Exploring the KEER knowledge landscape over the past decade

The aim of this paper was to systematically explore the knowledge landscape of papers presented at KEER conferences over the last decade. We collected all papers published in conference proceedings between 2010 and 2020. We (i) used a text mining pipeline to extract, clean, and normalize keywords from the Title and Abstract fields, and (ii) created a co-occurrence network reflecting the relationships between keywords. The network was then characterized at different levels of granularity (static analysis vs. time slice analysis and whole network vs. node-level analysis). The exploratory analysis showed a stable expansion of the network over time. The cluster structure revealed several groups of keywords that did not change over time and reflected both domain-specific and method-specific topics of research in Kansei engineering

An Investigation into 2D and 3D Shapes Perception

Numerous research results support the finding that a product\u27s visual appearance is important. In particular, end products or services that have a direct product-user interaction have to be developed in accordance with the taste of the user and the market. The user-centered product should be designed and created according to both the technical requirements and the customer needs, but it should also differentiate itself from the competition. The shape of a product, whether we observe it in 2D or 3D, should communicate various intangible meanings. Our aim was to investigate whether the meaning of bipolar adjectives varies when observing samples of 2D and 3D shapes. The study was conducted using 2D shape contour samples and interactive 3D extruded models that could be rotated in virtual space. In order to determine the relationship between the shape and the user\u27s perception of it, Kansei engineering methodology was used. We collected data with Semantic differential survey using five level Likert scale. The results revealed minor deviations in the users’ perceptions of the 2D and 3D sample shapes

Modularity solutions within a matrix of function and functionality (MFF)

Da bi se predstavile nove mogućnosti u okviru pripremnog projekta razvoja proizvoda, cilj je ovoga rada predstaviti nove koncepte modularnosti unutar matrice funkcije i funkcionalnosti (MFF). Projektni koncept bazira se na opisnoj matrici koja se dalje zasniva na generativnom modelu i kriterijima za opisivanje proizvoda, funkcija i funkcionalnosti. Modularnost MFF-a koristi se u cilju poboljšanja inicijalnog postupka konstruiranja, gdje su dostupne samo najosnovnije informacije, kao što su funkcije i funkcionalnosti, i korištenja općeg modela funkcionalnosti, što nije sasvim moguće s poznatom morfološkom matricom. Modularnost unutar MFF-a zasniva se na uzajamnom odnosu između funkcije i funkcionalnosti, predstavljajući definiciju podataka. U odnosu na morfološku matricu izgrađena je i definirana na osnovu matematičkog modela i prethodno postavljenih pravila [1], ne samo na osnovu konstrukcijske intuicije. Ovaj rad predstavlja metodu za rješavanje modularnosti u odnosu na oblik i funkciju. To bi trebalo olakšati generiranje funkcionalnih i oblikovnih konstrukcija novih i varijantnih proizvoda. Razvijeni model modularnosti MFF-a upotrijebljen je u prototipnoj web aplikaciji i potvrđen na konkretnom proizvodu – Stolici s aktivnim naslonjačem.In order to present new possibilities within preliminary design of product development, the objective of this paper is to present new concepts of modularity within Matrix of Function and Functionality (MFF). Design concept is based on a descriptive matrix which is further based on the generative model and the criteria for describing products, functions and functionalities. The purpose of using the modularity of the MFF is to improve the initial design process, where only the most basic information is available, such as functions and functionalities, and to use the general functionality method, which is not quite possible with the known morphological matrix. The modularity inside the MFF is based on the mutual relation between the function and the functionality, representing the data definition. In relation to the morphological matrix it is built and defined on the basis of a mathematical model and pre-set rules [1], not just on the basis of design intuition. This work represents a method for solving the modularity with regard to the shape and the function. This should facilitate the generation of the functional and shape structures of new and variant products. The developed MFF modularity model was implemented into a prototype web application and confirmed on a concrete product – the Active Lounge Chair 1

Multicultural issues of product development education in virtual teams

Project oriented courses became a global trend among best engineering universities around the world in the past decade. They teach students not only core academic knowledge, but face students with real problem solving situations, where they need to express and develop their other virtues and skills, e.g. working in multidisciplinary teams, time and task management, problem solving, different presentation and communication skills, etc. In this paper we investigate (multi-) cultural background of virtual team members from two different aspects: how it influences the team’s creativity and how various cultural backgrounds of creative team members could lead into different perceptions of particular design features. Multi-cultural background of NPD teams is a complex challenge, which—if not addressed properly—could cause multi-level problems. The results of our first described research clearly indicate how these differences could affect the forming of virtual NPD creative teams and suggest guidelines how to build effective NPD teams. The second research shows that the same design features can trigger different responses in different cultural background. The designers, who design a product for a particular market, should be aware of these differences, which must be addressed with a special care if we want the product to be properly accepted at the desired target of a global market

Storyboards as an engineering tool for extraction of functional requirements

In new product development courses, engineering students are introduced to the tools for addressing the functional or technical issues of the product. Problems arise when they need to empathise with the user to better understand how the product can be used in different contexts. To address this problem, we propose the use of storyboards as a tool to explore user behaviour and to clarify functions of the future product. The study results confirmed that storyboards are a suitable tool for understanding user-product interaction, however, the several problems encountered by the participants were outlined

VR as a 3D modelling tool in engineering design applications

The study aims to explore the usefulness of existing VR 3D modelling tools for use in mechanical engineering. Previous studies have investigated the use of VR 3D modelling tools in conceptual phases of the product development process. Our objective was to find out if VR tools are useful in creating advanced freeform CAD models that are part of the embodiment design phase in the context of mechanical design science. Two studies were conducted. In the preliminary study, the group of participants modelled a 3D part in a standard desktop CAD application, which provided information about the key characteristics that must be satisfied to obtain a solid model from a surface model. In the research study conducted with a focus group of participants, who were firstly trained in the use of VR, the same part was modelled using a VR headset. The results were analysed and the fulfilment of key characteristics in the use of VR was evaluated. It was found that using VR tools provides a fast way to create complex part geometries, however, it has certain drawbacks. Finally, the ease of use and specific features of the VR technology were discussed

The clock is ticking

If it can be made to work, fusion energy offers the potential for unlimited, clean energy. This prospect has seen substantial investment in the science and engineering behind fusion in order to demonstrate its viability. As key societal stakeholders, the opinions and actions of publics can shape the success of emerging energy technologies. To date, however, there have been relatively few studies focused on the public acceptability of fusion. The current study provides insight into public perspectives about fusion in five European countries (Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Spain). Using a qualitative ‘World Caf´ e’ type method, participants (n =10–25 per country) were provided with basic and balanced information about fusion, before being invited to discuss the risks, benefits and drawbacks of the technology and investment in its development. Transcripts from each World Caf´ e were subject to template analysis. The results indicated that while awareness of fusion was low in each country, participants were broadly supportive of fusion. This support was, however, tentative due to its commercially unproven nature. This stimulated questions about the value of investment in the technology, particularly given the urgency of addressing climate change. While there was some variation in the sub-topics raised and discussed in each country, the principal themes raised were broadly comparable. These findings add to our systematic understanding of the ‘mixed feelings’ held about fusion and have implications for future public engagement and communication efforts relating to the technology