Transformability is one of the essential attributes of social systems. To improve transformabilit... more Transformability is one of the essential attributes of social systems. To improve transformability, one should create the preconditions for strategic intervention on the underlying social structures. This paper proposes a design-driven conflict (DDC) methodology in response to the limitation of the systemic design approach by aggregating a network of allies essential for the paradigmatic shifts. The proposed methodology has more strategic implications. It starts with unfolding the actors and shared resources (phase one context mapping). It continues with defining the power relations between them, drivers, and spillovers that cause conflicts and disagreements (phase two analysis). After this, it shows how one can synthesize the commonalities and the core narratives of actors in the form of boundary objects (phase three synthesis). By using the existing narratives and the commonalities between actors as inputs for the translation phase, DDC creates the preconditions for a network of allies construction. Next, the methodology uses translation as a method, in relation to the four moments of a ‘sociology of translation’, problematization, interessement, enrolment, and mobilization, in order to gradually change the learning paradigm of the system. In the scaling-up phase (phase five), DDC proposes ways of creating a narrative platform, shedding light on how to mobilize the results of translation from the community level onto a broader social scale. The framework for the design methodology has been evaluated based on a method content analysis and by a group of experts from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. The results show, except for the efficiency of the method, which requires additional investigation in a real-life context, the efficacy and effectiveness of the method have been elaborated in a sufficient way.
Controversies are an inseparable part of social systems which, if constructed properly, can creat... more Controversies are an inseparable part of social systems which, if constructed properly, can create a unique condition for higher-order learning. In addition, design inquiry, as a process of thought and planning, is also a constructive process. This provokes the question of how to construct controversies from a designerly perspective in order to steer higher-order learning. This paper presents a theoretical contribution to the field of social system design by providing the first insights into design intervention to facilitate a network of allied construction. Through a systematic review of the concept of conflict and disagreement, the link between controversies and knowledge transmission is examined in order to highlight the benefit of controversies in a constructive way. Next to that, the essential steps for constructing a network of allies are proposed. These steps are compared with specific aspects of design in order to unfold the advantages of design for network construction. Finally, the paper wraps up with concluding remarks about the necessity of having a bridging step from theory to action in order to facilitate the construction of controversies in a real-life context.
Introduction: Scissors are essential tools in different occupations including sewing and clothes ... more Introduction: Scissors are essential tools in different occupations including sewing and clothes making. Improper design of fabric cutting scissors can lead to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms among users. The aim of this study was to evaluate pinch force and wrist posture while working with three designs of sewing scissors and a traditional sewing scissors. Methods: The first model of the scissor had a bent-handle (to improve wrist posture), the second model had a thumb-ring that was located closer to the pivot (to reduce thumb’s abducted position and range of movement), and the original oval ring in the third model was changed to a hook-shaped handle (to reduce hand and finger discomfort). Pinch force was measured using a pinch gauge and wrist posture was measured in two anatomical planes including flexion/extension and ulnar/radial deviation using the observational method. Results: The results showed significant effects of scissors' design on pinch force exertions (P < 0.01) and ulnar/radial deviation of the wrist (P < 0.001). The lowest level of pinch force decrement between pre- and post-pinch force measurements was recorded for the second model (2.4%), while the highest level was recorded for the traditional model (7%). More neutral wrist postures in ulnar/radial direction (83%) were recorded for the first model compared to the other designs. Conclusions: The second scissors, which was designed to reduce thumb’s range of motion and abduction, showed some improvement in pinch force compared to the traditional model.
BACKGROUND: The traditional design of fabric cutting scissors frequently causes excessive ulnar d... more BACKGROUND: The traditional design of fabric cutting scissors frequently causes excessive ulnar deviation of the wrist which, together with repetitive and long-term use of the tool, may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal problems, particularly in the upper extremities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare a new bent-handle fabric scissors with a traditional one. METHODS: The study investigated the effects of a new bent-handle fabric scissors on several hand performance capabilities (hand dexterity, pinch grip strength, wrist postures and hand/finger discomfort) and tool's usability (using System Usability Scale – SUS) and compared it against the effects of traditional design. RESULTS: The results indicated that the bent-handle fabric scissors was superior to the traditional design as it resulted in more neutral wrist deviation, higher usability scores and less hand/finger discomfort ratings. No significant difference was found between the two designs with regard to the hand dexterity and strength exertions. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide evidence that the ergonomic principle of " bending the tool, not the wrist " can perhaps be employed advantageously for the design of fabric cutting scissors to reduce wrist deviations and discomfort and to improve the tool's usability.
The effects of tool handle dimension (three modified designs of wrenches with 30e50 mm diameter c... more The effects of tool handle dimension (three modified designs of wrenches with 30e50 mm diameter cylindrical handles and traditional design with rectangular cross-sectional (5 mm  25 mm) handle), workpiece orientation (vertical/horizontal) and workpiece size (small/large) as well as user's hand size on wrist ulnar/radial (U/R) torque strength, usability and discomfort, and also the relationship between these variables were evaluated in a maximum torque task using wrenches. The highest and lowest levels of maximal wrist U/R torque strength were recorded for the 30 mm diameter handle and traditional wrench design, respectively. The prototype handle with 30 mm diameter, together with 40 mm diameter handle, was also better than other designs as they received higher usability ratings and caused less discomfort. The mean wrist torque strength exerted on a vertically oriented workpiece (in the sagittal plane) was 23.8% higher than that exerted on a horizontally oriented one (in the transverse plane). The user's hand size had no effect on torque exertions. The wrist torque strength and usability were negatively correlated with hand and finger discomfort ratings. The results are also discussed in terms of their implications for hand tool and workstation configuration in torque tasks involving wrenches.
The effects of three redesigned models of sewing scissors on hand performance measures, discomfor... more The effects of three redesigned models of sewing scissors on hand performance measures, discomfort and usability were investigated, and the results were compared with those of conventional scissors. Adjustments were made to the scissors handle with emphasis on more neutral wrist postures (bent handle-model A), correction of the thumb's position and movements (model B) and reducing hand/finger discomfort (model C) while working with the tool. The results showed some improvements in hand performance, muscular effort, usability and discomfort with model B compared to the conventional model. Better hand performance and usability and lower discomfort were recorded with model C compared to the conventional model. The results suggest that the correction of the thumb's position and movement (model B) or even reduced hand/finger discomfort (model C) are perhaps more important considerations in scissors design than improved wrist posture (model A) for improving users' performance and usability of the tool.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2015
The effects of five new different handle shapes on hand performance capabilities, usability and d... more The effects of five new different handle shapes on hand performance capabilities, usability and discomfort, and also the relationship between these variables were evaluated in the context of masonry work and using masons' trowels as an exemplar hand tool. The prototype handles were designed to provide different patterns of grip so that they could be suited to the hand/tool interaction in particular hand areas. The results showed significant effect of tool handle shape on the hand grip effort, usability, and hand and finger discomfort assessments, but not on the time to complete the masonry task. The hand grip effort and usability were negatively correlated with subjective assessment of hand and finger discomfort, so that a lower level of hand and finger discomfort corresponded to higher hand grip exertion and usability. These findings provide a better insight into the performance and usability issues when using hand tools which can be applied by tool manufacturers to improve industrial hand tool design. Relevance to industry: These findings present a unique insight into the handle design for industrial hand tool use and support the general conclusion that objective measurements should be supplemented by qualitative subjective assessments to provide a more holistic approach where specific and additional details about the hand tool design characteristics are incorporated from the workers' perspective.
In this study, the role of aesthetic on product sustainability has been investigated. Here is an ... more In this study, the role of aesthetic on product sustainability has been investigated. Here is an explanation on the concepts including sustainability and all various aspects specifically in industrial design, such as economy, culture and environment. After which, aesthetic has been introduced as an independent and effective factor, and its role as an efficacious mean on sustainable design is demonstrated. In this regard, not only do we emphasize on designers' mistakes in recognition and implementation of sustainable design, but we also attended to the differences between aesthetic and beauty, through which redesigning date packaging as a case study has been accomplished. Accordingly, packaging is designed and modeled so that it represents sustainability in whole process and it applies diverse aspects of aesthetic for postpone of packaging disposal from product life cycle, i.e. the expiration date.
" Katūr " , also pronounced as " kahtūr " in the local Persian varieties of Eastern Iran, is a v... more " Katūr " , also pronounced as " kahtūr " in the local Persian varieties of Eastern Iran, is a vernacular product used by locals in eastern parts of Iran and the desert people over there in order to harvest Persian manna, also known as Taranjebīn 2 ; but the poor condition of " katur " in terms of its functional efficiency and sustainability as well as taking into account the improper situation of the user during harvest ushered into our attempt to redesign this product-which has its own particular complications and works, as a whole, in a variety of functions. Consequently morphological analysis is chosen as a solution-finding method, among many others employed by industrial designers, since it is believed, as a systematic approach, to be capable of actually simplifying complications present in the aforesaid product. But this time, contrary to the previous cases in which morphological analysis was generally applied in the rather sophisticated industrial products-undergoing mass production, it is used to redesign a non-industrial device of traditional nature. Listening, observing and collaborating with those who matter most, the actual needs and specifications of the beneficiary are extracted through months of direct contact and observing their behaviors during usage, then we attempted to redesign the current product in order to achieve a new product which meets the criteria resulted from morphological analysis while simultaneously focusing on the needs of the beneficiary and the fact that the new product should be both traditional and vernacular in origin as well as utilizing the methods at hand, so that many problems, currently observable in the product, are systematically addressed and it would be possible to produce the final redesign in either small workshops or even manually, by current " katur " users, by means of their present tools. The final solution, chosen among the appropriate redesigns, is presented in the end as a traditional product resulted from the morphological analysis method.
The effects of five new different handle shapes on hand performance capabilities, usability and d... more The effects of five new different handle shapes on hand performance capabilities, usability and discomfort, and also the relationship between these variables were evaluated in the context of masonry work and using masons’ trowels as an exemplar hand tool. The prototype handles were designed to provide different patterns of grip so that they could be suited to the hand/tool interaction in particular hand areas. The results showed significant effect of tool handle shape on the hand grip effort, usability, and hand and finger discomfort assessments, but not on the time to complete the masonry task. The hand grip effort and usability were negatively correlated with subjective assessment of hand and finger discomfort, so that a lower level of hand and finger discomfort corresponded to higher hand grip exertion and usability. These findings provide a better insight into the performance and usability issues when using hand tools which can be applied by tool manufacturers to improve industrial hand tool design.
Transformability is one of the essential attributes of social systems. To improve transformabilit... more Transformability is one of the essential attributes of social systems. To improve transformability, one should create the preconditions for strategic intervention on the underlying social structures. This paper proposes a design-driven conflict (DDC) methodology in response to the limitation of the systemic design approach by aggregating a network of allies essential for the paradigmatic shifts. The proposed methodology has more strategic implications. It starts with unfolding the actors and shared resources (phase one context mapping). It continues with defining the power relations between them, drivers, and spillovers that cause conflicts and disagreements (phase two analysis). After this, it shows how one can synthesize the commonalities and the core narratives of actors in the form of boundary objects (phase three synthesis). By using the existing narratives and the commonalities between actors as inputs for the translation phase, DDC creates the preconditions for a network of allies construction. Next, the methodology uses translation as a method, in relation to the four moments of a ‘sociology of translation’, problematization, interessement, enrolment, and mobilization, in order to gradually change the learning paradigm of the system. In the scaling-up phase (phase five), DDC proposes ways of creating a narrative platform, shedding light on how to mobilize the results of translation from the community level onto a broader social scale. The framework for the design methodology has been evaluated based on a method content analysis and by a group of experts from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. The results show, except for the efficiency of the method, which requires additional investigation in a real-life context, the efficacy and effectiveness of the method have been elaborated in a sufficient way.
Controversies are an inseparable part of social systems which, if constructed properly, can creat... more Controversies are an inseparable part of social systems which, if constructed properly, can create a unique condition for higher-order learning. In addition, design inquiry, as a process of thought and planning, is also a constructive process. This provokes the question of how to construct controversies from a designerly perspective in order to steer higher-order learning. This paper presents a theoretical contribution to the field of social system design by providing the first insights into design intervention to facilitate a network of allied construction. Through a systematic review of the concept of conflict and disagreement, the link between controversies and knowledge transmission is examined in order to highlight the benefit of controversies in a constructive way. Next to that, the essential steps for constructing a network of allies are proposed. These steps are compared with specific aspects of design in order to unfold the advantages of design for network construction. Finally, the paper wraps up with concluding remarks about the necessity of having a bridging step from theory to action in order to facilitate the construction of controversies in a real-life context.
Introduction: Scissors are essential tools in different occupations including sewing and clothes ... more Introduction: Scissors are essential tools in different occupations including sewing and clothes making. Improper design of fabric cutting scissors can lead to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms among users. The aim of this study was to evaluate pinch force and wrist posture while working with three designs of sewing scissors and a traditional sewing scissors. Methods: The first model of the scissor had a bent-handle (to improve wrist posture), the second model had a thumb-ring that was located closer to the pivot (to reduce thumb’s abducted position and range of movement), and the original oval ring in the third model was changed to a hook-shaped handle (to reduce hand and finger discomfort). Pinch force was measured using a pinch gauge and wrist posture was measured in two anatomical planes including flexion/extension and ulnar/radial deviation using the observational method. Results: The results showed significant effects of scissors' design on pinch force exertions (P < 0.01) and ulnar/radial deviation of the wrist (P < 0.001). The lowest level of pinch force decrement between pre- and post-pinch force measurements was recorded for the second model (2.4%), while the highest level was recorded for the traditional model (7%). More neutral wrist postures in ulnar/radial direction (83%) were recorded for the first model compared to the other designs. Conclusions: The second scissors, which was designed to reduce thumb’s range of motion and abduction, showed some improvement in pinch force compared to the traditional model.
BACKGROUND: The traditional design of fabric cutting scissors frequently causes excessive ulnar d... more BACKGROUND: The traditional design of fabric cutting scissors frequently causes excessive ulnar deviation of the wrist which, together with repetitive and long-term use of the tool, may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal problems, particularly in the upper extremities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare a new bent-handle fabric scissors with a traditional one. METHODS: The study investigated the effects of a new bent-handle fabric scissors on several hand performance capabilities (hand dexterity, pinch grip strength, wrist postures and hand/finger discomfort) and tool's usability (using System Usability Scale – SUS) and compared it against the effects of traditional design. RESULTS: The results indicated that the bent-handle fabric scissors was superior to the traditional design as it resulted in more neutral wrist deviation, higher usability scores and less hand/finger discomfort ratings. No significant difference was found between the two designs with regard to the hand dexterity and strength exertions. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide evidence that the ergonomic principle of " bending the tool, not the wrist " can perhaps be employed advantageously for the design of fabric cutting scissors to reduce wrist deviations and discomfort and to improve the tool's usability.
The effects of tool handle dimension (three modified designs of wrenches with 30e50 mm diameter c... more The effects of tool handle dimension (three modified designs of wrenches with 30e50 mm diameter cylindrical handles and traditional design with rectangular cross-sectional (5 mm  25 mm) handle), workpiece orientation (vertical/horizontal) and workpiece size (small/large) as well as user's hand size on wrist ulnar/radial (U/R) torque strength, usability and discomfort, and also the relationship between these variables were evaluated in a maximum torque task using wrenches. The highest and lowest levels of maximal wrist U/R torque strength were recorded for the 30 mm diameter handle and traditional wrench design, respectively. The prototype handle with 30 mm diameter, together with 40 mm diameter handle, was also better than other designs as they received higher usability ratings and caused less discomfort. The mean wrist torque strength exerted on a vertically oriented workpiece (in the sagittal plane) was 23.8% higher than that exerted on a horizontally oriented one (in the transverse plane). The user's hand size had no effect on torque exertions. The wrist torque strength and usability were negatively correlated with hand and finger discomfort ratings. The results are also discussed in terms of their implications for hand tool and workstation configuration in torque tasks involving wrenches.
The effects of three redesigned models of sewing scissors on hand performance measures, discomfor... more The effects of three redesigned models of sewing scissors on hand performance measures, discomfort and usability were investigated, and the results were compared with those of conventional scissors. Adjustments were made to the scissors handle with emphasis on more neutral wrist postures (bent handle-model A), correction of the thumb's position and movements (model B) and reducing hand/finger discomfort (model C) while working with the tool. The results showed some improvements in hand performance, muscular effort, usability and discomfort with model B compared to the conventional model. Better hand performance and usability and lower discomfort were recorded with model C compared to the conventional model. The results suggest that the correction of the thumb's position and movement (model B) or even reduced hand/finger discomfort (model C) are perhaps more important considerations in scissors design than improved wrist posture (model A) for improving users' performance and usability of the tool.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2015
The effects of five new different handle shapes on hand performance capabilities, usability and d... more The effects of five new different handle shapes on hand performance capabilities, usability and discomfort, and also the relationship between these variables were evaluated in the context of masonry work and using masons' trowels as an exemplar hand tool. The prototype handles were designed to provide different patterns of grip so that they could be suited to the hand/tool interaction in particular hand areas. The results showed significant effect of tool handle shape on the hand grip effort, usability, and hand and finger discomfort assessments, but not on the time to complete the masonry task. The hand grip effort and usability were negatively correlated with subjective assessment of hand and finger discomfort, so that a lower level of hand and finger discomfort corresponded to higher hand grip exertion and usability. These findings provide a better insight into the performance and usability issues when using hand tools which can be applied by tool manufacturers to improve industrial hand tool design. Relevance to industry: These findings present a unique insight into the handle design for industrial hand tool use and support the general conclusion that objective measurements should be supplemented by qualitative subjective assessments to provide a more holistic approach where specific and additional details about the hand tool design characteristics are incorporated from the workers' perspective.
In this study, the role of aesthetic on product sustainability has been investigated. Here is an ... more In this study, the role of aesthetic on product sustainability has been investigated. Here is an explanation on the concepts including sustainability and all various aspects specifically in industrial design, such as economy, culture and environment. After which, aesthetic has been introduced as an independent and effective factor, and its role as an efficacious mean on sustainable design is demonstrated. In this regard, not only do we emphasize on designers' mistakes in recognition and implementation of sustainable design, but we also attended to the differences between aesthetic and beauty, through which redesigning date packaging as a case study has been accomplished. Accordingly, packaging is designed and modeled so that it represents sustainability in whole process and it applies diverse aspects of aesthetic for postpone of packaging disposal from product life cycle, i.e. the expiration date.
" Katūr " , also pronounced as " kahtūr " in the local Persian varieties of Eastern Iran, is a v... more " Katūr " , also pronounced as " kahtūr " in the local Persian varieties of Eastern Iran, is a vernacular product used by locals in eastern parts of Iran and the desert people over there in order to harvest Persian manna, also known as Taranjebīn 2 ; but the poor condition of " katur " in terms of its functional efficiency and sustainability as well as taking into account the improper situation of the user during harvest ushered into our attempt to redesign this product-which has its own particular complications and works, as a whole, in a variety of functions. Consequently morphological analysis is chosen as a solution-finding method, among many others employed by industrial designers, since it is believed, as a systematic approach, to be capable of actually simplifying complications present in the aforesaid product. But this time, contrary to the previous cases in which morphological analysis was generally applied in the rather sophisticated industrial products-undergoing mass production, it is used to redesign a non-industrial device of traditional nature. Listening, observing and collaborating with those who matter most, the actual needs and specifications of the beneficiary are extracted through months of direct contact and observing their behaviors during usage, then we attempted to redesign the current product in order to achieve a new product which meets the criteria resulted from morphological analysis while simultaneously focusing on the needs of the beneficiary and the fact that the new product should be both traditional and vernacular in origin as well as utilizing the methods at hand, so that many problems, currently observable in the product, are systematically addressed and it would be possible to produce the final redesign in either small workshops or even manually, by current " katur " users, by means of their present tools. The final solution, chosen among the appropriate redesigns, is presented in the end as a traditional product resulted from the morphological analysis method.
The effects of five new different handle shapes on hand performance capabilities, usability and d... more The effects of five new different handle shapes on hand performance capabilities, usability and discomfort, and also the relationship between these variables were evaluated in the context of masonry work and using masons’ trowels as an exemplar hand tool. The prototype handles were designed to provide different patterns of grip so that they could be suited to the hand/tool interaction in particular hand areas. The results showed significant effect of tool handle shape on the hand grip effort, usability, and hand and finger discomfort assessments, but not on the time to complete the masonry task. The hand grip effort and usability were negatively correlated with subjective assessment of hand and finger discomfort, so that a lower level of hand and finger discomfort corresponded to higher hand grip exertion and usability. These findings provide a better insight into the performance and usability issues when using hand tools which can be applied by tool manufacturers to improve industrial hand tool design.
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Papers by Moein Nedaei
Methods: The first model of the scissor had a bent-handle (to improve wrist posture), the second model had a thumb-ring that was located closer to the pivot (to reduce thumb’s abducted position and range of movement), and the original oval ring in the third model was changed to a hook-shaped handle (to reduce hand and finger discomfort). Pinch force was measured using a pinch gauge and wrist posture was measured in two anatomical planes including flexion/extension and ulnar/radial deviation using the observational method.
Results: The results showed significant effects of scissors' design on pinch force exertions (P < 0.01) and ulnar/radial deviation of the wrist (P < 0.001). The lowest level of pinch force decrement between pre- and post-pinch force measurements was recorded for the second model (2.4%), while the highest level was recorded for the traditional model (7%). More neutral wrist postures in ulnar/radial direction (83%) were recorded for the first model compared to the other designs.
Conclusions: The second scissors, which was designed to reduce thumb’s range of motion and abduction, showed some improvement in pinch force compared to the traditional model.
Methods: The first model of the scissor had a bent-handle (to improve wrist posture), the second model had a thumb-ring that was located closer to the pivot (to reduce thumb’s abducted position and range of movement), and the original oval ring in the third model was changed to a hook-shaped handle (to reduce hand and finger discomfort). Pinch force was measured using a pinch gauge and wrist posture was measured in two anatomical planes including flexion/extension and ulnar/radial deviation using the observational method.
Results: The results showed significant effects of scissors' design on pinch force exertions (P < 0.01) and ulnar/radial deviation of the wrist (P < 0.001). The lowest level of pinch force decrement between pre- and post-pinch force measurements was recorded for the second model (2.4%), while the highest level was recorded for the traditional model (7%). More neutral wrist postures in ulnar/radial direction (83%) were recorded for the first model compared to the other designs.
Conclusions: The second scissors, which was designed to reduce thumb’s range of motion and abduction, showed some improvement in pinch force compared to the traditional model.