Author: hj

Final USI project by Leoni van de Sande. Summary of the report: [PDF, 300K]. Complete report upon request.

The aim of this industrial project at Smart Homes , the Dutch expertise centre on home automation and smart living, was twofold. On the one hand, the level of appreciation of existing (concepts of) smart home applications was examined. In this purpose, (concepts of) smart home applications were first collected through field research, literature, and European and national projects Smart Homes contributes to. Afterwards, the collected (concepts of) smart home applications were filtered based on the smart home classification by Aldrich and its appreciation was tested by means of a questionnaire. Based on the results of this questionnaire, the applications that were most appreciated were visualized. Ideally, these visualizations will be shown in the Smartest Home of the Netherlands, a test and demonstration home located in Eindhoven, to show visitors the added value of home automation (i.e. domotica).

Continue reading Optimizing the added value and usability of the Smartest Home of the Netherlands

By Jeroen Peters [M12 Report, PDF, 200K]

Technological advances in computational, networking and sensing abilities are leading towards a future in which our daily lives are immersed with interactive devices that are networked and interoperable.

It is imperative that users are able to understand such complex intelligent and interactive environments. Design has an important role in facilitating users in making sense of the many connections between devices in a networked environment.

Two design solutions based on tangible interaction have been developed that allow users to manage wireless connections between devices in a smart living room context.

Continue reading Semantic Resources: A Study on a Tangible Interaction Approach to Managing Wireless Connections in a Smart Home Environment

by Kacper Holenderski. [PDF, 2.5M]

The goal of this research was to analyze to what extent applying dramatic soundtracks to a short story enrich the reading experience on an E-reader. This is an opportunity to give reading a new face allowed by the capabilities of the digital nature of eBooks and E-readers. The set up tested for imagery, transportation and attention through a questionnaire. Additionally arousal was measured with the help of GSR sensors. The results did not show a clear enrichment of the experience. The soundtracks were distracting at some points and complementing at others. The opportunity of dramatic soundtracks in eBooks is still a valid proposition which rests on the proper implementation.

M11 Master Project by Nick Sturkenboom. [PDF, 1.5M]

In the EU, policy makers have been debating over carbon reduction for many years. One of the methods that pursue to reduce our carbon footprints is to raise energy awareness and stimulate energy efficiency through behavioral and attitude change. However, these same policy makers currently overlook the reasons why people consume resources, how these ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ establish themselves and evolve over time in our everyday lives, also known as ‘practices. (E.g.) (Shove E. , 2003) (Hargreaves, 2011) (Chetty, 2008) (Stern, 2000) (Hertwich, 2005)

Continue reading Semantic Resources: A practice oriented approach: Sustainable services for television

By Matthijs Jansen [B32 Graduation Project, PDF, 3.5M]

This report covers the work of the final bachelor project of Industrial Design student Matthijs Jansen. It shows the design process of an adaptive photo mirror. With this mirror, a host can show his hospitality and care for his visitor through common photos of him and his guest inside the mirror, creating a fun and surprising experience when receiving guests in the hallway.

Foreword of the report [PDF, 500K]. “This report will describe my internship at Promea Industrial Design, both my activities, reflections and growth will be described. The department of Industrial Design from the University of Technology Eindhoven offers students to do an internship in the final year of their bachelor education. This opportunity is a welcome change in working environment from my point of view, it allows me to place my education in a better context with regards to the professional work environment.”