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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
