Lead users can be a valuable source for innovation. They are capable of detecting and experiencin... more Lead users can be a valuable source for innovation. They are capable of detecting and experiencing needs before the general market does, and are willing to innovate because they can gain significant benefits if their needs are fulfilled. Several authors have highlighted the use of disabled persons, framed as lead users, to foster innovation in new product development. In this article, we review 18 cases where disabled users are framed as lead users, identifying common characteristics within these cases. The characteristics include the product categories where disabled lead user innovation occurs and how lead users were involved in these cases. Additionally, we look at the selection process of disabled lead users and how this relates to the classic approach of lead user innovation. Finally, we propose further opportunities for lead user innovation using disabled persons, and the challenges facing research in this domain.
ABSTRACT Purpose The here presented pilot study aims to identify opportunities and limits derivin... more ABSTRACT Purpose The here presented pilot study aims to identify opportunities and limits deriving from the use of Low Cost 3D printing (3DP) Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) Open Source technologies in Co-design and Co-production processes involving persons with Rheumatic Diseases. Design/methodology/approach In the paper we outline why the use of Low-cost Entry-level FDM can be meaningful for this scenario, implying a complete sharing of the design and the production phases of small assistive devices. The +TUO process is composed several stages, among which the Generative session represents the core. Findings This study highlights as the introduction of this low-cost technology in Co-generative processes with people with RDs is a real challenge that can lead to new products and solutions, and that can sustain a social and local manufacturing approach for people facing a specific disablement. Research limitations/implications This research is a first step of a broader research, new researches are going to explore further details related with the technology and of the adopted method. Practical implications Involving actively the End User during the creation process can bring advantages such as meeting more precisely their needs and create innovative products, as shown in the text. Originality/value +TUO is a pilot study that explore a topic already discussed in the scientific arena, without focusing on the specific use of low cost 3DP technologies.
Lead users can be a valuable source for innovation. They are capable of detecting and experiencin... more Lead users can be a valuable source for innovation. They are capable of detecting and experiencing needs before the general market does, and are willing to innovate because they can gain significant benefits if their needs are fulfilled. Several authors have highlighted the use of disabled persons, framed as lead users, to foster innovation in new product development. In this article, we review 18 cases where disabled users are framed as lead users, identifying common characteristics within these cases. The characteristics include the product categories where disabled lead user innovation occurs and how lead users were involved in these cases. Additionally, we look at the selection process of disabled lead users and how this relates to the classic approach of lead user innovation. Finally, we propose further opportunities for lead user innovation using disabled persons, and the challenges facing research in this domain.
Involving end-users during the development of assistive devices may reduce low satisfaction rates... more Involving end-users during the development of assistive devices may reduce low satisfaction rates. Yet, involving just any users does not guarantee product success. We propose the lead user method for user involvement during development of systems aimed at improving accessibility. We introduce a case study where we used the lead user method during the development of an accessibility device aimed at improving mobility among low vision persons. Additionally, we review the theoretical background of this approach, introduce our case study and reflect on the lessons learned. The lead user method used in this context offers benefits such as the ability to quickly iteratively design solutions, while offering designers the chance to better understand the context of use. Potential pitfalls of this approach are the selection of the correct lead user, possible increased costs and, design proposals that are not useable to the rest of the target group. Finally, we introduce new research themes related to the involvement of lead users in the development of accessibility products.
Proceedings of the European Conference on Cognitive Ergonomics 2015 - ECCE '15, 2007
Many efforts on design research focuses on developing methods for design, while little research h... more Many efforts on design research focuses on developing methods for design, while little research has been done on how students experience method use. This study looks at the experience of young design students using a specific design method, the empathic lead user method. This method relies on inhibiting certain senses in order to provide designers with alternative perspectives on user needs. We introduce the theoretical background behind the use of this specific method of design, and review results from related literature. In our study, the group using the empathic lead user method (n=26), and a second control group (n=23) without method restriction, performed the same assignment. We find that for both groups there are no statistically significant differences between how able, motivated or confident they were with performing the assignment. In their own assessment of the results, we found statistically significant differences between student's evaluation of how innovative they thought their results were, but for the factors effort and satisfaction, both groups gave similar self-assessments. We discuss the results and present areas for future work.
Probo is a social robot intended to be used with children in a hospital environment. Its operatio... more Probo is a social robot intended to be used with children in a hospital environment. Its operational goals are to provide children with information, moral support and comfort in a possible difficult time. This paper reports on the early stages in the development of the expressive huggable robot Probo with potential applications for Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) and Robot-Assisted Therapy (RAT). Drawing on research in social communication, the robot-head, capable of displaying basic emotions, is designed and the design is compared with that of other social robots such as Kismet, Eddie and iCat. Some design criteria and their influence on the actual design are highlighted. This leads to a 17 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) modular non-anthropomorphic soft actuated robotic head.
Proceedings of the 4th ACM/IEEE international conference on Human robot interaction - HRI '09, 2009
The concept of the huggable robot Probo is a result of the desire to improve the living condition... more The concept of the huggable robot Probo is a result of the desire to improve the living conditions of children in hospital environment. These children need distraction and lots of information. In this paper the concept of a new social robot is presented. This robot can be used in hospitals, as a tele-interface for entertainment, communication and medical assistance.
Probo is a social robot intended to be used with children in a hospital environment. Its operatio... more Probo is a social robot intended to be used with children in a hospital environment. Its operational goals are to provide children with information, moral support and comfort in a possible difficult time. This paper reports on the early stages in the development of the expressive huggable robot Probo with potential applications for Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) and Robot-Assisted Therapy (RAT). Drawing on research in social communication, the robot-head, capable of displaying basic emotions, is designed and the design is compared with that of other social robots such as Kismet, Eddie and iCat. Some design criteria and their influence on the actual design are highlighted. This leads to a 17 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) modular non-anthropomorphic soft actuated robotic head.
Abstract: Thepur poseof this studyis to design and develop an anthropomorphic based eye-system, u... more Abstract: Thepur poseof this studyis to design and develop an anthropomorphic based eye-system, used in the intelligent huggable robot ANTY. The intelligent huggable robot ANTY aspires social children-robot interactions relying on face-to-face communication. The anatomy of anan thropomorphic eye and its movements are presented and ,linked to ,the design of the artificial robot eye-system. Keywords: huggable robot, artificial eyes, complaint
This paper reports on the concept for the development of an intelligent huggable robot named ANTY... more This paper reports on the concept for the development of an intelligent huggable robot named ANTY (Fig.1) that will interact with hospitalized children to distract and support them during their stay in hospital. This robot is subject of a multidisciplinary project covering research opportunities not only in mechanical design, vision, speech and AI, but also in sociology and psychology. The
Most robots have a mechanical look or are covered with plastic or metallic shells. Their actuator... more Most robots have a mechanical look or are covered with plastic or metallic shells. Their actuators are stiff which gives them not only an unnatural look, but also an unnatural touch. The goal of the huggable robot Probo is to serve as robotic research platform for human-robot interaction (HRI) studies with a special focus on children. Since not only cognitive interaction, but also physical interaction is targeted a new mechatronic design must be developed. To give Probo a huggable and safe behavior a new set of actuators is developed together with a triple layered protection cover which is presented in this paper. Probo's soft touch is introduced, on the one side by use of novel passive compliant actuators, Compliant Bowden Cable Driven Actuators (CBCDAs), and on the other side by combining custom made servo motors, Non Back Drivable Servos (NBDSs), with flexible components and materials such as springs, silicon and foam. The working principle of the novel CBCDA is extensively described, together with experiments in order to determine its level of compliance and its bandwidth.
Lead users can be a valuable source for innovation. They are capable of detecting and experiencin... more Lead users can be a valuable source for innovation. They are capable of detecting and experiencing needs before the general market does, and are willing to innovate because they can gain significant benefits if their needs are fulfilled. Several authors have highlighted the use of disabled persons, framed as lead users, to foster innovation in new product development. In this article, we review 18 cases where disabled users are framed as lead users, identifying common characteristics within these cases. The characteristics include the product categories where disabled lead user innovation occurs and how lead users were involved in these cases. Additionally, we look at the selection process of disabled lead users and how this relates to the classic approach of lead user innovation. Finally, we propose further opportunities for lead user innovation using disabled persons, and the challenges facing research in this domain.
ABSTRACT Purpose The here presented pilot study aims to identify opportunities and limits derivin... more ABSTRACT Purpose The here presented pilot study aims to identify opportunities and limits deriving from the use of Low Cost 3D printing (3DP) Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) Open Source technologies in Co-design and Co-production processes involving persons with Rheumatic Diseases. Design/methodology/approach In the paper we outline why the use of Low-cost Entry-level FDM can be meaningful for this scenario, implying a complete sharing of the design and the production phases of small assistive devices. The +TUO process is composed several stages, among which the Generative session represents the core. Findings This study highlights as the introduction of this low-cost technology in Co-generative processes with people with RDs is a real challenge that can lead to new products and solutions, and that can sustain a social and local manufacturing approach for people facing a specific disablement. Research limitations/implications This research is a first step of a broader research, new researches are going to explore further details related with the technology and of the adopted method. Practical implications Involving actively the End User during the creation process can bring advantages such as meeting more precisely their needs and create innovative products, as shown in the text. Originality/value +TUO is a pilot study that explore a topic already discussed in the scientific arena, without focusing on the specific use of low cost 3DP technologies.
Lead users can be a valuable source for innovation. They are capable of detecting and experiencin... more Lead users can be a valuable source for innovation. They are capable of detecting and experiencing needs before the general market does, and are willing to innovate because they can gain significant benefits if their needs are fulfilled. Several authors have highlighted the use of disabled persons, framed as lead users, to foster innovation in new product development. In this article, we review 18 cases where disabled users are framed as lead users, identifying common characteristics within these cases. The characteristics include the product categories where disabled lead user innovation occurs and how lead users were involved in these cases. Additionally, we look at the selection process of disabled lead users and how this relates to the classic approach of lead user innovation. Finally, we propose further opportunities for lead user innovation using disabled persons, and the challenges facing research in this domain.
Involving end-users during the development of assistive devices may reduce low satisfaction rates... more Involving end-users during the development of assistive devices may reduce low satisfaction rates. Yet, involving just any users does not guarantee product success. We propose the lead user method for user involvement during development of systems aimed at improving accessibility. We introduce a case study where we used the lead user method during the development of an accessibility device aimed at improving mobility among low vision persons. Additionally, we review the theoretical background of this approach, introduce our case study and reflect on the lessons learned. The lead user method used in this context offers benefits such as the ability to quickly iteratively design solutions, while offering designers the chance to better understand the context of use. Potential pitfalls of this approach are the selection of the correct lead user, possible increased costs and, design proposals that are not useable to the rest of the target group. Finally, we introduce new research themes related to the involvement of lead users in the development of accessibility products.
Proceedings of the European Conference on Cognitive Ergonomics 2015 - ECCE '15, 2007
Many efforts on design research focuses on developing methods for design, while little research h... more Many efforts on design research focuses on developing methods for design, while little research has been done on how students experience method use. This study looks at the experience of young design students using a specific design method, the empathic lead user method. This method relies on inhibiting certain senses in order to provide designers with alternative perspectives on user needs. We introduce the theoretical background behind the use of this specific method of design, and review results from related literature. In our study, the group using the empathic lead user method (n=26), and a second control group (n=23) without method restriction, performed the same assignment. We find that for both groups there are no statistically significant differences between how able, motivated or confident they were with performing the assignment. In their own assessment of the results, we found statistically significant differences between student's evaluation of how innovative they thought their results were, but for the factors effort and satisfaction, both groups gave similar self-assessments. We discuss the results and present areas for future work.
Probo is a social robot intended to be used with children in a hospital environment. Its operatio... more Probo is a social robot intended to be used with children in a hospital environment. Its operational goals are to provide children with information, moral support and comfort in a possible difficult time. This paper reports on the early stages in the development of the expressive huggable robot Probo with potential applications for Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) and Robot-Assisted Therapy (RAT). Drawing on research in social communication, the robot-head, capable of displaying basic emotions, is designed and the design is compared with that of other social robots such as Kismet, Eddie and iCat. Some design criteria and their influence on the actual design are highlighted. This leads to a 17 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) modular non-anthropomorphic soft actuated robotic head.
Proceedings of the 4th ACM/IEEE international conference on Human robot interaction - HRI '09, 2009
The concept of the huggable robot Probo is a result of the desire to improve the living condition... more The concept of the huggable robot Probo is a result of the desire to improve the living conditions of children in hospital environment. These children need distraction and lots of information. In this paper the concept of a new social robot is presented. This robot can be used in hospitals, as a tele-interface for entertainment, communication and medical assistance.
Probo is a social robot intended to be used with children in a hospital environment. Its operatio... more Probo is a social robot intended to be used with children in a hospital environment. Its operational goals are to provide children with information, moral support and comfort in a possible difficult time. This paper reports on the early stages in the development of the expressive huggable robot Probo with potential applications for Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) and Robot-Assisted Therapy (RAT). Drawing on research in social communication, the robot-head, capable of displaying basic emotions, is designed and the design is compared with that of other social robots such as Kismet, Eddie and iCat. Some design criteria and their influence on the actual design are highlighted. This leads to a 17 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) modular non-anthropomorphic soft actuated robotic head.
Abstract: Thepur poseof this studyis to design and develop an anthropomorphic based eye-system, u... more Abstract: Thepur poseof this studyis to design and develop an anthropomorphic based eye-system, used in the intelligent huggable robot ANTY. The intelligent huggable robot ANTY aspires social children-robot interactions relying on face-to-face communication. The anatomy of anan thropomorphic eye and its movements are presented and ,linked to ,the design of the artificial robot eye-system. Keywords: huggable robot, artificial eyes, complaint
This paper reports on the concept for the development of an intelligent huggable robot named ANTY... more This paper reports on the concept for the development of an intelligent huggable robot named ANTY (Fig.1) that will interact with hospitalized children to distract and support them during their stay in hospital. This robot is subject of a multidisciplinary project covering research opportunities not only in mechanical design, vision, speech and AI, but also in sociology and psychology. The
Most robots have a mechanical look or are covered with plastic or metallic shells. Their actuator... more Most robots have a mechanical look or are covered with plastic or metallic shells. Their actuators are stiff which gives them not only an unnatural look, but also an unnatural touch. The goal of the huggable robot Probo is to serve as robotic research platform for human-robot interaction (HRI) studies with a special focus on children. Since not only cognitive interaction, but also physical interaction is targeted a new mechatronic design must be developed. To give Probo a huggable and safe behavior a new set of actuators is developed together with a triple layered protection cover which is presented in this paper. Probo's soft touch is introduced, on the one side by use of novel passive compliant actuators, Compliant Bowden Cable Driven Actuators (CBCDAs), and on the other side by combining custom made servo motors, Non Back Drivable Servos (NBDSs), with flexible components and materials such as springs, silicon and foam. The working principle of the novel CBCDA is extensively described, together with experiments in order to determine its level of compliance and its bandwidth.
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Papers by Jelle Saldien