Using Modular Abstract Prototypes as Evolving Research Means in Design Inclusive Research

Author(s):  
Imre Horváth ◽  
Els Du Bois

Various manifestations of products, prototypes and tools are commonly used in design research to discover and describe novel phenomena, or to test specific research theories, or to explore intrinsic data that cannot be accessed and validated otherwise. However, as research means, the above physical artifacts are over-detailed and inflexible, in particular when phenomena associated with design creativity and product ideation are investigated. To support design inclusive research in the context of conceptualization and early testing of complex, knowledge-intensive software tools, the authors propose modular abstract prototyping. The original goal of abstract prototyping was to demonstrate the real life processes established by new artifact-service combinations, as well as the interactions of humans with them in various application scenarios. A modular abstract prototype relies on a comprehensive information structure. The demonstration contents of the modules are defined by a stakeholder and purpose oriented logical dissecting of this information structure, and implemented as digitally recorded, multi-media enabled narrations and enactments. This paper discusses the technical aspects of developing modular abstract prototypes, and their use as flexible and evolving research means. A complex application example is presented in which modular abstract prototyping was used in focus group sessions to assess the conceptualization of a trade-off forecasting software tool by various stakeholders. This tool is being developed for forecasting energy saving and financial benefits that can be achieved by ubiquitous augmentation. The stakeholders have formulated positive opinion about the level of immersion and the articulation of informing that can be achieved by using modular abstract prototypes. Future research focuses on the development of a web-hosted engine for real-time interactive abstract prototyping in participatory research sessions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Veikko Isotalo

Voting advice applications (VAAs) seek to strengthen democracy by assisting voters in voting-related decision-making. VAAs have become popular tools across many European democracies and their usage has been linked to real life electoral consequences. As VAA usage has become more prominent, this has also sparked research interest toward VAA design. However, most of the VAA design research has been conducted on party-based VAAs, whereas candidate-based VAAs that are in use in countries such as Finland, Denmark and Switzerland have been largely ignored. Moreover, research on overall VAA designs, in comparison to individual VAA design elements, is non-existent. This article discusses interdependencies of VAA design choices and proposes overall VAA designs that can improve existing Finnish candidate-based VAA designs, encouraging Finnish VAA developers to update their designs. Future research should develop and test the suggested designs, as more research on the topic is needed, especially regarding VAA user experiences.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Maral Babapour Chafi

Designers engage in various activities, dealing with different materials and media to externalise and represent their form ideas. This paper presents a review of design research literature regarding externalisation activities in design process: sketching, building physical models and digital modelling. The aim has been to review research on the roles of media and representations in design processes, and highlight knowledge gaps and questions for future research.


2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-69
Author(s):  
Shamas-Ur-Rehman Toor

Management from Islamic Perspectives (MIP) is an emerging field that has begun to attract scholarly attention. However, the research undertaken so far has been rather fragmented and lack a clear agenda. This paper presents a literature review of the field and the areas of current focus. Although the field has a huge growth potential, I argue that it faces several challenges and problems as it develops further. I outline these potential pitfalls, suggest how to develop MIP as a formal discipline, and explain how to integrate it within real-life business practices. The article closes with a call for research to be conducted in a more organized fashion through an international consortium of researchers as well as recommendations for future research directions.


Author(s):  
Firoz Ahmad

AbstractThis study presents the modeling of the multiobjective optimization problem in an intuitionistic fuzzy environment. The uncertain parameters are depicted as intuitionistic fuzzy numbers, and the crisp version is obtained using the ranking function method. Also, we have developed a novel interactive neutrosophic programming approach to solve multiobjective optimization problems. The proposed method involves neutral thoughts while making decisions. Furthermore, various sorts of membership functions are also depicted for the marginal evaluation of each objective simultaneously. The different numerical examples are presented to show the performances of the proposed solution approach. A case study of the cloud computing pricing problem is also addressed to reveal the real-life applications. The practical implication of the current study is also discussed efficiently. Finally, conclusions and future research scope are suggested based on the proposed work.


Author(s):  
Shabboo Valipoor ◽  
Sheila J. Bosch

While healthcare design research has primarily focused on patient outcomes, there is a growing recognition that environmental interventions could do more by promoting the overall quality of care, and this requires expanding the focus to the health and well-being of those who deliver care to patients. Healthcare professionals are under high levels of stress, leading to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and poor patient care. Among other tools, mindfulness is recommended as a way of decreasing stress and helping workers function at higher levels. This article aims to identify potential environmental strategies for reducing work-related stressors and facilitating mindfulness in healthcare settings. By examining existing evidence on workplace mindfulness and stress-reducing design strategies, we highlight the power of the physical environment in not only alleviating stressful conditions but intentionally encouraging a mindful perspective. Strategies like minimizing distractions or avoiding overstimulation in the healthcare environment can be more effective if implemented along with the provision of designated spaces for mindfulness-based programs. Future research may explore optimal methods and hospital workers’ preferences for environments that support mindfulness and stress management. The long-term goal of all these efforts is to enhance healthcare professionals’ well-being, reignite their professional enthusiasm, and help them be resilient in times of stress.


Author(s):  
Changwon Son ◽  
Farzan Sasangohar ◽  
S. Camille Peres ◽  
Jukrin Moon

Investigating real-life disasters and crises has been challenging due to accompanying difficulties and risks posed by these complex phenomena. Previous research in the emergency management domain has largely relied on qualitative approaches to describe the event after it occurred. To facilitate investigations for more generalizable findings, this paper documents ongoing efforts to design an emergency management simulation testbed called Team Emergency Operations Simulation (TEOS) in which an incident management team (IMT) is situated. First, we describe the design process based on our previous work. Next, we present the overall description of TEOS including representative roles, tasks, and team environments. We also propose measures of team performance of the IMT and propose future research that can be realized through TEOS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 2150003
Author(s):  
Muhammad Umar ◽  
Maqbool Hussain Sial ◽  
Syed Ahmad Ali

This research examines the association of job attitudes (i.e. job involvement, job satisfaction, and commitment) with knowledge sharing behaviour of bank personnel through behavioural antecedents (i.e. motivation, attitude, and intentions to share knowledge). The hypothesised relationships among job attitudes (excluding job involvement), behaviour antecedents, and knowledge sharing behaviour are significant and consistent. Notably, the association of job satisfaction with the motivation to share knowledge is insignificant. The survey results are based on data from a stratified multistage cluster sample of 316 public and private sector bank professionals from Pakistan, analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS)-Structure Equation Modelling (SEM). The research provides a framework for theoretical and practical implications in knowledge-intensive organisations to foster knowledge sharing that increases individual as well as organisational productivity. The study paves the way for future research by including knowledge-oriented leadership, culture, trust, knowledge governance, and citizenship behaviour in the current framework for analysis in diverse geographical and demographical contexts.


2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-69
Author(s):  
Shamas-Ur-Rehman Toor

Management from Islamic Perspectives (MIP) is an emerging field that has begun to attract scholarly attention. However, the research undertaken so far has been rather fragmented and lack a clear agenda. This paper presents a literature review of the field and the areas of current focus. Although the field has a huge growth potential, I argue that it faces several challenges and problems as it develops further. I outline these potential pitfalls, suggest how to develop MIP as a formal discipline, and explain how to integrate it within real-life business practices. The article closes with a call for research to be conducted in a more organized fashion through an international consortium of researchers as well as recommendations for future research directions.


Author(s):  
Lina Kluy ◽  
Eileen Roesler

Industrial human-robot collaboration (HRC) is not yet widely spread but on the rise. This development raises the question about properties collaborative robots (cobots) need, to enable a pleasant and smooth interaction. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of transparency and reliability on perception of and trust towards cobots. A video-enhanced online study with 124 participants was conducted. Transparency was provided through the presentation of differing information, and reliability was manipulated through differing error rates. The results showed a positive effect of transparency on perceived safety and intelligence. Reliability had a positive effect on perceived intelligence, likeability and trust. The effect of reliability on trust was more pronounced for low transparent robots. The results indicate the relevance of carefully selected information to counteract negative effects of failures. Future research should transfer the study design into a real-life experiment with more fine-grained levels of transparency and reliability.


This article addresses the 3-dimensional mixed intuitionistic fuzzy assignment problems (3D-MIFAPs). In this article, firstly, the author formulates an assignment problem (AP) and assumes the parameters are in uncertainty with hesitation. Secondly, based on the nature of the parameter the author defines various types of solid assignment problem (SAP) in uncertain environment. Thirdly, to solve 3D-MIFAP the PSK method for finding an optimal solution of fully intuitionistic fuzzy assignment problem (FIFAP) is extended by the author. Fourthly, the author presents the proofs of the proposed theorems and corollary. Fifthly, the proposed approach is illustrated with three numerical examples and the optimal objective value of 3D-MIFAP is obtained in the form of intuitionistic fuzzy number and the solution is checked with MATLAB and their coding are also given by the author. Sixthly, the author presents the comparison results and their graphical representation, merits and demerits of the proposed and existing methods and finally the author presents conclusion and future research directions.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document