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    Fruit measurement horticultural device : developing trust through usability across complex systems : a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, College of Creative Arts / Toi Rauwhārangi, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024-12-11) Krige, Zené
    The agricultural technology (ag-tech) sector aims to use emerging technologies to meet changing consumer demands. To do this, the design of an intuitive smart object needed to be developed, and appraised for the horticultural industry of New Zealand. Its subsequent data needed to be expressed in tangible ways that empower decision-making about orchard operations. An elevated user experience of the device, along with quality data driving the system, would provide a successful engagement with an intelligent product system that sustains trust in the interaction and purpose of the product and integrates trust as a value within the system to advance resilience in horticultural innovation. Focusing on the task of fruit measurement, this project explores the conceptual design of a technology-driven device that can efficiently measure fruit size and count, throughout the season. The translation of this data in a format that enables stakeholders to analyse, query and act on it, seeks to inform and empower decision-making by the end users and stakeholders about the best time to harvest. This allows for better management of resources and deployment of labour and equipment. The consequence is a more sustainable orchard operation with greater productivity and benefits to all stakeholders. The project investigates the interrelationships between stakeholders, their equipment and orchard systems to drive product innovation by strengthening foundations of trust and utility, developing confidence in product use, and demonstrating its role in providing critical data into a horticultural management system with an inanimate object (product) placed within the orchard environment. This creative practice research project aims to address the opportunities that design can offer in bridging technological capability to usable products that can communicate trustworthy data clearly to end-users.
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    The emergence and development of ergonomics capability : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business Studies at Massey University : case studies of innovation in product design and development
    (Massey University, 1992) Slappendel, Caroline
    The aim of this study was to examine how and why ergonomics capability emerges and develops within organisations. This study suggests that these changes in capability can be interpreted as involving complex innovation processes which are shaped by a combination of forces both internal and external to an organisation. This perspective differs from that adopted in earlier research which has focused on the general problem of ergonomics knowledge utilisation in organisational settings. A case study approach was used to conduct the research. The case study design consisted of six organisations (three pairs) operating from a manufacturing base in New Zealand. Each organisation pair operated in one of the following product-markets: petrol pumps, electric ranges and office seating. Data were collected from in-depth interviews, documents, archival sources and through observation. The case analysis focused primarily on ergonomics capability in relation to product design and development. This study supports the need for a more dynamic conceptualisation of ergonomics knowledge use - one which recognises that as knowledge is used within an organisation, knowledge is also created. Accordingly, the analysis focused on those processes associated with the emergence and development of in-house ergonomics capability. The interpretation of these processes was informed by theories and concepts relating to organisational learning and innovation. The analysis also revealed that the emergence and development of ergonomics capability was encouraged and constrained by a range of contextual factors which included top management goals, product strategy, organisation structure and resources. Furthermore, government policy was found to be a dominant external force through its diffuse and indirect impact on the knowledge environment and industry structure. The case analysis culminates in the presentation of a general framework for understanding the emergence and development of ergonomics capability in product development. While ergonomics capability is a core concept in the model, four other major elements are identified. These are staffing routines, top management orientation, organisational configuration and history, and the external environment. Twelve propositions are presented and various implications are drawn for ergonomic practice as well as for innovation theory.
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    MDes project report : Watermakers - desalination and hydration at sea
    (Massey University, 2011) D'Anvers, Phillip John; D'Anvers, Phillip John
    In this exegesis the term Watermaker has been used to describe a survival product that creates fresh potable drinking water from saltwater. Of all the water on the earth ninety seven percent of it is saltwater. Of that three percent that is fresh water only point five percent is of a quality safe enough for drinking (Kim, Hee Ko, Kang, & Han. 2010). When a person is stranded on a life vessel or in a situation where freshwater is not readily available, a survival product that produces fresh water has the possibility of prolonging the life of that person. Designing a product that provides fresh water and thus preventing the dehydration of someone in a survival situation was the aim of this project. The final product meets the design criteria of being energy efficient and easy to use. By achieving this, the end user is provided with a product that is immediately usable and requires a low expenditure of energy when in use. Product testing and usability studies were carried out during development to ensure that the design criteria were fulfilled. Research revealed that there is a need for a product of this kind that sits in the more affordable end of the market. Design challenges involved creating a product that requires minimal parts and keeps manufacturing costs low. Achieving this resulted in a more affordable option to the consumer, with the intention of making them more inclined to purchase the product that may some day save their life. Furthermore, low cost can open up opportunities in markets that would otherwise have been precluded by price sensitivity, such as in developing nations. Of the two main desalination processes in use today (reverse osmosis and distillation), distillation was chosen as it offered more affordable design options and production methods. This product is unique in its function of using the sun’s energy to gather water through condensation. Utilising the suns energy to generate fresh water made this product more suited for warmer climates; however testing showed it was still productive in cooler climates. A product of this nature could be used in any situation where fresh, potable water is required – not just survival circumstances. With water shortage and quality becoming a global concern this product offers a low cost, easy to use option for producing drinking water. Over 80% of the global third world population is situated within the tropics. The low cost of this product coupled with the warmer temperatures found in the tropics means this product is ideally suited for use in developing nations