Analysis of the Design and Engineering-Process towards a First Prototype in the Field of Sports and Vitality

Abstract

The scope of technology has expanded towards areas such as sports and vitality, offering significant challenges for engineering designers. However, only little is known about the underlying design and engineering processes used within these fields. Therefore, this paper aims to get an indepth understanding of these type of processes. During a three-day design competition (Hackathon), three groups of engineers were challenged to develop experience-able prototypes in the field of sports and vitality. Their process was monitored based on the Reflective Transformative Design process (RTD-process) framework, describing the various activities part of the design process. Groups had to keep track of their activities, and six group reflection-sessions were held. Results show that all groups used an open and explorative approach, they frequently swapped between activities, making them able to reflect on their actions. While spending more time on envisioning and creating a clear vision seem to relate to the quality of the design concept.

Studying the Utilization of a Map-Based Visualization with Vitality Datasets by Domain Experts

“…Physical inactivity can cause health disorders such as non-communicable diseases [23] and affect health-related quality of life [24]. Given this, there is growing interest in active and healthy lifestyles and vitality [25].…”

Studying Requirements from Multiple Actors on Vitality Data Platform through the Lens of Socio-technical Systems

“…This participant categorized the features without any inherent hierarchy. The final ranks of required features with aggregated points (in brackets) was as follows: Dashboard ( 23), Data Visualization (23), Login/Authorization (22), Data Analysis (20), Help Navigation (20), Sorting and Filtering (20), Data Sharing (19), Quick Guides (18), Data Upload (17), Contact Data Provider (15), Data Auto Update (15), Data Download (15), Notifications (15), Health Parameters ( 14), Comments on Data (13), Street Parameters (13), General Comments (12), Real-Time Data (12), Route Planner (7). Several participants stated that separation between the project partners and general users is needed.…”

“…The VLL project aims to establish a data ecosystem for innovation in sports and vitality in a region in the Netherlands. For instance, the societal issue of physical inactivity today has been attracting initiatives to foster active lifestyles and vitality [12]. Given this trend, the VLL project strives to realize public-private cooperation through the DS.…”

COMMONS: A Board Game for Enhancing Interdisciplinary Collaboration When Developing Health and Activity-Related Wearable Devices

“…Developments in low-cost technologies have created vast opportunities for health improvement and facilitate behaviour change (5) but are still insufficiently used to promote sustainable physical activity (6). One of the possible reasons for this would be that engineers, when designing wearable devices for measuring and promoting physical activity (such as trackers), mainly focus on the technological aspects (7,8). This leads to technically ingenious products with advanced functions suitable for data collection.…”