Design Technology Research Articles

An overview of consumer preferences for souvenirs in China post-COVID

The COVID-19 epidemic had a major effect on the travel sector worldwide, with China's souvenir market being especially hard hit. Examining post-COVID-19 tourist preferences for memento designs, this study also attempts to explore the ramifications for the souvenir design business as the tourism sector starts to recover. In order to find pertinent publications from 2019 to June 2024, a systematic literature review procedure based on the PRISMA criteria was used to scan the Web of Science and Scopus databases. After screening the collected literature for research themes and post-pandemic development trends, the VOSviewer tool was used to perform keyword co-occurrence analysis. Four primary research issues were established by the study: (1) the rationale for cultural tourism; (2) community involvement; (3) technological integration design; and (4) cultural economic analysis. It was discovered that travellers prefer personalised travel experiences and engaging with local culture, and that creating keepsakes using technology is becoming more and more popular. Travellers' tastes for Chinese souvenir designs have changed since COVID-19, and they are now more interested in individualised experiences, cultural components, and technological integration. The study's conclusions offer legislators, souvenir designers, and other tourism industry practitioners insightful information on how to promote innovation and long-term economic success.

Effects of post-curing light intensity on the trueness, compressive strength, and resin polymerization characteristics of 3D-printed 3-unit fixed dental prostheses.

To investigate the effect of different post-curing light intensities on the trueness, compressive strength, and resin polymerization of 3D-printed 3-unit fixed dental prostheses (FPD). A total of 60 specimens were prepared to support a 3-unit FDP with a deep chamfer marginal design, utilizing computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology. Light-polymerizing FDP resin with varying light intensities (105, 210, 420, and 840mW/cm2) was employed for 10 min. Subsequently, trueness assessment, fracture load testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) surface examination, and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis were conducted. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to ascertain the differences between the experimental groups (p < 0.05). The group exposed to 210mW/cm2 showed the highest trueness (57.6 ± 2.1 µm), while the 840mW/cm2 group had the highest deviation (79.3 ± 2.7 µm) (p < 0.001). Significant differences in fracture resistance were found between groups (p < 0.001), with mean fracture strengths of 1149.77 ± 67.81 N, 1264.92 ± 39.06 N, 1331.34 ± 53.62 N, and 1439.93 ± 34.58 N for light intensities of 105, 210, 420, and 840mW/cm2, respectively (p < 0.001). The resin polymerization analysis shows a peak intensity surge at 3579 cm-1 for O-H and C-H stretching vibrations, except in samples exposed to 105 mw/cm2 light, with the lowest peak at 2890 cm-1. The performance of resin polymerization is most significant under the condition of 840mW/cm2. The light intensity of 210mW/cm2 exhibited the highest trueness, while the 840mW/cm2 group showed the highest deviation. However, the light intensity of 840mW/cm2 demonstrated the highest compressive strength. Furthermore, polymerization occurred at all post-treatment light intensities except 105mW/cm2. These findings indicate that while low-intensity usage offers greater trueness, high-intensity usage provides better compressive strength and polymerization. Therefore, 210mW/cm2 could be the recommended solution for post-curing.

Behavioral Design in Healthcare: Synthesis of Technical Sciences and Humanities

The scientific and practical potential of behavioral economics and behavioral design in Russia is underutilized, and the use of their methods can be significantly expanded, both in the scientific field and in practice. One of the promising areas of their application, with significant experience accumulated in the West, is healthcare. Behavioral design in healthcare is an example of an effective synthesis of the achievements of the humanities and technical sciences with an interdisciplinary approach that constructively combines economic, psychological, and technological methods of scientific knowledge. The use of behavioral design technologies, including digital and neural interfaces, is a promising direction for creating competitive products and services in healthcare. The theory of solving inventive problems can help speed up the process of implementation in practice. Behavioral design technologies in healthcare can be considered from such positions as physical design – the design of medical equipment, devices, and drug labels – as well as design for error-proofing in organizing processes based on reducing the negative impact of the human factor. The behavioral design of error-proofing systems in healthcare is implemented through functions such as forced control, error failure, warning, and touch alert.

Involving lead users in firm’s standardization strategy within action groups: evidence from smart robotics

PurposeThis research explores how firms manage the complex technologies standardization in action groups. It considers the strategic issues that technology producers face when involving lead users in architecture design. Drawing on the multi-mode standardization literature, this study addresses two dilemmas regarding value creation and appropriation by technology producers within coalitions. The first dilemma is how to create value by developing solutions in compliance with industry standards. The second one is how to appropriate value while ensuring the technology sharing with action groups. The answers to these two dilemmas contribute to filling the research gap on value creation and appropriation in multi-mode standardization.Design/methodology/approachThe research focuses on technology producers participating in action groups where lead users play a crucial role. We conducted a qualitative analysis based on the standardization experience of a Japanese company specializing in smart robotics. Data are collected through semi-structured interviews with key actors. Action groups are defined operationally as a set of stakeholders including competitors of the technology producers, component suppliers, end users, services providers, research centers and academia. The case study is suitable for highlighting specific aspects of the standardization process during its manifestation. It reveals how firms create and appropriate value, providing details about its standardization strategy.FindingsOur findings show that smart robotics standardization is drivn by collaborative models, where the two dilemmas of value creation and appropriation are evident. Firstly, the case revealed that standardization is lead users oriented. Secondly, lead users’ involvement is crucial to customize technologies. Thirdly, the firm’s position is to share a part of the value with the members. The IPR policy is a matter of interest within action groups, since the collaboration is based on open innovation models to share patents and licenses related knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has some limitations attributable to the limited generalizability of the results due to the qualitative analysis. In addition, this study considers the perspective of technology producers, but should also take into account the perspective of both collective actions itself and the lead users. Findings have some implications in the strategy negotiation. Participating in action groups is not enough to ensure a competitive advantage. Involving lead users is of strategic importance to acquire a competitive advantage. Lead users contribute to the producers’ technology design, helping firms to differentiate solutions from the industry standard and create value from customized technologies.Practical implicationsThis study helps practitioners understand the competitive side of collective actions, clarifying the value capture and appropriability in standardization. The research provides insights to policymakers and standard development organizations committees when they are called to harmonize standards considering the fallouts on the sector’s competitiveness. Findings suggest appropriate property rights policies to manage the issues related to the value appropriability and technology sharing, recognizing action groups members for their contribution in value creation.Originality/valueThis study shows how firms deal within action groups with the two dilemmas of variety versus technology conformity and property rights versus technology sharing. It fills the research gap in collective actions, emphasizing the perspective of the individual firm in the group rather than the coalition strategy itself. This topic highlights the crucial role of lead users within action groups in managing the two dilemmas, offering a new perspective for understanding critical issues of multi-mode standardization. Reflecting on mechanisms and tools to manage the two dilemmas allows firms to protect their competitive advantage in coalitions.

Designing a task-based conversational agent for EFL in German schools: Student needs, actions, and perceptions

As part of an iterative evaluation process incorporating student stakeholders within a task-based language teaching (TBLT) framework, we examine the design and early learner data of a conversational agent for English as a foreign language (EFL) in the German school context. Students (around age 12 and at an A2 proficiency level) from three 7th grade classes interacted with five tasks and completed a questionnaire assessing their needs and perceptions. Results of the needs analysis revealed that most students speak some English outside of class and that they wish for tasks targeting both authentic and curricular needs. The interaction logs showed a strong preference for typing over speaking and moderate automatic speech recognition (ASR) accuracy for the spoken interactions. Differing rates of task success and interest between the five tasks confirmed the importance of task characteristics. Despite some noted limitations, student perceptions were largely positive, with the tasks appearing more fun and more challenging for students who speak less English outside of class. Overall, our findings highlight the promise and challenges of designing a task-based conversational agent for the school EFL classroom, offering insights into balancing pedagogical and technological design, the demands of official curricula, and students’ authentic needs.

Intelligent Ships and Waterways: Design, Operation and Advanced Technology

Intelligent Ships and Waterways: Design, Operation and Advanced Technology

Review of External Field Effects on Electrocatalysis: Machine Learning Guided Design

AbstractExternal field‐enhanced electrocatalysis is a novel and promising approach for boosting the efficiency of electrocatalytic reactions, potentially achieving significant enhancement without altering the composition and structure of electrocatalysts. In addition, the scaling relations of electrocatalysis typically lead to similar variations of initial‐state and transition‐state (TS) energy, which minimally impacts the reaction energy barrier. A sophisticated design of the external field effects shall break these scaling relations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current research on the effect of mechanical, electric, and magnetic fields on electrocatalysis. It meticulously details the mechanisms underlying activity enhancement based on external field regulations, spanning from the synthesis of electrocatalytic materials to their behavior during the reaction process and modulation of the electrolyte environment. Additionally, the applications of emerging machine learning (ML) technologies in electrocatalysis design, including machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) to simulate large‐scale and dynamic chemical reaction processes, data‐driven design and optimization of electrocatalysis performance, are briefly reviewed. In addition, the significant potential of ML technologies in conjunction with external field regulation, envisioning them as effective tools for optimizing or reverse designing electrocatalysis, considering both thermodynamic and kinetic factors as well as the dynamic effect of electrocatalyst surfaces under extreme external fields, is highlighted.

Lost in Translation: Aligning practices in service design and tech

Technology and data are at the heart of services. By integrating each others’ methodologies, technology and service design can collaborate more effectively, ensuring they both keep up with the rapid pace of change in the technological landscape.

Resilience Aware Development-Exploration: An Exercise for Improving Attention to Work Systems Resilience During Technology Design

Efficiency, optimization, and improved capability are frequent goals of work system modernization initiatives. Resilience, defined as the ability of a system to adapt in response to diverse conditions and demands, including those that are rare or challenging, is also important. However, resilience is an abstract characteristic of systems. Whereas ways to improve efficiency tend to be easily recognized, ways to improve resilience are less obvious. Our goal was to make resilience visible and thereby enable developers of new technologies, concepts of operations, and policy to address and benefit the resilience of work system operations. To this end, we developed the Resilience-Aware Development—Exploration (RAD-E) that helps development teams think about how their new technology, concept of operations, or policy could impact work system resilience while educating development teams about the significance of work systems resilience and potential opportunities to strengthen the resilience of a work system.

Digital Active Learning Strategies in Blended Environments to Develop Students' Social and Emotional Learning Skills and Engagement in Higher Education

ABSTRACTThe COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a shift towards online and blended learning; however, most students and faculty members still report more challenges in online courses regarding social interaction and engagement. This paper aimed to design an interactive blended course following Merrills' first principles of instruction model to develop students' social and emotional learning skills and engagement in higher education. A mixed‐method design, including questionnaires and interviews, was used with a sample population which consisted of 90 graduate students and divided into two groups, an experimental and a control group. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in‐terms of social–emotional learning skills and students' engagement due to the high perception of the experimental group. The findings also revealed that the most dominant social–emotional learning skills that appeared to be supported by applying these strategies from the students' point of view were self‐awareness and social awareness. The study also found that instructor presence, effective course design and appropriate use of technology significantly influenced students' engagement.

Optimal Computational Modeling and Simulation of QCA Reversible Gates for Information Reliability in Nano-Quantum Circuits

As the relationship between energy and information loss and reversible gates was revealed, much interest in reversible gate design arose, and as quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) gained attention as a next-generation nano circuit design technology, various reversible gates based on QCA emerged. The proposed study optimizes the performance and design costs of existing QCA-based reversible gates including TR, RUG, PQR, and URG. According to most indicators, the proposed circuits showed significant improvement rates and outperformed existing studies. In particular, the proposed optimal TR, RUG, PQR, and URG showed performance improvements of 266%, 265%, 300%, and 144% in CostAD, respectively, compared with the best existing circuit. This shows outstanding improvement and superiority in terms of area and delay, which are the most important factors in the performance of nano-scale circuits that are becoming extremely miniaturized. Additionally, the exceptionally high-output polarization of the proposed circuits is an important indicator of the circuit’s expansion and connection and increases the circuit’s reliability.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCT DESIGN ON CONSUMER INTEREST IN PECI RENCONG ACEH PRODUCTS IN JUANG BIREUEN CITY

Information technology and product design significantly impact consumer buying interest in Peci Rencong Aceh products in Juang Bireuen City. Information technology refers to the use of hardware and software to perform various data processing tasks, including capturing, transmitting, storing, retrieving, manipulating, and displaying information. Product design, on the other hand, is a key element that attracts consumers to products. This study aims to determine the influence of online promotion and customer satisfaction on purchase decisions. The sample size for this study was 100 participants, with data collected through questionnaires and analysed using multiple linear regression. The study found that a 1 percent increase in the information technology variable (X1) led to a 0.876 percent increase in consumer interest, assuming the product design (X2) remained constant. Conversely, a 1 percent increase in product design (X2) resulted in a 0.542 percent increase in consumer interest, assuming the information technology variable (X1) was constant. The correlation coefficient (R) of 81.8% indicates a strong relationship between information technology (X1), product design (X2), and consumer interest (Y). The influence of product design on consumer interest was found to be significant at 65.7% (p = 0.000). The T-test results showed that the T-count value exceeded the T-table value. Additionally, the F-test revealed an F-count of 86.612, compared to an F-table value of 2.31 at a 5% confidence level, leading to the acceptance of the Ha hypothesis and the rejection of the Ho hypothesis. The research concluded that both information technology and product design significantly influence consumer interest. Keywords: Information Technology, Product Design, Consumer Interest.

TOWARDS AN INFORMATIONAL UPCYLING: LEVERAGING COMPUTATION TO (RE)DESIGN BIOMATERIALS’ LIFE CYCLES

As the imperative to mitigate climate-altering emissions and curb natural resources exploitation intensifies, the fields of architecture and industrial design are compelled to explore alternative material practices. This imperative requires a transition from the traditional cradle-to-grave model to a cradle-to-cradle design paradigm, emphasizing upcycling, the process of repurposing waste into higher-value products. However, the definition of “value” in this context remains vague. In this paper, we posit value as an informational shift, denoting the “ecological intelligence” embedded within recycled materials compared to their prior life cycles. Amidst the concurrent ecological and digital transitions, the concept of “Informational Upcycling” (IU) emerges, bridging Circular Economy principles with the creative potential offered by digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in architectural and technological design. IU leverages computational methods to address the complexity, non-linearity, and unpredictability inherent in reclaimed materials, which pose challenges to their reuse and upcycling, thereby questioning established design methodologies and tools.This conceptual framework is informed by a case study analysis of international critical research practices and is articulated through a comprehensive digital workflow, pointing out the enabling technologies for IU, with a specific focus on wood waste. Finally, the paper illustrates the application of this theoretical framework through the FoRWARD (Furniture Waste for Circular Design) research project, funded under MICS – NextGenEU, PE11, Spoke 4. Led by the Department of Architecture at the University of Naples “Federico II”, this initiative aims to test this approach within the Italian furniture industry, showcasing practical implementations of IU principles.

Exploring resource recovery from diverted organics: Life cycle assessment comparison of options for managing the organic fraction of municipal solid waste

Diversion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) from landfills is increasing. Previous life cycle assessment studies have evaluated subsets of OFMSW management options, but conclusions are inconsistent, and none have evaluated diverse applications of material by-products. The primary objective of this work was to identify sustainability-based improvements to the selection, design, implementation, and operation of organics waste diversion management technologies. Process modeling and life cycle assessment were used to compare OFMSW composting, anaerobic digestion, and pyrolysis, with biochar used as a landfill cover, leachate treatment sorbent, and land applicant. Material and energy flows, calculated by newly developed models for the defined functional unit (1 kg MSW over a 20-year timeframe), were translated to environmental performance using ecoinvent and USLCI databases and TRACI method. Additionally, uncertainty, sensitivity, and scenario analyses were conducted to evaluate the implications of model uncertainties, design decisions, and resource recovery tradeoffs. OFMSW pyrolysis usually (65 % of uncertainty assessment simulations) had the best global warming performance mostly due to energy recovery and biochar's carbon sequestration benefit, which was independent of fate. Pyrolyzing the biosolids from OFMSW anaerobic digestion recovered the most energy and had the best performance in 34 % of uncertainty simulations. Material recovery amounts were large (e.g., more biochar was produced than required for novel uses) and warrant feasibility considerations. Global warming performance was more sensitive to uncertainty in carbon sequestration and primary energy production than in fertilizer offset, energy conversion, or heat offset approach. Practical implications include the potential for biochar supply to outweigh demand, and inconsistent revenue from the sale of recovered energy and carbon credits; future research could focus on evaluating the relative social and economic sustainability of the OFMSW management technologies.

THE ROLE OF BIG DATA ANALYSIS IN FASHION DESIGN

Today, as the contemporary, economic and cultural landscape becomes increasingly volatile, the dynamics of the fashion industry are becoming less predictable. The fast-changing fashion industry is constantly generating data. Big data is a powerful tool that offers new and exciting opportunities for fashion designers. It is used for different purposes such as understanding consumer behaviour, predicting trends and creating more personalized products. Design processes that were previously driven by intuition and instinct have become more fluid, data and goal-oriented with the opportunities offered by big data. This article aims to reveal the purposes of using big data by investigating fashion design models based on big data in the fashion industry in recent years. For this purpose, the current models of big data in fashion design, its limitations and development direction are discussed. While many of the areas of use of big data in the fashion industry (trend analysis, demographic, geographical analysis, age and gender, etc.) have been intensively researched, the number of purely design-oriented research is only recently increasing. This study is unique in that it focuses on the design phenomenon and applications of big data in fashion. In this context, there is no academic study in the national literature. It is expected to contribute to the discussion on the effects of big data and big data-based digital technologies in fashion design.

The Use of Technology in Curriculum Development and Social Studies Learning Design in Elementary Schools: A Critical Analysis and Literature Review

This study aims to critically analyze the use of technology in curriculum development and instructional design for Social Studies (IPS) as well as Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) in elementary schools. The method used is a literature review with a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. The SLR process involves a literature search from academic databases, followed by a review of abstracts and full texts. Content analysis was employed to identify and categorize findings, while triangulation techniques were used to validate the results by comparing various sources. The study's findings indicate that technology has been integrated into the curriculum development and instructional design of IPS and IPAS in various forms, including digital platforms, interactive multimedia, online resources, and collaborative tools. This use of technology has proven effective in increasing student engagement, expanding access to learning resources, enhancing students' understanding of complex concepts, and enabling more personalized learning experiences. However, challenges in implementing technology in elementary schools remain, including infrastructure limitations, the digital divide among students, the lack of teacher skills and knowledge, as well as time and curriculum constraints. To address these challenges, the study recommends several solutions, such as intensive teacher training, improved infrastructure and technology access, and sustained support from the government and community. Continuous training can enhance teachers' skills in utilizing technology, ultimately strengthening the quality of the IPS curriculum. The study emphasizes the importance of responsive, evidence-based strategies to support the integration of technology in elementary schools.

A user-centred future for agricultural digital innovation: demonstrating the value of design thinking in an animal health context

ABSTRACT Purpose Much of the literature investigating farmer engagement with digital technology has focused on farmer-centred adoption factors. However, more recent research has called for new user-centred approaches to technology design to promote more responsive development and ultimately more successful uptake. Methodology Responding to these calls, this study draws on Stanford’s design thinking framework and principles to design a digital innovation for use in an animal health context. Findings The study details how a co-design workshop was used to incorporate end-user needs, values, and requirements for a digital animal health innovation. Additionally, it outlines how co-design approaches can be useful to identify and address innovation design issues early on in the design process. Practical implications This study highlights the importance of end-user engagement for the design, development, and implementation of digital innovations for the agricultural sector and the importance this has for successful technology development and user uptake. Theoretical implications This study contributes to the literature on innovation development for agriculture and to the theory on farmer engagement. Originality/value This study is one of few that applies co-design and design thinking methodologies to the creation of a digital animal health diagnostic tool.

Feasibility of Measuring Smartphone Accelerometry Data During a Weekly Instrumented Timed Up-and-Go Test After Emergency Department Discharge: Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

Older adults discharged from the emergency department (ED) face elevated risk of falls and functional decline. Smartphones might enable remote monitoring of mobility after ED discharge, yet their application in this context remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of having older adults provide weekly accelerometer data from an instrumented Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test over an 11-week period after ED discharge. This single-center, prospective, observational, cohort study recruited patients aged 60 years and older from an academic ED. Participants downloaded the GaitMate app to their iPhones that recorded accelerometer data during 11 weekly at-home TUG tests. We measured adherence to TUG test completion, quality of transmitted accelerometer data, and participants' perceptions of the app's usability and safety. Of the 617 approached patients, 149 (24.1%) consented to participate, and of these 149 participants, 9 (6%) dropped out. Overall, participants completed 55.6% (912/1639) of TUG tests. Data quality was optimal in 31.1% (508/1639) of TUG tests. At 3-month follow-up, 83.2% (99/119) of respondents found the app easy to use, and 95% (114/120) felt safe performing the tasks at home. Barriers to adherence included the need for assistance, technical issues with the app, and forgetfulness. The study demonstrates moderate adherence yet high usability and safety for the use of smartphone TUG tests to monitor mobility among older adults after ED discharge. Incomplete TUG test data were common, reflecting challenges in the collection of high-quality longitudinal mobility data in older adults. Identified barriers highlight the need for improvements in user engagement and technology design.

Development of a local wall concentration model for the design of single pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) systems with viral vector surrogates

Recent advances in the use of viral vectors for gene therapy has created a need for efficient downstream processing of these novel therapeutics. Single-pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) can potentially improve final product quality via reductions in shear, and it can increase manufacturing productivity via simple implementation into continuous/intensified processes. This study investigated the impact of variations in pressure and flow rate along the length of the membrane on overall SPTFF performance. Constant-flux filtration experiments at feed fluxes from 14 to 420 L/m2/h (Reynolds numbers <20) were performed using Pellicon® 3 TFF cassettes with fluorescent nanoparticles as model viral vectors. The location of nanoparticle accumulation shifted towards the filter outlet at high conversion and was also a function of the permeate flow configuration. These phenomena were explained using a newly developed concentration polarization model that predicts the distribution in local wall concentration over the length of the membrane. The model accurately captured the observed nanoparticle accumulation trends, including the effects of the permeate flow profile (co-current, divergent, or convergent flow) on nanoparticle accumulation within the SPTFF module. Nanoparticle accumulation at moderate conversion was more uniform using convergent flow, but nanoparticle accumulation at 80 % conversion (5x concentration factor) can be minimized using a divergent flow configuration. The local wall concentration model was also used to evaluate the critical flux by assuming that fouling occurs when the nanoparticle concentration at any point along the membrane surface exceeds 15 % by volume. These results provide important insights for the design and operation of SPTFF technology for inline concentration of viral vectors.

DUDA: a digital didactic learning unit based on educational escape rooms and multisensory learning activities for primary school children during COVID-19 lockdown

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digitization, access to IT resources, and digital inclusion in the Italian school system. This paper presents D-UDA (i.e., “unità didattica di apprendimento digitale”, in Italian), a digital didactic unit for learning mathematics concepts. The presented approach combines teaching methodologies and game-based activities (e.g., the escape room) with a multisensory approach to designing and developing digital and multimodal technologies. D-UDA is divided into two parts: the first part consists of logic puzzles that adhere to the guidelines set by INVALSI (the Italian Istituto Nazionale per la Valutazione del Sistema educativo di Istruzione e di formazione) for mathematics learning, while the second part involves a series of multisensory games designed to promote the development of transversal competencies, such as cooperation and engagement. Moreover, D-UDA encourages children to create their own adventure using the same tools employed by the designers to develop the experience. The children who participated in testing D-UDA in June 2020 were asked to complete usability questionnaires after the experience. Preliminary results indicate the effectiveness of the educational intervention presented, which integrates recent pedagogical theories and teaching methodologies with a multisensory perspective and a technological design.