AHFE Open AccessHuman Dynamics, Product Evaluation and Quality
Editors: Zhizhong Li, Matteo Zallio, Susan Xu
Topics: Human Dynamics
Publication Date: 2025
ISBN: 978-1-964867-48-9
DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005983
Articles
AI-Driven Social Dialogue and Systemic Change: How Designers Use Technology to Foster Sustainable Social Innovation
Social dialogue is a crucial mechanism for driving cross-sector collaboration, promoting social innovation, and achieving systemic change. However, traditional models face challenges in efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity, limiting their societal impact. AI-powered platforms are transforming dialogue by optimizing deliberation and expanding public participation. This study employs a multiple case study method to examine how AI facilitates social dialogue, enhances processes, and influences impact. Findings show that AI-driven platforms like Deliberatorium, Pol.is, Decidim, and CityScope improve transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency compared to traditional models such as the “Polder Model” and “Tongxinhuhui”. However, issues related to algorithmic fairness, data privacy, and the digital divide persist. Designers play a crucial role in this transformation, as their role shifts from facilitators of communication to architects of AI-driven social dialogue systems, responsible for guiding, optimizing, and overseeing platforms to ensure algorithmic transparency and inclusivity. Therefore, AI does not serve as a decision-maker in social dialogue but rather as a tool for facilitating dialogue and consensus-building. Future research should further explore adaptive AI-driven dialogue frameworks to address governance challenges while ensuring accessibility, fairness, and interpretability across different social contexts.
Mingyu Li, Jingwen Tian
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Digital Humanities Design in an Interdisciplinary Context: A Visualized Analysis Based on CiteSpace
With the rapid advancement of digital technology, the integration of culture and technology has become an irreversible global trend. While some progress has been made, research on the interdisciplinary fusion of digital humanities and design remains limited. This paper explores the current research status and future trends in digital humanities design. Using CiteSpace software for data visualization, we construct knowledge maps from journals, authors, keywords, and related cases based on literature from the Web of Science. The analysis reveals core research directions, including interdisciplinary knowledge system construction, technological innovation, and educational applications. As an emerging interdisciplinary field, digital humanities design has evolved from focusing on technological applications to building knowledge systems, with increasing emphasis on social impact and user experience. This paper offers new theoretical insights and practical pathways for the digital transformation of cultural innovation design, particularly in the integration of culture, design, and technology.
Hanlu Zhu
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Relational Vulnerability as a Design Entry Point: Activating Community Connections through Micro-Prototypes
Research on vulnerability in community contexts has largely centered on physical infrastructure or gaps in public services. This study focuses instead on relational vulnerability—the decline of everyday social ties, which remains less visible but significantly shapes how communities collaborate. The research proposes treating vulnerable relationships as a primary focus of design. It introduces a method based on micro-prototypes—small, embedded interventions aimed at making social connections more visible, easier to initiate, and possible to sustain. Fieldwork in a pilot community revealed three relational design mechanisms: perception, which helps residents notice missing or silent connections; triggering, which invites informal and non-obligatory interaction; and sustaining, which supports continuity through recurring, low-effort social cues. Rather than solving defined problems, these relational strategies help open up space for encounter, attention, and emotional engagement in daily life. The findings show that design can quietly help bring inactive forms of collaboration back to life.
YANG ZHAO
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Lean Development of a Mobile Application for Advergames
Advergames refer to the gamification of product and brand advertisements. AdsPlay is a mobile application designed as a multi-brand advergame platform. The application was developed using the Lean Product Development (LPD) framework and guided by User Interface (UI) design principles, incorporating brand-sponsored rewards to drive user engagement. Through a mixed-methods approach combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques, a series of Minimum Viable Product (MVP) prototypes were iteratively created and tested with target users. The final prototype received evaluation scores of 8 and 9 out of 10 for perceived value and ease of use, respectively. The successful design and development of this application contribute to the body of knowledge on advergames, particularly within the underexplored context of Thailand.
Wirachai Ausombun, Nonthaporn Phrommet, Sirilak Jittrisin, Orawee Pirugjanyakun, Nattawud Trangkanon, Thitirat Siriborvornratanakul
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Urban Colour Palettes and Emotional Responses
Emotional mapping is crucial in understanding the impact of urban colour palettes on psychological states. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse participants' subjective emotional responses to various colour palettes in cities. Physiological assessments evaluate emotional arousal to understand how visual cues influence emotions. Statistical analysis examines patterns and relationships between colour combinations and emotions. Preliminary studies show that people are drawn to specific colours and forms, with warm hues evoking vitality and optimism, and cool tones being perceived as relaxing. Communities should be involved in neighbourhood planning to ensure that decisions reflect the views and concerns of residents. Strategic urban mathematics design that prioritises emotional wellness aligns the perceptual and emotional experience of the environment. The findings will inform colour psychology recommendations for urban design to improve citizens' quality of life and psychological resiliency.
Amic Ho
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Human-Centered Knowledge Base for Enhancing Problem Solving in Supply Chain Quality Management
Supply Chain Quality Management (SCQM) plays a pivotal role in ensuring resilience and efficiency across global networks. However, challenges such as data inconsistencies, cultural barriers, and technological limitations hinder effective problem-solving and knowledge transfer. These issues are compounded by the lack of standardized frameworks for managing and disseminating problem-solving knowledge effectively. This paper introduces a human-centered Problem-Solving Knowledge Base (PSKB) framework designed to systematically capture, validate, and reuse knowledge to address recurring quality issues. The framework integrates structured problem-solving methods, such as the 8D methodology and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), with human factors, emphasizing collaboration, trust, and transparency across supply chain stakeholders.The PSKB framework adopts a two-phase approach encompassing knowledge acquisition and application processes, ensuring accurate and actionable insights. Knowledge acquisition involves structured data extraction, validation, and codification using tools like FMEA, focusing on root cause identification and preventive actions. Knowledge application facilitates retrieval, matching, and application of past experiences to current challenges, ensuring organizational learning and continuous improvement. By leveraging human factors, such as aligning incentives, addressing cultural barriers, and mitigating information asymmetry, the framework fosters proactive collaboration and effective knowledge sharing.Validation through case studies highlights the framework's practicality and adaptability in real-world SCQM scenarios. For instance, it successfully addresses recurring defects and supplier-driven process changes, preventing costly failures and improving operational efficiency. The findings underscore its role in bridging knowledge gaps, enhancing decision-making, and creating a resilient supply chain ecosystem.This paper contributes to the field of applied human factors by emphasizing the integration of ergonomics, collaborative principles, and structured methodologies into knowledge management practices for SCQM. It provides actionable strategies for organizations to enhance supply chain resilience, prevent quality failures, and optimize knowledge reuse. Future research opportunities include exploring scalability, advanced technological integration for automated knowledge matching, and cross-industry applications of the PSKB framework to address complex supply chain challenges.
Maurice Meyer, Thinh To Cong, Devarsh Pankajbhai Upadhyay, Roland Jochem
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Effect of Phase Change Material Melting Points on Thermal Protection Behavior of Firefighters’ Turnout Gear
Between 2018 and 2022, an average of 21,955 fireground injuries occurred annually in the United States [1]. Among these, thermal burns were one of the most common injuries, accounting for approximately 10% of fireground incidents [1]. This underscores the urgent need to improve turnout gear technology to provide better thermal protection for firefighters. Phase change materials (PCMs) can absorb substantial amounts of latent heat during the melting process while maintaining a constant temperature, which makes them ideal for enhancing thermal protection. Our proposal aims to leverage this protective property integrating PCM segments into turnout gear to improve its thermal protective performance (TPP). This study involves numerical simulations, which will serve as a foundation for future experimental designs and testing protocols. While existing numerical studies on fire protective clothing typically utilize one-dimensional (1D) models [2], there is a lack of comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) models that are capable of assessing the overall thermal performance of turnout gear on the human body. The goal is to determine the optimal PCM melting temperature range for turnout gear, maximizing thermal protection for firefighters. MethodWe conducted 3D heat transfer simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics (COMSOL, Inc., Burlington, MA 01803, USA). To accommodate firefighters' movements and activities in fire scenes, PCM was broken into multiple segments covering the main body while avoiding joints. The bioheat transfer module was utilized to model the human body's thermal regulation. The equivalent heat capacity method was employed to simulate the phase change process. Adhering to the guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting), heat fluxes of 83 kW/m2 and 8.3 kW/m2 were applied to the outer surface of turnout gear to replicate flashover and hazardous conditions, respectively [3,4]. These heat fluxes represented the radiant/convective heat sources in fire scenes. The 3.0-mm-thick PCM segments were utilized based on the prior research by our team [5]. We investigated the effects of different melting points of PCMs at various locations in clothing fabrics on the thermal protection behavior of PCM-integrated turnout gear. PCM melting points in the range of 40°C-200°C were evaluated. Three PCM locations-1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm beneath the outer shell surface-were investigated to explore the effect of PCM location on the optimum melting temperaturesResultsResults show that a PCM melting temperature range of 50°C-70°C provides optimal protection for the human body, extending the time it takes to reach second-degree burns from 18 seconds to approximately 45 seconds. This range is particularly effective because it aligns with the threshold for second-degree burns (approximately 60°C), helping to maintain skin temperature at or below 60°C for extended periods during fire exposure, thereby reducing the risk of severe burn injuries. Additionally, positioning the PCM closer to the inner surface of the clothing enhances its thermal protective performance.ConclusionIncorporating PCM segments with melting point of 50°C-70°C into firefighter turnout gear could increase the time it takes for skin to reach the threshold for second-degree burns by around 1.5 to 3 times, compared to traditional gear without PCM technology. The insights gained from 3D modeling provide a valuable foundation for developing next-generation turnout gear for firefighters.DisclaimerThe findings and conclusions in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by NIOSH, CDC.References[1] Campbell, R. Firefighter Injuries on the Fireground. NFPA Research, July 2024. Available from: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/patterns-of-firefighter-fireground-injuries[2] Fonseca, A., Neves, S.F., Campos, J.B.L.M., 2021. Thermal performance of a PCM firefighting suit considering transient periods of fire exposure, post-fire exposure and resting phases. Applied Thermal Engineering 182, 115769.[3] NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2018.[4] Coletta, G.C., Arons, I.J., Ashley, L.E., Drennan, A.P.,1976. The Development of Criteria for Firefighters' Gloves Volume II: Glove Criteria and Test Methods. Contract No. CDC-99-74-59, February 1976.
Susan Xu, Jonisha Pollard, Weihuan Zhao
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Expanding Technology and Human Readiness Levels: Measuring the Maturity of New Learning Technology and Content
According to the most recent research on the effectiveness of the US Army's institutional training and education, only fifty percent of what is taught is actually transferred to the learner's later real-work activities and competence. This finding is consistent with other independent research conducted for the US Navy which begs the question of not only whether the methods we use in our institutions are effective but whether the technology and content designed to support learning is a root-cause of this low transfer in general. Today the means of measuring and accepting military training simulations, stimulations and learning systems, as well as other forms of learning content, is purely functional. During current learning system and/or content verification and validation, there is no focus or time spent on testing whether or not the target learning outcomes actually occur. This requires a form of measurement standard that is informed with instrumented, objective, and inspectable data that Army acquisition professionals, training and education developers and decision-makers can use to discern and measure a system's learning impact before making final procurement, design or implementation milestone decisions. This standard and its associated instruments could also help learning researchers and engineering teams gauge the maturity progress of their results during formative testing.This paper will describe and discuss what we term Learning Readiness Measures (LRM) that could inform such a standard, and the required minimum associated data instruments needed to provide the data evidence required to support such a standard. The LRMs are designed to expand on the already ubiquitous Technology Readiness Levels used by DoD and government, and the recent published Human Readiness Levels expansion-standard to assess acquisition and implementation risk. In addition, this paper will discuss the larger learning engineering process within which this standard and its instruments could be used to help make data-informed investigations, as part of creating learning technology and content, that would enable more informed training/education implementation decisions. The learning engineering approach uses a systemic process that iterates three distinct phases (1) the creation of learning stimulation engines, content and/or feedback, (2) the implementation that produces the inspectable data-evidence via naturalistic measures of human psychomotor and/or cognitive indicators associated with a competency being learned, and (3) investigating and analyzing the collected data to determine how well target users can not only intuitively use or understand the learning technology or content - with minimal preliminary instruction - but actually develops the targeted long-term behavior or affective changes the products are intended to produce.We will also briefly discuss the recommended minimal instruments needed to collect data on user naturalistic and involuntary responses to learning stimulus. These include measurement capability that measures factors such as: cognitive recognition speed and accuracy, cognitive attention processes, cognitive load (too many sensory inputs to track or correlate), stress from not understanding stimulus and finding navigation paths to a feature or function, gross and fine motor activity while performing a task, internal user temperature within the environment performed in, verbal responses and/or inquiry during technology operation and emotional state or intensity.Our premise is that the LRMs and associated instruments will improve learning system evaluation and quality, help improve the low transfer of institutional training and education, but also reduce DoD or Government related project risks when making investments in researching and/or procuring technology-based learning systems and content. Such capability will also assist teams involved in a learning engineering process to gauge their progress toward an effective learning solution and to address challenges faced by DoD or Government in producing more ready forces and/or a more productive future workforce.
Kevin Owens, Lisa Townsend, Joan Johnston
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
E-Learning as a Catalyst for Competence Development in Smart Failure Management: A SME-Focused Approach
The accelerating pace of digitalization and the growing need for flexible production processes present significant challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in managing failures and implementing systematic problem-solving processes (PSPs). This paper explores the integration of e-learning technologies for competence development within a smart failures management system. Central to the approach is the design of an interactive, gamified learning platform that supports employees in acquiring and applying problem-oriented methods. Based on the principles of the Berlin Problem-Solving Cycle, the platform combines digital learning tools with practical case studies, video tutorials, and a dialog-driven method selection process. The approach aims to reduce barriers to method adoption, automate routine tasks, and sustainably enhance employees' problem-solving capabilities. Leveraging innovative technologies such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Transfer Learning (TL), the platform optimizes method selection while offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional training. Results demonstrate that e-learning plays a pivotal role in improving problem-solving competence and fostering a positive error culture in SMEs. This paper provides a practical perspective on the potential of digital learning environments for workforce development and their critical importance in supporting SMEs' success within a digitalized production landscape.
Turgut Refik Caglar, Elena Andrushchenko, Lennart Frederik Müller-stein, Christopher Wijayanto, Roland Jochem
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Optimization application and user experience evaluation system of knee brace
The term UX is usually applied in the software field, but it is also important for the hardware product at present. The construction of the UX evaluation system in the healthcare devices field is not perfect enough, and there is no exclusive, flexible, and universal evaluation system. To enhance and quantify the user experience of knee brace, a comprehensive evaluation system is developed. Specifically, key evaluation indicators for ergonomic performance during use are identified. Subsequently, an evaluation method integrating objective data with subjective feedback is proposed, grounded in human factors experiment, and reality test carried out using three types of knee braces, the results from four objective experiments and subjective evaluations-motion displacement, constraint stabilization force, joint support, and thermal comfort-are combined to assess their strengths and weaknesses and explore the relevance of design elements to user experience indices. Based on it, one knee brace is then selected for optimization application, an improvement scheme is proposed focusing on dynamic stability, patellar stability, joint support, and adjustability, followed by validation of the proposed improvements. Compared to the original design, the evaluation indicators of the improved knee brace show significant enhancement 0.2-0.6 score. The evaluation system effectively assesses and informs the user experience design of knee brace.
Su Wang, Yuelin Liu, Yue Zhang
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings