Artesis Hogeschool Antwerpen

Type: Doctoraat
Ingangsdatum: 01/01/2009
Einddatum: 31/12/2012
Betrokkenen: Els Du Bois, dr. Karine Van Doorselaer, prof. dr. Aviel Verbruggen(UA), prof. dr. Imre Horvath (TU Delft)

Abstract:
This abstract summarizes the PhD research of Els Du Bois, under supervision of Imre Horváth (TU Delft), Aviel Verbruggen (Antwerp University) and Karine Van Doorsselaer (Artesis University College Antwerp). The approach of this promotional research is (i) to designerly develop a software tool as an example of application of a novel framing methodology, called design inclusive research, and (ii) to gather knowledge by using the different manifestations of the developed software tool as evolving research means. The research project has been decomposed into five interrelated research cycles, whereof in most of these research cycles, various prototypes of a software tool are implemented and used in knowledge elicitation. Consequently, the research is characterized by both a design and a research objective. Throughout the research a software tool is designed to support designers in their decision making processes on smart energy saving using ubiquitous controllers. The tool is being built around a case-base and assists the designers by providing information and means for estimating functional characteristics of information appliances and ubiquitous technologies. Progress in this direction is desirable since industrial design engineers are challenged by the time available for conceptualization and should pay attention to a multitude of aspect in designing sustainable products. The development of such a complex forecasting tool was obligatory to achieve the major scientific highlight of this work, which is combining a designerly development methodology with a rigorous research methodology to systematically develop and optimize a software product considering stakeholders and context. This concrete design oriented methodology could be accomplished through combining and contrasting methods and approaches of both product and software development, and is desirable since industrial design engineers are challenged by the rising amount of software applied within consumer products.