Art and Design Commons^™

Sustainable Product Design Education Through An Appreciation Of The Low-Tech, Ceri Almrott

Conference papers

The paper presents a case study on the implementation of Low-Tech development model to teach sustainability in design-led programmes. The author argues that sustainability education should include not only the technical aspects of sustainability theory but also the underlying social aspects. The low-tech approach fits well in design-led modules since it encourages students to consider appropriate technological solutions for design projects while focusing on user behaviour to develop articulate solutions. The study explores the pedagogical approach of the content used to teach the design module and introduces a low-tech design workshop to aid students in implementing learning. The results of …

Re-Evaluating Learning Environments To Nurture Studio Culture, Ceri Almrott

Conference papers

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant remote teaching that lockdown enforced the requirements and suitability of physical learning spaces such as studios can be questioned. This paper seeks to understand the requirements of students in this decade of their physical studio spaces. Using focus groups, surveys and user feedback activities students on the Product Design programme were asked to evaluate the studio spaces within the university as they returned to on-campus learning and provide qualitative feedback on their experiences.

It was found students still require physical studios that allow them to undertake their design work and utilise tools and …

Iot Based Recipes For Enabling Senior Citizens: Stakeholders Views On How Integration Of Iot And Web Services Can Enhance Well-Being And Inclusion Of Older People, Matteo Zallio, Damon Berry, John Mcgrory

Conference papers

The main body of research clearly highlights the world’s population is rapidly expanding. When this fact is combined with the increase in life longevity due to medical and social advances it alters the demographic balance in relation to age. Hence, the number of people aged 65 and over is constantly increasing. The potential of Smart Technologies and IoT-based devices to improve health has increased rapidly in the last few years and users are now in a position to contribute to the development of the interaction process and need to be properly trained on benefits of using new technologies. IFTTT (If …

Adaptive Environments For Enabling Senior Citizens: An Holistic Assessment Tool For Housing Design And Iot-Based Technologies, Matteo Zallio, Damon Berry, Niccolò Casiddu

Conference papers

The population of older adults will continuously increase over the coming decades. As they get older, people will require assistance and regular monitoring, with higher costs for welfare system and families. Two vital aspects of a healthy lifestyle, are domestic autonomy and maintenance of relationships within the neighborhood. This leads to an interesting research issue: “Could houses and appliances have the potential to improve autonomy and quality of life of citizens? Which methods and tools could enhance wellbeing and healthy conditions? The house has the potential to be a safe, adaptive environment, integrated with technologies for life support. This work …

Project Report: Skg Wireless Charger / Dit Innovation Voucher Iv0415156/ Pm18005, John Walsh

Catalogues

The aim of this project was to design a wireless phone charger suitable for use in the hospitality industry.

Briefly the project involved the following: market research into competing products and companies, research into Induction (wireless) charging circuits and components, sourcing of circuits and components for prototyping, concept generation, sketching, drawing, rendered visuals, -testing of prototype parts (circuits), particularly for effectiveness of induction circuit through different materials and material thicknesses- refinement of chosen design, Final technical drawings for production of prototype, production of a working “mock-up”.

Profile Of Business In The Traditional Design Sectors, Con Kennedy

Reports

This research report illustrates the findings form the “Profile of Business in the Traditional Design Sectors”. This research was commissioned by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland as part of the Year of Irish Design (ID1025) which is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and was under taken on their behalf by Con Kennedy. The aim of this research is to develop an understanding of the size, location and demographic of design practices and business in the Republic of Ireland. For the purpose of this report, the agreed sectors and design sectors to research were: • …

Designing Work: A Study Of Collaboration And Concentration In Open-Plan Offices, John Walsh

Academic Articles

This article looks at the design of open-plan offices, particularly in relation to the impact of spatial design on different work-modes. It examines the history of the open-plan office, looking at how the open-plan workplace has evolved. It reports the findings of a survey on office design of 150 office workers across multiple industry sectors, job types and age categories. Finally, assuming there will not be a return en masse to the traditional, space hungry, cellular office for most knowledge workers this article considers what have we learned so far, and how spaces can be designed to support different work-modes, …

The Problem With Creativity, Con Kennedy

Conference papers

Creativity would seem to be the single most important competency of design practitioners. The literature would suggest that, in general, creativity is considered to be a positive thing generating positive outcomes of design practices and their clients. This paper investigates how creativity can be defined within the paradigm of design practice and practitioners and draws upon references in international literature to establish themes and concepts. Once identified, these themes are then investigated to identify potential problems or issues with creativity. Problems may include but are not limited to: practices undertaken by the individual designer; attitude responses from the individual designer; …

Km Symposium: Designing Work, Knowledge Cafe Presentation, John Walsh

Conference Papers

This visual presentation looks at the history of office spatial design, particularly in relation to the evolution of the Open Plan office. Starting with the invention of the steel beam which facilitated the creation of large open-plan floorplates in the later part of the 19^th Century, the presentation looks at examples of open plan offices up to the present day. In particular this presentation looks at “the cubicle” and the impact of office spatial and furniture design on different work-modes including collaboration and concentration.

Knowledge Management: Collaboration Versus Concentration In Open Plan Workspaces, John Walsh

Articles

This paper looks at the design of open-plan offices, particularly in relation to the impact ofspatial design on different work-modes. It briefly examines the history of the open plan office, lookingat how today’s typical open-plan workplace has evolved. It considers how workplaces can besuccessfully designed to facilitate the seemingly conflicting requirements of supporting both collaboration and concentration

The Relationship Between Designing And Making, And Creative Design Processes That Could Be Used In Second Level Education., John Walsh

Presentations

This presentation was made at the TechnoTeachers Conference 2013. The Technology Teachers Association represents teachers of subjects including Technology, Materials Technology Wood, Technical Graphics, Design & Communication Graphics and Construction Studies. Despite having limited training in Design, these teachers have become the main providers of Design education at second level. This presentation looked at the importance of design to industry, society and beyond. Design in Ireland in general and in particular, how Design is taught in second level education. It considers in brief some methodologies that may be used in the teaching of design in this context. Ultimately, the aim …

Merging Creative Design And Cad Learning Activities In A Product Design Programme, Pearl O'Rourke, Colm O'Kane, Leslie Smith, Michael Ring

Conference Papers

Traditional learning and teaching methods for creativity differ from those used in a scientific context. Although the creative process can benefit from a certain level of prescription and structural constraint - with time allocated to research, problem definition, conceptualisation and idea development - flexibility and fluidity are necessary for creative innovation. In contrast, the more linear and rigid pedagogies associated with science and engineering education facilitate efficient learning of subjects such as those based on software packages, manufacturing and materials theory or mechanics. This paper describes the development of a project which aims to establish constructive links between the learning …

Crucial Design Issues For Special Access Technology; A Delphi Study, Pearl O'Rourke, Ray Ekins, Bernard Timmins, Fiona Timmins, Siobhan Long, Eugene Coyle

Articles

Purpose: To develop and demonstrate a method to involve professional users of assistive technology (AT) in the development process of customisable products. Employing the ideas of user participation and mass customisation, this research addresses the need for reduced product costs and optimised product flexibility. Method: An adaptable six-question Delphi study was developed to establish consensus among AT professionals on design issues relating to a specified AT domain requiring innovation. The study is demonstrated for the special access technology (SAT) domain. A modified morphological matrix structures the application of the study results to the product design process. Results: Fourteen professionals from …

Crucial Design Issues For Special Access Technology, Pearl O'Rourke, Ray Ekins, Bernard Timmins, Fiona Timmins, Siobhan Long, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

Introduction: Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT) aims to empower individuals with disabilities by reducing the environmental and societal barriers they encounter. Power wheelchairs aid mobility, communication aids allow for more efficient conversation, environmental controls permit greater autonomy, and personal computers provide access to information, social networking and educational activities. In order to control EAT, a computer input device is necessary. Mice and keyboards are typically used but in certain cases, Special Access Technology (SAT) is required. SAT refers to adapted and alternative computer input devices that are utilised when mainstream software and hardware are not suitable. Examples are switches, joysticks and …

Jack - Height Adjustable Office Desk Mechanism, John Walsh

Other

This mechanism was developed out of the increasing requirement for individual users to be able to adjust the height of their desk to an ergonomically correct position for their physicality. Sitting at a standard height desk (usually 720-740mm) for long durations has been linked to health problems, including back and posture problems and DVT, for those who fall either side of the average user in terms of anthropometric height range. A typical problem with "systems furniture" which is widely installed in most corporate open-plan offices is that components are "shared" for cost, functionality and aesthetic purposes. Typically, this means that …

Dit Graduate Exhibition Show Of The School Of Art, Design And Printing 2010, Dublin Institute Of Technology

DIT Publications

Exhibition committee staff Kieran Corcoran Peter Jones Paul White Robert Tully Neville Knott John Short Brenda Dermody Clare Bell Brenda Duggan Annette Buckley Pat Muldowny Joe Hanly Exhibition commitee student representatives Lucy Clarke Margaret Flynn Kate Geoghegan Gavin Gogarty Fiona O'Keeffe Cian McKenna Becky O'Hara Catalogue concept and design Paul Woods - www.paultheillustrator.com Maeve Keane - www.andstudio.ie Photography by Gillian Buckley. Typeset in DIN 9pt and 24pt. Printed on 140gsm Revive 50/50 by Future Print, Dublin. DIT Graduate Exhibition 2010

The Presence Of The Past: Conference Proceedings, Barry Sheehan

Books/Book Chapters

Is architecture design? Where does it begin? Where does it end? With every iconic architect comes an iconic chair. Mies Van Der Rohe's Barcelona Chair, Aalto's Artek stool. Where is the furniture by Irish Architects? As Irish architecture has become internationally recognised what has happened to our furniture? Is furniture design oflittle interest to current Irish architects and will this change with the current market conditions?

Pro-Design: Digital Media Pack For Professional Graphic Designers, Anita Heavey

Dissertations

The importance of developing a comprehensive digital design presence as well a as digital business strategy has become a necessity for graphic design practitioners. In this report I review how this could be achieved and document the development of a coherent digital presence that has a more inclusive approach to client/designer communication and that better suits the needs of a graphic designer in industry.

This document provides a detailed overview of my research and development for this MA Project. It sets down the course of action and the directions that the project took and identifies the aims and objectives I …

Design Principles: Continue With Critiquing: Written Report, Peter Dee

Articles

A written report about an object which is considered to be an example of good design focusing on two principles of design; aesthetic usability effect and affordance.

Enterprise Ireland: Student Creativity Day Design Competition, Peter Dee

Other resources

Peter Dee - Strategic Design & Marketing Consultant, was responsible for the design and development of the brand identity for the Enterprise Ireland Student Creativity Day which was used on business cards, letterhead, appliction forms, information literature, large format posters, t-shirts and website. Competing in multi-disciplinary teams, students provided an innovative & creative solution to an exacting design brief. The design brief reflected the following themes: interface, learning, science, media, communications and fashion. The design jury included representatives of Irish business and IDI members.