically supported way.

How German Companies apply Roadmapping: Evidence from an Empirical Study

Abstract Roadmapping is a method able to integrate different planning levels and to allocate options within these levels, using the metaphor of guidance through the complexity of a geographic landscape. Roadmaps enable companies to explore and choose the best possible route from available options. Today, roadmapping (and strategy in general) is confronted with new challenges. Industry trends such as an increasing digitization, smart systems and the internet of things are forcing companies to consider fields in their roadmapping processes that are extending beyond traditional core competencies. The aim of the presented research is to identify current roadmapping practices applied in industrial companies in Germany. To reach this aim, characterizing parameters for roadmap design, as well as future challenges, recommendations and pitfalls were investigated with the help of practitioners from industrial companies in an internet survey.

Designing a B Cell-Based Vaccine against a Highly Variable Hepatitis C Virus.

The ability to use structure-based design and engineering to control the molecular shape and reactivity of an immunogen to induce protective responses shows great promise, along with corresponding advancements in vaccine testing and evaluation systems. We describe in this review new paradigms for the development of a B cell-based HCV vaccine. Advances in test systems to measure in vitro and in vivo antibody-mediated virus neutralization include retroviral pseudotype particles expressing HCV E1E2 glycoproteins (HCVpp), infectious cell culture-derived HCV virions (HCVcc), and surrogate animal models mimicking acute HCV infection. Their applications have established the role of broadly neutralizing antibodies to control HCV infection. However, the virus has immunogenic regions in the viral envelope glycoproteins that are associated with viral escape or non-neutralizing antibodies. These regions serve as immunologic decoys that divert the antibody response from less prominent conserved regions mediating virus neutralization. This review outlines the immunogenic regions on E2, which are roughly segregated into the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1), and five clusters of overlapping epitopes designated as antigenic domains A-E. Understanding the molecular architecture of conserved neutralizing epitopes within these antigenic domains, and how other antigenic regions or decoys deflect the immune response from these conserved regions will provide a roadmap for the rational design of an HCV vaccine.

Scoping the polymer genome: A roadmap for rational polymer dielectrics design and beyond

Abstract The Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) has heralded a sea change in the philosophy of materials design. In an increasing number of applications, the successful deployment of novel materials has benefited from the use of computational methodologies, data descriptors, and machine learning. Polymers have long suffered from a lack of data on electronic, mechanical, and dielectric properties across large chemical spaces, causing a stagnation in the set of suitable candidates for various applications. Extensive efforts over the last few years have seen the fruitful application of MGI principles toward the accelerated discovery of attractive polymer dielectrics for capacitive energy storage. Here, we review these efforts, highlighting the importance of computational data generation and screening, targeted synthesis and characterization, polymer fingerprinting and machine-learning prediction models, and the creation of an online knowledgebase to guide ongoing and future polymer discovery and design. We lay special emphasis on the fingerprinting of polymers in terms of their genome or constituent atomic and molecular fragments, an idea that pays homage to the pioneers of the human genome project who identified the basic building blocks of the human DNA. By scoping the polymer genome, we present an essential roadmap for the design of polymer dielectrics, and provide future perspectives and directions for expansions to other polymer subclasses and properties.

Sensing, smart and sustainable product development (S3 product) reference framework

Enterprises must become ‘sensing, smart and sustainable (S3)’ to face global challenges related to local, national and global market dynamics. Therefore, reconceptualisation and redesign in these enterprises must accommodate emergent technologies, new practices and strategies. In this sense, enterprises have used new product development as a strategy for remaining competitive in the marketplace; thus, they can provide a new generation of products offering solutions to contemporary social problems and responding to changing consumer demands. These new-generation products are mostly technology-based and consider sustainable objectives. In this context, concepts such as sensing, smart and sustainable products (S3 products) have emerged to satisfy different social requirements. Therefore, this work focuses on providing a reference framework that presents a systematic process for the development of S3 products. This reference framework is based on the integrated product, process and manufacturing system development reference model. The main objective of this work is to fill the gap vis-à-vis the current lack of design roadmaps that permit the development of this new generation of products in S3 enterprises. The development of a reconfigurable micro-machine tool is presented as that of an S3 product.

Evaluating sustainable energy harvesting systems for human implantable sensors

ABSTRACTAchieving most appropriate energy-harvesting technique for human implantable sensors is still challenging for the industry where keen decisions have to be performed. Moreover, the available polymeric-based composite materials are offering plentiful renewable applications that can help sustainable development as being useful for the energy-harvesting systems such as photovoltaic, piezoelectric, thermoelectric devices as well as other energy storage systems. This work presents an expert-based model capable of better evaluating and examining various available renewable energy-harvesting techniques in urban surroundings subject to various technical and economic, often conflicting, criteria. Wide evaluation criteria have been adopted in the proposed model after examining their suitability as well as ensuring the expediency and reliability of the model by worldwide experts’ feedback. The model includes establishing an analytic hierarchy structure with simultaneous 12 conflicting factors to establish a systematic road map for designers to better assess such techniques for human implantable medical sensors. The energy-harvesting techniques considered were limited to Wireless, Thermoelectric, Infrared Radiator, Piezoelectric, Magnetic Induction and Electrostatic Energy Harvesters. Results have demonstrated that the best decision was in favour of wireless-harvesting technology for the medical sensors as it is preferable by most of the considered evaluation criteria in the model.

Road Map for the Structure-Based Design of Selective Covalent HCV NS3/4A Protease Inhibitors.

Over the last 2 decades, covalent inhibitors have gained much popularity and is living up to its reputation as a powerful tool in drug discovery. Covalent inhibitors possess many significant advantages including increased biochemical efficiency, prolonged duration and the ability to target shallow, solvent exposed substrate-binding domains. However, rapidly mounting concerns over the potential toxicity, highly reactive nature and general lack of selectivity have negatively impacted covalent inhibitor development. Recently, a great deal of emphasis by the pharmaceutical industry has been placed toward the development of novel approaches to alleviate the major challenges experienced through covalent inhibition. This has unexpectedly led to the emergence of "selective" covalent inhibitors. The purpose of this review is not only to provide an overview from literature but to introduce a technical guidance as to how to initiate a systematic "road map" for the design of selective covalent inhibitors which we believe may assist in the design and development of optimized potential selective covalent HCV NS3/4A viral protease inhibitors.

Future Digital Design and Manufacturing: Embracing Industry 4.0 and Beyond

This research highlight overviews the development roadmap of digital design and manufacturing and focuses on the future development directions under the Industries 4.0.

Integrated Product, Process and Manufacturing System Development Reference Model to develop Cyber-Physical Production Systems - The Sensing, Smart and Sustainable Microfactory Case Study

This work provides a systematized process for the Sensing, Smart and Sustainable Product Development (S3-Product) applied to develop Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPSs). This reference framework is based on the Integrated Product, Process, and Manufacturing System Development Reference Model (IPPMD). The IPPMD will permit the integration between the different engineering domains that comprise the S3-Product (mechanical, electrical/electronic and software engineering). Therefore, the framework proposed provides a set of stages, activities, and tools in order to guide designers in the S3-Product realization process. The main objective of this work is to fill the lack of the design roadmaps that permit the realization of this new generation of products. A development of a S3-Microfactory as CPPS is presented as case study.

Exploring Human Antimicrobial Antibody Responses on a Single B Cell Level.

Analysis of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) derived from single B cell cloning has been highly beneficial for antimicrobial immunotherapy, vaccine design, and advancing our understanding of pathogen-triggered effects on the human immunoglobulin repertoire. Sequencing of variable domains of single B cells, and characterization of binding and functional activities of MAbs derived from those sequences, provides in-depth insight not only into sites of susceptibility for antibody-mediated neutralization or opsonization of the pathogen but also into the dynamics of protective antibody evolution during infection. This information can be utilized to rapidly develop novel immunotherapies of completely human origin and provides a roadmap for structure-based vaccine design that aims to elicit similar protective antibody responses. Here, we summarize recent aspects of the single B cell cloning approach.

Synthetic control of the size, shape, and polydispersity of anisotropic silica colloids

The microstructure and rheological properties of colloidal suspensions depend on particle size and shape. This work aims to further control the size, shape, and polydispersity of anisotropic silica colloids, to reduce particle size, and to provide additional mechanistic insights on a prevalent, water-in-oil emulsion synthesis method. Key findings show that the dimensions of anisotropic silica particles can be systematically varied by approximately fivefold, with a limiting minimum particle size (D≈60nm, L≈300nm) obtained from emulsions with excess polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium citrate. The synthesis conditions are identified and discussed for which the emulsion composition, temperature, sonication, polymer entanglements, mixing, and other perturbations may induce or mitigate emulsion instabilities, citrate precipitation, a competing mechanism of templated growth, termination of anisotropic growth, irregular silica structures, and fiber formation. An improved mechanistic understanding will expand the roadmap for rational design and synthetic control of anisotropic colloids using sol-gel silica chemistry confined within water-in-oil emulsions.

Optimal Decumulation Strategies During Retirement with Deferred Annuities

Since greater flexibility in accessing pension savings has been given to defined contribution pensioners, retirees are in need of advice on how to spend down their savings to make retirement income last throughout their lifetime. Deferred annuities have been discussed extensively in recent years as a retirement solution and have been recommended in the OECD Roadmap for the Good Design of Defined Contribution Pension Plans (OECD2016). Assuming a world where deferred annuities are available, we propose two utility maximising decumulation strategies comprising a deferred annuity purchased at retirement and optimal consumption and savings before the commencement of the annuity. A retiree who is concerned about longevity risk and wants to retain a certain level of liquidity is advised to spend 21.6% on a 15-year deferred annuity or 9.13% on a 20-year deferred annuity. A retiree who simply wants to use annuities to maximise overall satisfaction from retirement consumption is advised to spend 61.83% on a 6-year deferred annuity. We compare our strategies with other available decumulation strategies in the market, hence verifying the merits of the design. Moreover, the stability of our results are examined after allowing for consumption smoothness, social income benefits, a target replacement ratio and a bequest motive.

Guidelines for Application of the Constituent Roadmap of Product Design Based on Axiomatic Design

The ‘Constituent Roadmap of Product Design’ (CRPD) is a framework that is applied to track the designers’ knowledge of a product design as it progresses during development. The Constituent Roadmap of Product Design was introduced in late 2015 and relies heavily on Axiomatic Design; it uses Axioms 1 and 2 to model understanding of the product- and manufacturing-design by the designer. A central theme when applying the Constituent Roadmap is a procedure of regularly updating the ‘Check Matrix’. The Check Matrix is a table that continuously monitors the designer's knowledge position. Correct application of the check matrix is bound to a number of behavioural characteristics that need to be taken into consideration, e.g.: (i) in a decomposed system, it is not possible that a knowledge score at a certain hierarchical level exceeds that of one of its sublevels. A lack of knowledge is, similar to information in design, the sum of its subordinate knowledge deficits. (ii) on the other hand, the score in the check matrix indeed may exceed that of its lower levels during the process of zigzagging, as zigzagging is a process that advances top-down through the hierarchy of the product design.This paper explains how to apply the check matrix under various circumstances without violating the hierarchical dependencies of good practice in design.

A Road Map for Knowledge Management Systems Design Using Axiomatic Design Approach

Successful design and implementation of knowledge management systems have been the main concern of many researchers. It has been reported that more than 50% of knowledge management systems have failed, therefore, it is required to seek for a new and comprehensive scientific approach to design and implement it. In the design and implementation of a knowledge management system, it is required to know ’what we want to achieve’ and ’how and by what processes we will achieve it’. A literature review conducted and axiomatic design theory selected for this purpose. For the first time, this paper develops a conceptual design of knowledge management systems by means of a hierarchical structure, composed of ’Functional Requirements’ (FRs), ’Design Parameters’ (DPs), and ’Process Variables’ (PVs). The intersection of several studies conducted in the field of knowledge management systems has been used to design the knowledge management model. It reveals that six essential bases of knowledge management are organizational culture, organizational structure, human resources, management and leadership, information technology, and the external environment of the organization; that are represented as top DPs in the structure of the model. These essential factors are decomposed to lower levels by means of zigzagging. The model implemented in Tehran Urban and Suburban Railway Operation Corporation (TUSROC) and the results were very promising. The most important result of this study is a roadmap to design successful and efficient knowledge management systems.

An RFID-based tracking system for denim production processes

Since radio frequency identification technology usage is increasing, applications in this area have a rising trend day by day. However, successful studies related to radio frequency identification implementation, which combine many different areas, are not sufficient enough. Studies have mostly emphasized theoretical approaches rather than being practical studies. In this study, a roadmap for radio frequency identification design, configuration and deployment is presented in order to design an integrated approach as pointed out in the literature and in former radio frequency identification projects. Additionally, an application is performed for validation and reinforcing of the understanding of the proposed radio frequency identification implementation roadmap; an architectural framework and economic feasibility are also discussed. The most striking result from the case study is that a radio frequency identification application could be successfully implemented to support the tracking and tracing of work in process in denim production processes, an area in which studies about radio frequency identification applications have not been done. Besides this, redundant inventory and production costs, redundant labour costs caused by inefficient production activities, inaccuracies of records, incorrect order deliveries and penalty costs incurred by customers are significantly reduced, which provides invaluable advantages in the real-life competition of the denim product industry.

Design Roadmapping: A Framework and Case Study on Planning Development of High-Tech Products in Silicon Valley

We propose a framework for design roadmapping that parallels existing product roadmapping and technology roadmapping processes. It leverages three needs we have observed in organizations as they use existing roadmapping processes: (1) to focus on development of customer and user experiences (UX), not just on features; (2) to increase engagement of designers early in the planning process; and (3) to provide a means for rapidly responding to changes in the environment. Design roadmapping is an attempt to reconcile differences that arise when customer/user needs are not considered simultaneously with technology choices. The proposed design roadmapping process assists project prioritization and selection. The process aggregates design experience elements along a timeline that associates key user needs with the products, services, and/or systems the organization wishes to deliver. To illustrate the design roadmapping process, we conducted a case study in which we applied the design roadmapping process to projects undertaken by a large corporation's innovation lab located in research centers in San Francisco and Mountain View, CA, in partnership with corporate stakeholders located in Asia. The five-step design roadmapping procedure is provided along with detailed information. The decisions from the design roadmapping process have been incorporated into the company's commercial plans. Key findings in this corporate case study bolster the positive impact of design roadmapping in moving strategic thinking from a technology/feature-driven process to one that is design/experience-driven. It shows how firms might weigh choices between user needs, design principles, and technological innovation.

Biophysical determinants for cellular uptake of hydrocarbon-stapled peptide helices.

Hydrocarbon-stapled peptides are a class of bioactive alpha-helical ligands developed to dissect and target protein interactions. While there is consensus that stapled peptides can be effective chemical tools for investigating protein regulation, their broader utility for therapeutic modulation of intracellular interactions remains an active area of study. In particular, the design principles for generating cell-permeable stapled peptides are empiric, yet consistent intracellular access is essential to in vivo application. Here, we used an unbiased statistical approach to determine which biophysical parameters dictate the uptake of stapled peptide libraries. We found that staple placement at the amphipathic boundary combined with optimal hydrophobic and helical content are the key drivers of cellular uptake, whereas excess hydrophobicity and positive charge at isolated amino acid positions can trigger membrane lysis at elevated peptide dosing. Our results provide a design roadmap for maximizing the potential to generate cell-permeable stapled peptides with on-mechanism cellular activity.

Rational design of liposomal drug delivery systems, a review: Combined experimental and computational studies of lipid membranes, liposomes and their PEGylation

Combined experimental and computational studies of lipid membranes and liposomes, with the aim to attain mechanistic understanding, result in a synergy that makes possible the rational design of liposomal drug delivery system (LDS) based therapies. The LDS is the leading form of nanoscale drug delivery platform, an avenue in drug research, known as “nanomedicine”, that holds the promise to transcend the current paradigm of drug development that has led to diminishing returns. Unfortunately this field of research has, so far, been far more successful in generating publications than new drug therapies. This partly results from the trial and error based methodologies used. We discuss experimental techniques capable of obtaining mechanistic insight into LDS structure and behavior. Insight obtained purely experimentally is, however, limited; computational modeling using molecular dynamics simulation can provide insight not otherwise available. We review computational research, that makes use of the multiscale modeling paradigm, simulating the phospholipid membrane with all atom resolution and the entire liposome with coarse grained models. We discuss in greater detail the computational modeling of liposome PEGylation. Overall, we wish to convey the power that lies in the combined use of experimental and computational methodologies; we hope to provide a roadmap for the rational design of LDS based therapies. Computational modeling is able to provide mechanistic insight that explains the context of experimental results and can also take the lead and inspire new directions for experimental research into LDS development. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biosimulations edited by Ilpo Vattulainen and Tomasz Róg.