Gillian Hatcher

Design for remanufacturing in China: a case study of electrical and electronic equipment

As global demand for consumer goods continues to rise, the problem of waste electrical and electronic equipment (or e-waste) increases. E-waste is of particular concern to the world’s governments and environmentalists alike, not just because of the sheer quantity that is being produced annually, but also because e-waste often contains both hazardous materials and scarce or valuable materials. Much research is now focused upon how this waste can be treated safely, economically, and in an environmentally sound manner. This paper presents the findings from a literature review and case study research conducted as a small part of the Globally Recoverable and Eco-friendly E-equipment Network with Distributed Information Service Management (GREENet) project. The GREENet project aims to share knowledge and expertise in e-waste treatment across Europe (in this case, the UK) and China. The focus of this particular study was upon ‘design for remanufacture’ and e-waste in China: as a remanufacturing industry begins to emerge, are Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) prepared to design more remanufacturable products and could electrical and electronic products become a part of this industry? Findings presented in this paper suggest that design for remanufacture could become more relevant to Chinese OEMs in the near future, as environmental legislation becomes increasingly stringent and a government remanufacturing pilot scheme expands. However, findings from case studies of Chinese e-waste recyclers would suggest that electrical and electronic products are not presently highly suited to the remanufacturing process.

Using visual representations for the searching and browsing of large, complex, multimedia data sets

This research investigates the feasibility of using visual representations for the searching and browsing of large, complex, multimedia data sets.A graphical interface, SIZL, that uses an explicit zoomable timeline to support the display of multiple search results is presented.Participants could achieve the same accuracy in SIZL in less time compared using File Manager.Participants stated a preference for the overall visualization of the SIZL system. Recent years have seen a huge increase in the digital data generated by companies, projects and individuals. This has led to significant challenges in visualizing and using large, diverse collections of digital information. Indeed the speed and accuracy with which these large datasets can be effectively mined for information that is relevant and valuable can have a significant effect on company performance. This research investigates the feasibility of using visual representations for the searching and browsing of large, complex, multimedia data sets. This paper introduces the SIZL (Searching for Information in a Zoom Landscape) system, which was developed to enable the authors to effectively test whether a 2.5D graphical representation of a multimedia data landscape produces quantifiable improvements in a users ability to assess its contents. The usability of this visualization system was analyzed using experiments and a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The paper presents these results and discusses potential industrial applications as well as future work that will improve the SIZL data visualization method.

Evolving improvised ideation from humour constructs: a new method for collaborative divergence

This paper reviews and applies key principles from improvised comedy (“improv”) to overcome common barriers in effective group ideation, resulting in the formulation and presentation of a new creative idea generation method. The emergence of an innovative product design can be compared to the telling of a funny joke: both combine seemingly unconnected ideas in a way that is both surprising and satisfying. Our research expands upon this link between humour and creativity, and operationalizes the improv principles best suited to the conceptual design process. A workshop‐based methodology was used to select, develop, and refine the method protocol and facilitation technique. Participant feedback and observations have demonstrated how this approach can expand the solution space to support the generation of bold, innovative ideas. Finally, we present a step‐by‐step guide for the new “design improv” method and discuss its potential value in the generation of creative ideas in a group ideation context.

Design for Remanufacture: Organisational Factors Influencing Successful Integration into the Design Process

Remanufacturing, the process of returning a used product to a like-new condition with a warranty to match, is widely recognised as an environmentally preferable end of life strategy for many products, being both an energy and material saving solution. How the product was designed can have a significant effect on how easily it may be remanufactured, and it is from this understanding that the concept of ‘design for remanufacture’ (DfRem) has emerged. The aim of this research is gain an understanding of the organisational factors that enable the successful integration of DfRem considerations into a company design process, through a series of case studies in the mechanical/ electromechanical sector. This paper presents the findings from case studies of two companies currently remanufacturing their products- one that is involved in DfRem, one that is not. A comparison of the two case studies has revealed that factors such as customer demand, remanufacturer communication and business priorities may have a significant effect on DfRem integration.

Rethinking the foam cosmesis for people with lower limb absence

Background and aim: A recent survey of people with lower limb absence revealed that patients’ satisfaction with their foam cosmesis is lower than desired. The aim of this project was to improve the lifelike appearance, functionality and durability of the cosmesis through a user-centred design methodology. Technique: Concept development and prototyping led to a new cosmesis design which features a cut-out located at the knee, inserted with an artificial patella made of a more rigid foam. It also features a full-length zip which provides easy access for maintenance. The new cosmesis was then mechanically tested for over 1 million cycles and clinically tested by six transfemoral prosthesis users over 18 patient months. Discussion: The new design is significantly more durable than the current standard model and has an enhanced lifelike appearance. It has potential to improve users’ body image and reduce costs for healthcare providers. Clinical relevance This study contributes to practice by offering a new cosmesis design with enhanced appearance and durability, with the potential to improve patients’ body image and reduce costs associated with cosmesis fitting and maintenance.