Coping with uncertainty through Human-centered Design in engineering projects: Developing a Septic system for Wavin company within this process
2023 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This study explores how designers feel when working on a product in different ways. This research wants to understand a designer's experience in the design field. Designing is a problem-solving process, and not knowing possible results makes a situation uncertain for designers. This research examines this uncertainty and how it changes while creating a product.
To empirically explore this phenomenon, a project has been done for a company called Wavin, focusing on developing and modernizing a septic tank. The research design included the implementation of two divergent methods to elaborate the chosen approach's impact on the designer's uncertainty landscape. The first method was doing the project through the lens of the company's conventional product design methodology, providing a baseline for comparison. And then, the Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach was used, introducing a shift in perspective towards a more user-centric approach.
While working on both methods, a self-report was written at different stages. This self-reporting serves as a valuable qualitative lens, offering insights into the uncertainty experienced by designers when navigating the uncertainties inherent in product development.
The key findings in the uncertainty experienced from the self-report were categorized and analyzed with an "uncertainty triangle." This analytical framework serves as a tool to distinguish the varying degrees of uncertainty encountered in each distinct product development approach.
Based on these findings, the research proposes a strategic framework for dealing with and managing uncertainty in product development. Overall, this research talks about how designers feel uncertain and gives practical advice for dealing with uncertainty in the product development process.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2023. , p. 52
Keywords [en]
Product development process, Human-centered Design, uncertainty, Designer’s feeling, Uncertainty Triangle.
National Category
Design
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:mdh:diva-66517OAI: oai:DiVA.org:mdh-66517DiVA, id: diva2:1855133
External cooperation
Wavin company
Subject / course
Innovation & design
Presentation
2023-11-15, A6-010, Hamngatan 15, 632 17, Eskilstune, 10:00 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
2024-04-302024-04-292025-02-24Bibliographically approved