Evolution of Velovations: A Bicycle Design Enterprise in Lieu of Capstone Design

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
John K. Gershenson
Keyword(s):  
Design Thinking ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Computer Engineering ◽  
Exercise Science ◽  
Graduate Course ◽  
Bicycle Industry ◽  
The Status ◽  
Bicycle Design ◽  
Capstone Design

In fewer than three years, Velovations, Michigan Tech’s Bicycle Design Enterprise, has already tallied over twenty industry supported research and development projects. Our students (undergraduate and graduate) and faculty have worked with SRAM, Pearl Izumi, Saris, Cane Creek, Rolf Prima, RockyMounts, World Bicycle Relief, and others in the bicycle industry. We have worked closely with engineers, designers, and executives at these companies to co-create products that are actually coming to the market. Students have become well versed in innovating products from need understanding all the way through to tooling, including invention disclosures, costing, and industrial design. Students have used their backgrounds in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Technology, Exercise Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Social Sciences in combination with a structured innovation process that borrows heavily from our undergraduate course in capstone design and our graduate course in design thinking to add value to the bicycle industry. These three years have led us to a very new model for a design experience; one that is both rewarding for students and faculty and challenging to the status quo of research and student projects at universities. The purpose of this paper is to share lessons learned in our program and look towards replication in other industries.

CAPSTONE DESIGN PROJECTS WITH INDUSTRY PARTNERS: A 6-YEAR EXPERIENCE REPORT

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Kruchten ◽  
Paul Lusina
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Computer Engineering ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Graduate Attributes ◽  
Capstone Courses ◽  
Evaluation Scheme ◽  
Capstone Design Courses ◽  
Capstone Design

Since 2013, the fourth-year capstone design courses for the electrical and computer engineering programs at UBC are working only with projects defined by industrial partners. These capstone courses run over two terms (September to April) and are worth 10 credits. The projects involves teams of five students, which follow a common timeline, produce a common set of deliverables, and have a common evaluation scheme –with some latitude for variation based on the nature of the project and the type of partner. A key objective is to include non-technical graduate attributes, the so-called “soft skills”, in our learning outcomes. In this paper, we describe our current course framework, our constraints and design choices, and we report lessons learned and improvements implemented over 6 years.  

scholarly journals A NEW COURSE ON COMPUTING FOR SMALL SPACECRAFT ENGINEERING

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Witold Kinsner
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Students ◽  
Attitude Determination ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Computer Engineering ◽  
Graduate Course ◽  
Small Satellites ◽  
Small Spacecraft ◽  
New Research ◽  
The University ◽  
And Control

The trend towards smaller and less expensive spacecraft continues. The University of Manitoba has participated in the design and implementation of a triple-pico-satellite (code TSat) since 2010, with over 100 undergraduate and graduate students from five faculties and 16 departments, as well as 50 advisors from academia, aerospace industries, business, military, and government. Such small satellites are used for atmospheric study and testing of new research concepts such as new forms of data communications, and constellations of space robots. A graduate course on small spacecraft engineering has recently been developed to address the needs of many students in this area. The course provides foundations for the design, implementation and testing of nano-, pico- and femto-satellites. The topics cover the anatomy of a small spacecraft, its design process with the specific design of its mission and payload, orbital mechanics, spacecraft subsystems, and mission operations handling. The specific subsystems include (i) attitude determination and control (ADC), (ii) telemetry, tracking, and command (TTC), (iii) command and data handling (CDH), (iii) power (PWR), (iv) thermal (TRM), (v) structures (STR), and (vi) guidance and navigation (GAV) [1-3]. Emphasis is given to the algorithms and computing tools for such small satellites. The basis for modeling and simulation is the Systems Tool Kit (STK) from Analytical Graphics Incorporated (AGI). The course is supported by our experience in developing the TSat1 nano-satellite. This paper describes the structure of the course, the methodology used, the set of topics covered, the set of course projects, and the lessons learned from the delivery of this unique course. Although the course is now intended for electrical and computer engineering students only, its scope will be expanded to accommodate mechanical and other engineering students.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned from Teaching a Pilot Multidisciplinary Entrepreneurial 4th Year Capstone Design Course

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Maw
Keyword(s):  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Peer Assessment ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Computer Engineering ◽  
Student Work ◽  
Capstone Course ◽  
Capstone Projects ◽  
Capstone Design

During the 2015/16 academic year, a pilot course at the University of Saskatchewan was offered to senior engineering students. The pilot course was meant to offer an entrepreneurial version of the standard 4th year capstone design course. It also created an opportunity for students to work with students from engineering disciplines other than their own. Two design groups, each consisting of four students, were formed. This paper describes the structure of the course, how the entrepreneurial content and multidisciplinary aspects were handled, and a variety of lessons that were learned that may be of value to other institutions considering similar ventures.The College’s capstone design courses had the weightings of two regular 3-credit courses, running from the start of the Fall term to the end of the Winter term. The most fundamental differences between this course and the standard 4th year capstone course were i) the students identified their own design problem, and ii) they formed multidisciplinary teams to solve their problem. Both of these differences created significant challenges in terms of organizing and running the course. Students from Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Engineering Physics were full participants in the course. Students from Mechanical Engineering were given the opportunity to participate on a one course credit basis i.e. they still had to take the standard 4th year design course in addition to the entrepreneurial version.Many lessons have been learned from the experience of developing and teaching this course. Issues that will be discussed in the paper include, but will not be limited to: integrating the different learning outcome needs of the different departments involved, managing the uncertainty of the design problems undertaken, integrating entrepreneurship into the design course, talking about design to students from different disciplines, managing “sub-contractor” students in capstone projects, evaluation, scheduling of classes, multidisciplinary supervision, client interaction and evaluation of student work, peer assessment, and student group dynamics.

Forest Management In Mongolia – A Review Of Challenges And Lessons Learned With Special Reference To Degradation And Deforestation

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Gradel ◽  
Gerelbaatar Sukhbaatar ◽  
Daniel Karthe ◽  
Hoduck Kang
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Land Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Hydrological Regime ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Driven System ◽  
The Status

The natural conditions, climate change and socio-economic challenges related to the transformation from a socialistic society towards a market-driven system make the implementation of sustainable land management practices in Mongolia especially complicated. Forests play an important role in land management. In addition to providing resources and ecosystem functions, Mongolian forests protect against land degradation.We conducted a literature review of the status of forest management in Mongolia and lessons learned, with special consideration to halting deforestation and degradation. We grouped our review into seven challenges relevant to developing regionally adapted forest management systems that both safeguard forest health and consider socio-economic needs. In our review, we found that current forest management in Mongolia is not always sustainable, and that some practices lack scientific grounding. An overwhelming number of sources noticed a decrease in forest area and quality during the last decades, although afforestation initiatives are reported to have increased. We found that they have had, with few exceptions, only limited success. During our review, however, we found a number of case studies that presented or proposed promising approaches to (re-)establishing and managing forests. These studies are further supported by a body of literature that examines how forest administration, and local participation can be modified to better support sustainable forestry. Based on our review, we conclude that it is necessary to integrate capacity development and forest research into holistic initiatives. A special focus should be given to the linkages between vegetation cover and the hydrological regime.

Graphic design practice of an image for the Chinese character for "鼓 Drum"

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
POHSUN WANG
Keyword(s):  
Design Thinking ◽  
Chinese Character ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Learning Design ◽  
Design Practice ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Artistic Value ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Times

Basic shape is one of the most important components of the learning design process. Using Western design thinking to understand shape, color and composition layout and attempting to reinterpret the application of traditional calligraphy from a design point of view—whether it is the expression of form or the meaning of content—are both important aspects of design thinking. The writing patterns of traditional calligraphy and the design creation of modern experiments may have different biases. If the artistic value of "the brush and ink of the time" is compared to the science and technology of innovation as the main appeal, the expressiveness of the traditional writing mode is obviously difficult to achieve. Using science and technology as an option for design creation is a difficult way to proceed; however, technology, ideas and thinking can still be in sync with the cultural issues of an entire era. This is also the test of the times to which contemporary creations are subjected. There are infinite possibilities for development, and it is worthwhile to explore these possibilities together with artistic aspirants. On the other hand, if we follow the well-beaten path of the status quo, the creativity of traditional calligraphic art will wither, it will deviate from the larger environment of the era in which it operates, and it will inevitably be neglected and pushed out by other art categories. The design and creation process uses the traditional calligraphy characters and drums as the theme, assisted by digital tools in the creation, and finally transforms the traditional calligraphy visual form into an expression of the art of science and technology.

Inclusion by Design: A 75-Minute Crash Course on Accessible Design

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 831-835
Author(s):  
Julian Brinkley ◽  
Earl W. Huff
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Inclusive Design ◽  
Graduate Course ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Creative Problem ◽  
Community Of Researchers ◽  
Minute Session

The community of researchers supporting instruction on design thinking has a significant body of materials to help students understand and master the process of creative problem solving in design. Missing, we argue are materials and processes which directly support the design of inclusive technologies for persons with disabilities. We present ‘Inclusion by Design’, an interactive and participative crash course designed to introduce students to techniques that may be useful in an inclusive design process. In a single 75-minute session, students explore the inclusive design of a transportation technology for a visually impaired persona. We report on our findings from a single pilot of the crash course involving six diverse students within a graduate course on Inclusive Design. Our findings suggest that the course may be effective in introducing techniques like storyboarding, scenario creation, and low fidelity prototyping to students using an approach that may be effective for various learning styles.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned From Nonsignificant Findings in Exercise With Individuals With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 850-850
Author(s):  
Nicole Dawson ◽  
Heather Menne
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Exercise Science ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Critical Intervention

Abstract The National Institute on Aging recognizes the importance of identifying promising non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) to promote health in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Several systematic reviews have been completed investigating exercise in this population resulting in mixed evidence regarding efficacy across functional domains. It is critical to investigate the methodological factors from the original interventions for a true understanding of these findings as to not outright dismiss exercise as beneficial. One example is Ohio’s replication of Reducing Disability in Alzheimer’s Disease (n=508), which resulted in no significant improvements in physical performance for individuals with dementia ((gait speed (p=.81), balance (p=.82), functional reach (p=.58)). In this investigation, along with many others, researchers were not guided by key principles of exercise science leading to critical intervention design and methodological flaws. Thus, exercise interventions for individuals with dementia need to include interpretations of non-findings and report key factors affecting the outcomes.

Neue Geschäftsmodelle in der Life Science Industrie durch einen ganzheitlichen Innovationsprozess

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-29
Author(s):  
Ouelid Ouyeder ◽  
Julia Hitzbleck ◽  
Henning Trill
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Life Science ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
New Business ◽  
End To End ◽  
Lean Startup

Abstract The aim of this paper is to introduce an end-to-end development process for non-biomedical innovation and new business models of a Life Science company that integrates different methods such as Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agility and others within one framework. Since 2016 this innovation process is an essential part of the internal Employee Innovation program and proves its applicability in a real-life setting. Projects teams develop and implement their new digital business models successfully by taking the introduced innovation process as guideline. This process enables the Life Science organization to run two global entrepreneurship programs (Catalyst Fund and Catalyst Box) that foster customer focus with fast and evidence-based experimentation. The article encompasses a real-life case study out of the Catalyst Fund program about the Farm Advisory Team from India. By using this example each phase of the innovation process is described schematically. Idea generation is easy-to-apply, but the implementation of ideas is one of the biggest challenges in larger corporations. The proposed end-to-end innovation process connects the dots of different innovation methods and provides guidance to company decision makers and project teams in order to structure their business model innovation activities/strategy and discussions. Zusammenfassung Das Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, einen durchgängigen Innovationsprozess für nicht-biomedizinische Lösungen und Geschäftsmodelle eines Life-Science-Unternehmens vorzustellen, der verschiedene Methoden wie Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agilität und andere innerhalb eines Gestaltungsrahmens integriert. Seit 2016 ist der Innovationsprozess ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des internen Employee Innovation Programms und beweist seine Anwendbarkeit in einem realen Umfeld. Projektteams entwickeln und implementieren ihre neuen digitalen Geschäftsmodelle erfolgreich, indem sie den vorgestellten Innovationsprozess als Leitfaden nutzen. Dieser Prozess ermöglicht es dem Life-Science-Unternehmen, zwei globale Entrepreneurship-Programme (Catalyst Fund und Catalyst Box) durchzuführen, die den Kundenfokus mit schnellen und evidenzbasierten Experimenten fördern. Der Artikel umfasst eine reale Fallstudie aus dem Catalyst Fund Programm über das Farm Advisory Team aus Indien. Anhand dieses Beispiels wird jede Phase des Innovationsprozesses schematisch beschrieben. Die Ideengenerierung ist leicht anwendbar, aber die Umsetzung von Ideen ist eine der größten Herausforderungen in größeren Unternehmen. Der vorgeschlagene End-to-End-Innovationsprozess integriert die verschiedenen Innovationsmethoden und bietet Entscheidungsträgern und Projektteams in Unternehmen eine Anleitung, um ihre Aktivitäten bzw. Strategie und Diskussionen zur Geschäftsmodellinnovation zu strukturieren.

MNC-Sponsored Multidisciplinary Industrial-Strength Capstone Design Projects in China

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 54-65
Author(s):  
Vincent Chang
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Biomedical Engineering ◽  
Multinational Corporation ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Internet Technology ◽  
Computer Engineering ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
Design Projects ◽  
Industrial Strength ◽  
Capstone Design

With a growing need to reform Chinese higher engineering education, University of Michigan—Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (JI) initiated multinational corporation-sponsored industrial-strength Capstone Design Projects (CDP) in 2011. Since 2011, JI has developed 96 corporate-sponsored CDPs since its inception, which include multinational corporation sponsors such as Covidien, Dover, GE, HP, Intel, NI, Philips, and Siemens. Of these projects, healthcare accounts for 27%, energy 24%, internet technology (IT) 22%, electronics 16%, and other industries 11%. This portfolio reflects the trends and needs in the industry, which provides opportunities for engineering students to develop their careers. An accumulated 480 JI students have been teamed up based on their individual backgrounds, specifically electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering. The corporate-sponsored rate grew from 0% in 2010 to 86% in 2014.

scholarly journals Lessons learned: intentional implementation of second makerspaces

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Moorefield-Lang
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Research Participant ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
The Body ◽  
Planning Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scholarly Publications ◽  
Study Results

Purpose What happens when a librarian outgrows their maker learning location or transfers to a new library? The purpose of this study is to explore the planning process for second and/or new library makerspaces. Is the planning more intentional? Is there more focus on how the makerspace should be put together for the community served? Is the community further involved? This study will explore those questions and more. Design/methodology/approach Using content analysis, the perspectives of practicing librarians in the achievement of subsequent makerspaces are examined. Data include librarian interviews, an analysis using NVivo 11 through the lens of design thinking, and a final review using member checking by each research participant. Findings Makerspaces continue to grow in popularity in school and public/community libraries. What is unexplored is the moving from a first makerspace to the implementation of a second and/or new maker learning location. More intentional planning is involved. The community served by the library is further engaged in the planning. Study results illustrate the value that community insight and intentional planning play in the design and implementation of makerspaces. Originality/value Makerspaces in libraries continue to grow in popularity; in turn, the body of peer-reviewed, scholarly publications also continues to grow. Librarians in the field are beginning to move from their first to second makerspaces. This study investigates those perspectives. Much can be gained from the experiences of those who have implemented their second or third makerspace.

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