Conference Agenda

This article introduces a Human-centred Engineering Design (HcED) practice, which values human aspects. This practice engages deeply into (1) human geometry and motion for specific tasks, (2) product and manufacturing complexities through rapid prototyping, and (3) the broader human task context. This cross-disciplinary method combines ergonomics, AM, sensor applications, and multiple design practices. The framework provides concrete tasks to drive innovative designs in engineering. The study, grounded in design research case studies, led to five new Paralympic Rowing world records.

Design is associated with many benefits for businesses, ranging from successful products and brands to greater economic success. However, companies still have difficulties in unlocking the potential of design. This publication develops a literature-based conceptual model that outlines necessary organizational factors and their interrelation to create an environment for design and designers to thrive. At the same time, it explains why companies are having difficulties in leveraging the benefits of design. Further research directions are derived to strengthen the role of design and designers.

This study delves into Industry 5.0's Human Centric Manufacturing and Systems (HCM and HCS), emphasizing worker welfare and sustainability. Industry 5.0 advocates a human-centric approach, built upon three foundational pillars safety, inclusivity, and empowerment. The paper highlights the successful integration of Design and Systems Thinking in HCM and proposes a workshop at MADE COMPETENCE CENTRE proving the effectiveness in raising awareness and promoting Human-Centric principles throughout the system life cycle and in achieving Human-Centric Systems (HCS).

Addressing VUCA challenges in product development, the Human-Centred Analysis of External Variety (HAV) method is introduced. Focusing on the early stages of new product development, HAV provides a structured approach, reducing uncertainty through quick market analysis, customer engagement, and goal setting. HAV is illustrated using a cargo bike product family case study and emphasizes its role in aligning human-centred methods with project goals. The first steps of the HAV method are presented, but also the need for further action towards a validated and elaborated method is discussed.

Gestures are a preferred mode of interaction for smartwatches and these are commonly elicited either by expert/designers or by users. This paper aims to understand the most promising approach for generating and assessing gestures by employing two empirical studies to validate a set of expert/designer-generated gestures. It further gains insights into the users' mental models, their role as co-creators, and their considerations for one-handed gestures in smartwatches, and discusses the virtue of incorporating both approaches of gesture elicitation.

The growing research field of gamification promises new insights and innovative methods for the active design of user experience. This article examines the extent to which gamification complements the established methods of user experience design in the context of product development. To this end, assessment criteria are proposed that can be used to evaluate human-centred design methods. A qualitative comparison is then used to determine the added value of the innovative field of gamification for future user experience design in consumer products.