VISUALISING WORKPLACE DESIGN
Year: 2015
Editor: Guy Bingham, Darren Southee, John McCardle, Ahmed Kovacevic, Erik Bohemia, Brian Parkinson
Author: Hĺkansson, Anders; Stenberg, Magnus; Öhrling, John Daniel
Series: E&PDE
Institution: 1Luleĺ University of Technology, Innovation & Design, 2Luleĺ University of Technology, Human Work Science
Section: Technology
Page(s): 150-155
ISBN: 978-1-904670-62-9
Abstract
Design is a learning process and the use of prototyping activities for the sake of learning increases the design thinking, i.e. the dialogue and feedback on ideas. Hence, representations ranging from sketches to different kind of models and animations are recommended to be used as prototypes to mediate user needs and to support communication within the team. Low-fidelity prototyping enables rapid visualisation of ideas, reframes failures into learning, generates perceptual progress and supports creativity. In product design, different visualisation techniques are used to generate and communicate ideas since thinking visually is seen as necessary for innovation. This paper describes the work of developing a course where you combine the task of workplace design with traditional industrial design visualisation methods like sketching, model making and 3D computer aids. By using the knowledge and experience from product design and incorporate it into workplace design, a process where all parties contribute in new ways could be achieved. In the course the students start by performing an individual investigation of the present research front for production visualisation by summarizing and analysing a number of scientific articles. A work place design project was then performed where exploratory, explanatory and persuasive visualizing techniques were implemented. Through a creative and constructive collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, Industrial Production Environment and Industrial Design, we have created and implemented a course in an area that has been lacking in our Master Program.
Keywords: Workplace design, layout, visualization, communication, participation