Empathic design as the basic element of product-service system implementation

Diploma Thesis , 2017 , 151 Pages , Grade: A (97)

Design (Industry, Graphics, Fashion)

Work is devoted to the important problem of empathic design process as part of the product-service system and in particular methodology of empathic design process in context of low and middle income in Ukraine.
Wide literature analysis as per product-service system and empathic design is conducted. As the result, way to implement product-service system was identified and detailed methodology of empathic design established. Following this, literature as per behavior of Ukrainian consumers, their social habits and financial capabilities is examined and as a consequence, client profile as per project is created.
In the second section of the thesis, practical implementation of empathic design process is described. In particular, costumer directed research methods for information gathering and brief creation were applied. On the stage of concept generation modifications were proposed, which allow customer to choose from variety of designs and became active figure in design creation, instead of being passive consumer. After this, sample collection was developed and sample outfit with all styling detailing is realized in material.
In the third section educational seminar as per topic of the research for bachelor students is designed. All components as per didactic plan of the lesson are included and actual scenario is proposed.

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION
• SECTION 1 – THEORETICAL JUSTIFICATION
• 1.1 Product-Service System
• 1.1.1 - Prerequisites
• 1.1.2 - Definition.
• 1.1.3 - History
• 1.1.4 - Importance
• 1.1.5 - Examples
• 1.1.6 - Way to implement
• 1.2. Design Sub-Cetegory (Empathic Design)
• 1.2.1 - Prerequisites
• 1.2.2 – Definition
• 1.2.3 – History
• 1.2.4 – Importance
• 1.2.5 – Examples
• 1.2.6- Way to implement
• 1.3 Client profile (Low and middle income context)
• 1.3.1 - Prerequisites
• 1.3.2 -Economic aspect
• 1.3.3 -Occupation
• 1.3.4 - Leisure time
• 1.3.5 - Self-recognition
• 1.3.6 - Purchasing habits
• 1.3.7 – Importance
• 1.3.8 - Examples
• 1.3.9 - Way to implement
• SECTION 2 - PRODUCT IMPLEMENTATION
• 2.1 – Pre-production phase
• 2.1.1 - Pre- designer’s activities
• 2.1.2 - Client generation design brief
• 2.1.3 - User-centered design methods
• 2.1.4 - Re-interpretation of design brief
• 2.1.5 - Create design opportunities
• 2.1.6 - Suspend reality/inspiration
• 2.1.7 - Concept generation
• 2.2 – Design development
• 2.2.1 - Sketch models
• 2.2.2 - Concept selection
• 2.2.3 – Logistical
• 2.2.4 – Presentation
• 2.2.5 - Design development
• 2.2.6 - Design refinement
• 2.2.7 – Prototyping
• 2.3 – Presentation phase
• 2.3.1 - Design proposal
• 2.3.2 - Final presentation
• 2.3.3 - Product to market
• SECTION 3 – METHODOLOGICAL PART
• 3.1 Empathy in design education
• 3.2 - Lesson design
• 3.2.1- Initial data
• 3.2.2 - Setting objectives of the seminar
• 3.2.3 - Choice of seminar type and form of its’ delivering
• 3.2.4 - Enumeration of the questions to discuss during the seminar and resources for its’ preparation
• 3.2.5 - Design of motivational educational technologies for students during seminar
• 3.2.6 - Analysis of basic studying conditions
• 3.2.7 - Design of the main part of the seminar according to its type and form
• 3.2.8 – Development of illustrative part
• CONCLUSIONS
• REFERENCES
• APPENDIX

Objectives and Key Themes

This thesis aims to analyze existing components of product-service systems and empathic design, propose modifications to the process based on the needs of Ukrainian consumers with low and middle income, and design an educational lesson.

• Analysis of the product-service system and its components.
• Analysis of empathic design and its components.
• Development of a consumer profile based on specific criteria.
• Implementation of empathic design methods tailored to Ukrainian consumer characteristics.
• Proposal of modifications to the concept generation stage to enhance empathy levels.

Chapter Summaries

• Introduction: The research focuses on the impact of Ukrainian production, specifically apparel manufacturing, on the global market. It emphasizes the need for sustainable fashion design and product-service business models to satisfy new consumer demands. The thesis explores the concept of empathic design as a key element in achieving customer satisfaction within a product-service system.
• Section 1 - Theoretical Justification: This section provides a comprehensive overview of product-service systems, outlining their prerequisites, definition, history, importance, examples, and implementation strategies. It further explores empathic design as a subcategory of design approaches, examining its principles, history, significance, examples, and implementation methods. The chapter concludes with a detailed analysis of the target consumer profile, focusing on the economic and social behavior patterns of Ukrainian millennials with low and middle income.
• Section 2 - Product Implementation: This section focuses on the practical implementation of the empathic design concept. It describes the pre-production phase, including research, analysis, and the creation of a design library. The section outlines the process of concept generation, featuring a novel approach using restrictions to enhance empathy. The chapter delves into design development, including sketching models, concept selection, logistical considerations, presentation, and prototyping. Finally, it explores the presentation phase, showcasing design proposals, final presentations, and the product-to-market strategy.
• Section 3 - Methodological Part: This section focuses on integrating empathic design into design education. It analyzes the importance of empathy in preparing students for professional challenges and proposes a detailed seminar plan for design students at the Ukrainian Engineering Pedagogics Academy. The plan addresses various stages of lesson design, including initial data, setting objectives, choosing seminar type and form, enumerating discussion questions and resources, designing motivational technologies, analyzing basic studying conditions, and developing the main part and illustrative components of the seminar.

Keywords

This thesis explores the implementation of empathic design in the context of product-service systems in Ukraine. It focuses on the needs of Ukrainian consumers with low and middle income, analyzing their economic and social behavior patterns, and highlighting the importance of local textile production and distribution. The thesis also emphasizes the role of empathy in design education, suggesting a seminar model to integrate empathic design principles into the curriculum.

• Course: Fashion Design. Professional training
• Grade: A (97)
• Author: Kateryna Ryabchykova (Author)
• Publication Year: 2017
• Pages: 151
• Catalog Number: V382971
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668657618
• Language: English
• Tags: fashion, design, empathic design, product-service system, design theory, design methodology, innovative design approaches, fashion education, ukraine