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Item Nurtured : postpartum care : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master of Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 12th March 2028(Massey University, 2025) Nicholls, IsabelA range of challenges accompanies childbirth. Physical pain, discomfort, emotional uncertainty, and significant life changes are inevitable among these. A number of products exist to meet the varying needs of postpartum care. Few, however, fully address the broad spectrum of challenges faced by women during this vulnerable period. Prioritising comfort and support while addressing individual needs will ultimately enhance the postpartum experience for new mothers. This research focused on the design of innovative, empathetic, versatile, and safe underwear in the immediate postpartum period when lochia (postpartum discharge) and pain are experienced. Participants in semi-structured qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys emphasised the need for comfort, breathability, and absorbency, as well as suitability for a range of postpartum injuries and the accommodation of physiological changes in the body. This action-based research included iterative design processes alongside functional and user testing. While developing effective and satisfying products for new mothers, it is important to also explore the crossover of sustainable design strategies within women’s health. Postpartum products are not intended for long-term use, with their usage depending both on the number of pregnancies and the speed of postpartum recovery. While postpartum and pregnancy care are my target market, there are also secondary uses for this product including menstruation, incontinence, miscarriage, or surgical procedures which result in vaginal or uterine bleeding. This aspect of the research was supported through surveys and interviews of both professionals and users, whose feedback was critical to the design process. The underwear designed through this research uses a combination of novel features associated with reusable period underwear paired with postpartum underwear and includes heating and cooling for pain relief. The key pillars of research and innovation include digital knitting teamed with material exploration and engineered stretch and compression. This work has culminated in postpartum underwear that is reusable, comfortable, absorbent, and promotes healing after birth.Item Kūkū : a re-imagined fangufangu developed through a Kakala Design Framework : a thesis is presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of : Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Ngā Pae Mahutonga, Pōneke, Aotearoa | Massey University, School of Design, Wellington, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 19 December 2025.(Massey University, 2024-09-23) Kaulamatoa, RachaelThe fangufangu (nose flute) is a Tongan musical instrument that traces back hundreds of years. Each fangufangu possesses unique physical characteristics, contributing to its distinct sound. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, one customary use was awakening nobility from slumber. Although rare today, practices of making and performing the fangufangu have been revitalized by Tongan communities in recent years. However, there is limited research on the fangufangu, particularly from a Tongan perspective. This practice-led creative research develops and applies a Kakala Design Framework to holistically and collaboratively explore possibilities of the fangufangu for modern musicians of the Tongan diaspora. The culmination of this research is embodied in Kūkū, a re-imagined fangufangu that enhances specific musical, tangible and visual aesthetics by harmoniously weaving notions of past, present and future. Through an analogue design approach, primary elements of form and material contribute towards enhancing instrument playability and sonic versatility to accommodate use across diverse musical environments and playing styles. Guided by an Indigenised industrial design process predicated on Tongan world-views and values, this exegesis reflects on the collaborative development of Kūkū with Tongan fangufangu practitioners.Item In my hands, in my heart : change and transformation in product design to facilitate emotional attachment : thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts endorsed with Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2016) Song, YueyunThe aim of this study was to demonstrate the design of objects that provide visceral enjoyment, good user experience and strong emotional attachment. This study considers attachment, emotions and transformation in the process of deciding how to introduce a stronger relationship between user and products, so people will want to keep them for the long term. Using change and transformation, I worked with everyday objects – tableware - to introduce design elements to stimulate emotions and promote emotional attachment. The objects designed for this thesis are either enhancements to existing products, designed to be transformed in an innovative way, or innovative designs that can transform to change the nature or function of the object. I wanted to explore whether I could incorporate the potential for change or transformation initiated by the user, into a product design in a way that elicited positive emotions, and therefore, attachment to the objects I designed. The thesis discusses four case studies: “Complete and Fragment”; “Construction through Destruction”; “Standing Liquid” and “Reset”. All designs featured objects that changed or transformed, in ways that ranged from passive, gradual or negligible, permanent and irreversible change to the appearance and function of an object, though to dramatic temporary, reversible, incomplete and complete repeatable transformation to the form and function of the object. Each of the objects had the potential for the user to be involved, to add or not, their input to the design, to change the form or function, or appearance of the product to suit their own aesthetic and needs, thus encouraging the user to develop a long term relationship with the object.Item Ready steady go : design of a protective, stabilising camera gimbal : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2016) Desborough, GeoffreyThe rapid evolution of lightweight, high performance compact cameras in conjunction with electronic stabilisation has given photographers and filmmakers the ability to capture extremely high quality ‘shakefree’ footage. However most of the equipment currently available is cumbersome and offers poor protection for expensive cameras. This issue is especially problematic for subject matter like action sports such as BMX, skateboarding, and snow sports where the action is fast and the conditions can be extreme. My design objective was to develop a protective, stabilising camera gimbal that was easy to use and extremely compact and lightweight. I also wanted to design for competitive cost in materials and manufacture to make my product available to a wide user base. I used a spiral product development process involving multiple prototype iterations to develop aspects of the design, particularly the external roll axis which is a major feature. My final design incorporates innovation: in how the roll axis and drive was achieved; the mounting system which enables rapid set up and lens changes; a very high level of protection; and ease of use in a compact and lightweight unit. The end result is a product which should appeal to leading edge amateur and semi-professional filmmakers in this area, and give them new options to expand their craft.Item A new breed : wired for success : redefining the possibilities of solar powered electric fence energizers.(Massey University, 2014) Marks, Nicholas RGallagher, world renowned for their electric fencing innovations, requested ways to develop their solar powered energizer range. The intent of this project was to work with Gallagher product specialists to identify key market gaps and use them to develop a conceptual design proposal for a new solar charged, battery powered electric fence energizer. Industrial design literature investigations provided a foundation for this project and specific methods were used to identify and utilize key information from the Gallagher product and energizer range and Gallagher’s competition. Other strategic research areas included; context of energizer use, common energizer issues, market gaps/opportunities, ergonomic principles, safety aspects, manufacturing guidelines and relevant state of the art technologies. The core research methods used to support the investigation and consider industrial design and business requirements were; market analysis, ethnography, surveys, informal expert interviews and focus group meetings with Gallagher departmental managers. Structured concept generation, test rigs, mock-ups, models, iterated design development and CAD renderings ensued. A potential market gap was discovered through these explorations where isolated farm blocks needed electric fencing, but had no mains power. The unit needed to be semiportable, yet had to have the potential power to supply the equivalent of mains powered energizer capabilities. Solar powered technology has widened the scope for design to solve this scenario, which provided the starting point for initial design concepts. The product was required to solve issues and objectives (functionality), be intuitive, easy to use and practical (usability), and appeal to the target market (desirability). The final design proposal is a modular energizer unit which allows the end user to customize the system to suit their individual needs. This investigation aimed to fulfil Gallagher’s brief to expand their solar powered energizer range, and uncover any other potential product opportunities in the market.Item An open invitation to design : an exegesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design, Massey University, College of Creative Arts, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2013) Graham, Nicholas RobertAn Open Invitation to Design is a design-led research project that explores the areas of collaboration, authorship and derivative design, associated with digital fabrication technologies and communication networks in the context of Open Design. It specifically serves as a critique of the Open Design process and aims to demonstrate the design potential of using open source methods as a generative element of design innovation.Item Industrial design and engineering transition to radical innovation for sustainability in tertiary education : concept design strategies based on a New Zealand study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Product Development at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2011) Haemmerle, Linda; Haemmerle, LindaA UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) is currently in progress from 2005 – 2014.The importance of Sustainable Development (SD) and Sustainable Product Design (SPD) has been recognized by the professional bodies for industrial design and engineering, and promoted within tertiary education. A consensus gained from a literature review revealed that radical innovation is now necessary to achieve Factor 4 (i.e. reducing resource use to a quarter of the total), or Factors 10-20 (reducing resource use to a 10th – 20th of levels in the present production/consumption model) in upholding global environmental and social integrity. Design and engineering are seen as “core catalysts of change” towards radical innovation for sustainability, and therefore essential that industrial designers and engineers be appropriately educated. The motivation and main aim of this research was therefore to develop an educational framework for mainstream industrial design and engineering in SD/SPD at tertiary level. This should be based on the key concepts of SD/SPD towards radical innovation, successful international examples of industrial design and engineering curricula, as well as any pertinent information derived locally from the New Zealand design and engineering scenario. The latter was derived via a survey of industrial/product design, mechanical/mechatronics engineering students in their final year of undergraduate study in New Zealand. These research strands were synthesized and further refined, using a 4-year undergraduate degree structure (combined years 1-2 for a 3-year design degree programme). The Conceptual Educational Framework and Guidelines are intended as an aid and underlying structure towards embedding radical innovation for sustainability in Industrial Design and Engineering curricula. Together, they provide a draft, a roadmap of essential and important concepts, to combine with discipline-specific core content of Industrial Design and Engineering undergraduate degrees The NZ survey results proved similar to international studies: an overall discrepancy between the high ratings of the importance of sustainability and low values in actual knowledge, with definitions of ecodesign (eco-efficiency through reduction and/or minimization of harmful environmental impacts), rather than eco-effective, beneficial sustainable design (comprising environmental, economic and social considerations). The key recommendations are documented within four concepts: 1. Emphasis on the Social Element of SD/SPD, 2. Transition towards Systems Thinking via PSS (Product-Service Systems), 3. Complementary Sustainable Design Strategies and 4. Transition towards Strategic Design. These concepts advocate emphasis on the social element of SD/SPD through context and creativity; systems thinking via PSS; eco-effectiveness and Cradle-to-Cradle design principles (C2C), followed by eco-efficiency for optimization; and all governed by strategic design. The design intent of the Conceptual Educational Framework and Guidelines is to maximize beneficial, eco-effective systems, sustainable behaviour, equity, quality of life, and connecting design, technology and human behaviour.Item My design identity-- my future-- : an essay presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design at Massey University, College of Creative Arts, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2010) Klenner, JasonMy research project involves the creation of a personal design identity in order to reposition myself within the design industry at a time when the existence of New Zealand designers who work within the mass design services market is being threatened by New Zealand based manufacturing and industry moving offshore. The design-led research has involved the observation and analysis of designers that are positioned within the high profi le and high value area of the design industry including Ron Arad, Ross Lovegrove, Marc Newson and David Trubridge in order to gain insights and inspiration for developing my own personal identity. On the basis of the information gained a process of repeated experimentation and reflection in the field of design art was used to establish the foundation for my personal identity. Symbolic of this personal design identity is a curiosity for experimentation with material and structure to create everyday objects that are not devoid of function, but not serious either. The goal of this identity is to make users smile and to increase sentimental attachment and desirability towards these objects by offering experiences that can be described as surprising, memorable, enjoyable, light-hearted and even exhilarating when compared with utilitarian, mass market equivalents. An example of this is a chair called ‘Sprung’ that integrates elastic cord with a 2-dimesional plastic sheet that fl exes into a 3-dimensional springy form when sat in. This transformation is unexpected and the bounce experience fun, challenging how we view materials and structures and how chairs are perceived and used. This research has personal significance for my future career as the personal identity developed combined with my renewed enthusiasm for design can be applied to ongoing design art objects, allowing me to establish a track record in this field and move away from the mass design services market.Item Desirable impact : an exploration of how design for desirability can enhance a forecast snowboarding safety product(Massey University, 2010) Hansen, LansWith origins in skateboard and surfing culture, snowboarding has grown to become a mainstream recreational and professional sport, officially recognized in the Olympic Games. This popularity can be attributed to several factors, including the sub-culture of rebellion and self-expression it embodies and the daring, dynamic aerial maneuvers and stunts often portrayed in the media. However, the sport also exposes participants to a well-documented injury pattern, with injuries rates typically twice as frequent as those seen in skiing. While a number of studies have shown existing snowboarding safety products reduce the risk of injury, these readily available products are not widely used among participants who view them as “uncool” and “unnecessary”. Exploring how affective features and attributes can improve the desirability of a forecast snowboarding personal protective equipment (PPE) product, this thesis proposes that a primary requirement for these products must be desirability - to make attractive, to create a positive impression, to strengthen ones identity and engender appreciation. Responding to these emotional needs, this thesis presents a proposal for a product designed to enhance user-experience, challenging the current philosophy of safety products and their ‘uncool’ perceptions.Item Beyond the wall : an investigation into the relationship between industrial design and science fiction : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement of the degree of Master of Design, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2006) Garrett, Lyn KarenaThe study aimed to develop a theory describing the nature of the relationship between industrial design and science fiction, based on the observation that science fiction caninspire industrial designers and enrich industrial design processes and products. The hypotheses were that: 1. The roles of industrial design and science fiction are based on parallel ideas. 2. Industrial design is suffused with, and sympathetic to, science fiction thinking. 3. There is a ‘cause and effect’ relationship between aspects of industrial design and science fiction. Science fiction cinema is a key ‘cause and effect’. 4. Science fiction cinema performs a key function in the roles of science fiction, and cinema can be employed to explore and discuss the roles of industrial design and science fiction. The study used a range of research methods. An extensive literature review critically compared and analysed the characteristics and roles of science fiction and industrial design. The analysis identified contrasting and common themes, ideas, processes, texts and subtexts between the two areas. The findings were further analysed using graphic analytical tools, to form models that described and structured the industrial design/science fiction relationship. Three case studies were used to further test the model: the work of industrial designer and visual futurist Syd Mead; science fiction author Bruce Sterling; and the industrial design and production design content of selected science fiction films. Analysis of an Internet discussion among industrial designers also illuminated the model. The findings from the analysis and the case studies supported the validity of the original hypotheses. The study identified as the key elements of an emerging theory the parallel ideas of innovation in industrial design and novum (the new thing) in science fiction; the cause and effect relationship found between the two disciplines; the parallel concepts of mediation and responsibility in industrial design, and anticipation and interrogation in science fiction. The theory was presented as a graphic model that demonstrated these elements. This study concludes that science fiction challenges the design profession to produce better design by requiring that social, political, and technological contexts in which products will exist are explicitly understood and addressed. This is mapped out in an emerging theory that outlines a complex, multi-layered relationship between industrialdesign and science fiction. In industrial design terms, this emerging theory could be considered a prototype.
