human-centred hcdi seminar: approach in scientific research

Human-centred Approach in Scientific Research

Dr Busayawan AriyatumSchool of Engineering & Design, Brunel University

National Metal and Materials Technology Centre: MTECNational Science & Technology Development Agency: NSTDA

Product Design & Development in Thailand

Why can’t they look like these?

Lack of Design & Creativity?

Intensive Labour ProcessStandard Metal Sheets & Tubes

Automatic ProductionMould Fabrication & Machines

Preparing the master Designing the parting line

Applying releasing agent Preparing a casting box and pouring a mixture of epoxy resin composite

Rapid Moulding Using an Epoxy Resin Composite

Rapid Moulding Using an Epoxy Resin Composite

Air-bubble removal and surface finishing

Mould assembling and operating test

Sound simple, but not really…

Broken overhangs Melted master Leaking epoxy resin

Effect of releasing agent Defeated surfaces due to the modifications

Basic tools & Expensive machines

What do they want to learn then?

Silicone Mould – Prototype Making

Small-Scale Complete-Cycle Biodiesel Pilot Plant: Technology Transfer to Communities in Celebration of

His Majesty King Bhumibol’s 60-Year Anniversary of Accession to the Throne

What did we learn from our mistakes?• Assume nothing • Just ask• Find out their true happiness• Apply a holistic approach

(the whole value chain)

What do they want?• Independence • Self-sufficiency

Holistic ApproachA business case for a community-based

biodiesel production

Did we really listen?

Biodiesel: What is it?Biodiesel is defined as a diesel-equivalent, processed fuel obtained from biological sources. In this case, it refers to alkyl esters made from the transesterification process of straight vegetable oils (SVO) or animal fats.

Actually, the process is simple.No equipment needed.

But the specification is strict!!!

Polypropylene (PP) Density = 0.855 g/cm3

Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) = 0.910 g/cm3

In fact, we should produce test kits, which are fool-proof, affordable and reliable. If we can give them away for free,

that will be the ultimate situation.

The density of a material is defined as its mass per unit volume

Density = Mass / Volume

Bio-diesel Density = ~ 0.88 g/cm³

Can you design a fool-proof density test kit?

In order to keep the cost down while maintaining the quality, we tried to use standard parts for everything

Let’s come back to General Hospital Equipment

Broadest Design Brief Ever??? • Design any hospital equipment for the Thai public healthcare• Justify impacts on the society (Niche market is unacceptable) • Leverage knowledge, expertises, technologies cultivated at MTEC• Able to transfer knowledge to the Thai industries

Users knew what they want, but they’re too specific

Problems identified via observations: Patient Transfer

Finding Overlapping Areas

Improving Quality of Life of Thai Children

Thank you for listeningAny questions?

busayawan.ariyatum@brunel.ac.uk