Research Kristof Vaes

Abstract

In a society characterized by superdiversity, Inclusive Design practice has become increasingly important to ensure accessibility for all. While the Inclusive Design (ID) paradigm aims to enable an increasingly diverse population to participate in society, in recent years its practice has faced criticism for its single-axis conception of diversity and limited development of inclusion, limiting its potential for fostering equity in design.In this project, I present 'intersectionality' (IS) as an innovative and promising framework to unlock the full potential of ID. IS highlights the complex interplay of various forms of oppression based on identity categories such as gender, race, and class. By acknowledging the intersecting systems of oppression that shape individuals' experiences, IS challenges the traditional single-axis approach in ID, which fails to capture the multidimensional nature of lived experiences. This project aims to explore the potential of an intersectional framework for ID to address its limited conception of inclusion and diversity. Using both theoretical and empirical methodologies, I seek to uncover systems of power imbedded in ID discourse and amplify marginalized voices. I aim to develop an intersectional design framework capable of addressing today's systemic design challenges, as they unfold for complex, multidimensional stakeholders. Finally, the development of an actionable toolkit strives to promote equitable design practices.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Co-promoter: Geldof Dirk
• Fellow: Kenis Kaat

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Using mix method research, this project aims to develop a systems-view of behaviour change within two key CE domains (clothing consumption and food waste) to identify a set of key factors with the most potential leverage for pro-circular behaviour change. Informed by behavioural scientific literature, hypotheses around this set of factors will be tested using survey experiments. There are 3 key outcomes for this research: (i) a fundamental understanding of key leverage points within two key CE domains, clothing consumption and food waste; (ii) a conceptual framework to guide the development of behavioural interventions to promote pro-circular behaviours within those domains and (iii) learnings, strategies and models for designers, researchers and policy professionals to implement and evaluate interventions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Rooy Dirk
• Co-promoter: Du Bois Els
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Fellow: Ahsan Nasira

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Assistive human augmentation products Along with the growing impact of rapidly advancing technology on human life, interest in improving human abilities has increased. Human augmentation is the term that refers to such human-computer integration technology, and aims to restore, supplement, or even exceed our human potentials. This research proposal focusses on the assistive and inclusive nature and potential of human augmentation products. We frame assistive human augmentation products as such: • device-based and usable at one's own discretion. • worn or used in close proximity to the human body, i.e. near-body products, that ideally perform as extensions or integrations of the human body. • strengthening the user's identity or capabilities by capturing contextual and physiological user input. • non-invasive and thus cannot alter human characteristics permanently. Classification of human augmentation In preliminary work, a framework in the form of a diagrammatic presentation of both classifications was proposed, which could assist product designers in a wider reflection on their – yet to be developed – assistive product by considering its location in the diagram. For our European research proposal we will conceive and prototype assistive human augmentation products that exceed human ability and can perform physical, social and psychological functions. These prototypes will be exposed to bystanders in 'real-life' contexts to assess their social acceptance and desirability. Measuring 'in the wild' Our research team has experience in observational research and product proxemics. As such we study the human use of space and products and the effects on behaviour, communication and social human-product interactions. We are particularly interested in research that confronts bystanders with product usage situations 'in the wild'. Tracking, observing and measuring in real life social settings are of crucial importance to assess product acceptance and desirability. Together with our partners from ASL (Antwerp Social Lab) we are united by the quest to make psychophysiology relevant to the everyday life of people (with different needs) in an inclusive and ethically responsible way. Against this background, and with the expertise within the Antwerp Social Lab, we aim to develop a research method to assess kinesic and proxemic behaviour towards users of body-near-product (augmented assistive devices). Insights generated by this research method will inform the designer about the social acceptance and desirability of his or her concepts. In order to be able to conduct state-of-the art unobtrusive tracking in authentic contexts (both for use with individuals and for groups) that will allow us to do studies with vulnerable target groups (for which coming to the lab is not obvious) we are equipped with tools such as mobile eye-tracking equipment, wearable equipment for real-time physiological data acquisition, and additional audio and video equipment to support social and behavioural science research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vaes Kristof

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project is geared towards discovering and developing new applications of state-of-the-art psychophysiological sensor technologies (using computational and AI techniques) to help people with different needs work, learn and play in our modern society, ensuring that this tracking is meaningfully and responsibly applied. To accomplish this, our consortium is suitably interdisciplinary. This undertaking requires well-controlled lab studies and (near-)continuous psychophysiological tracking in real-life settings 'in the wild'. The research infrastructure applied for enables flexible movement from lab explorations of promising markers to checking their robustness in realistic, ecological contexts, and back again.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Gijbels David
• Co-promoter: Daelemans Walter
• Co-promoter: DeSmet Ann
• Co-promoter: Jankowska Anna
• Co-promoter: Latré Steven
• Co-promoter: Poels Karolien
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Co-promoter: Van de Cruys Sander
• Co-promoter: Van den Bossche Piet
• Co-promoter: Van Waes Luuk

Research team(s)

• EduBROn

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This study, commissioned by Tourism Flanders, focuses on updating information sheets on accessible holiday accommodations as part of their recovery policy. The aim is to ensure optimal and comfortable accessibility for all, particularly for people with disabilities. Projects funded by Tourism Flanders must meet strict accessibility standards, with guidance provided by either the Accessibility Agency Flanders or Tourism Flanders' experts. Despite existing legislation, many tourism projects fall outside its scope, highlighting the need for expanded guidelines and inspiring examples. The study formulates and refines objectives to address these needs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Co-promoter: Annemans Margo

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Behavioural design is increasingly recognised as a key method and strategy for enabling social change. However, as a sub-discipline of design, it is facing a number of key issues, including a lack of understanding of how it is actually used, and how effective it is. The suggested project seeks to address this in three ways, namely by : (1) Engaging directly with key stakeholders in both the private and public sectors to explore hon behavioural design is currently applied and understood. (2) conducting a systematic mapping review of relevant work in the public and private sector and (3) distributing a (short) online survey. The research should allow us to identify the challenges for stakeholders in understanding and applying behavioural design methods and techniques, and to develop a set of practical guidelines informed by both the practice of designers, and the academic knowledge of behavioural change experts. Deliverables will include an academic publication, at least one conference presentation and a stakeholder map that can serve as a foundation for further collaboration.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Rooy Dirk
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Co-promoter: Vandermoere Frederic

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project focuses on the development of an innovative indoor air purifying system that combines two technologies: activated carbon filtration and photocatalytic oxidation. In previous research projects, a photocatalytic multi-tube reactor and an activated carbon filter module have been developed. These air purification techniques on their own have some major disadvantages. However, when the techniques are combined into one integrated system their individual disadvantages can be overcome. A modelling approach is designated to determine the conditions in which the two technologies are optimally combined. A positive project outcome will result in the development of an air purification system that removes a broad range of air pollutants from the indoor air. The system will have major advantages, as the indoor air pollutants are fully converted into CO2 and H2O, without forming by-products. As a result, indoor air can be recirculated, and ventilation can be minimized. This way, energy efficiency will be ensured as ventilation requires energy for heating outdoor air to indoor temperature. In addition, the air pollutants produced indoors will not be emitted outdoors by ventilation, which is beneficial for the environment. VENTO and the University of Antwerp (DuEL research group and Faculty of Design Sciences) will collaborate in order to achieve the project goals.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Denys Siegfried
• Co-promoter: Dams Francis
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a research-based framework for the development of human-augmentation products that strengthen the user's identity or capabilities by capturing contextual and physiological user input. Human augmentation is an interdisciplinary field that aims to enhance and amplify human abilities. It comprises many different types of technological apparatuses such as prosthetics, orthotics, and physically assistive devices that replace missing or lost functions, exoskeletons that extend physical abilities, or heads-up-displays using augmented reality or virtual reality. Human augmentation can be divided in three main categories: mental augmentation – which enhances human cognition, sensory augmentation – which enhances human senses, and physical augmentation – which enhances human actions. Initially, the majority of efforts towards human augmentation focused on the improvement of physical abilities, while in the 20th century, due to progress in microelectronics, augmentation has been extended by advanced sensing and cognitive improvements. Within this study, the focus lies on visible and body-near human-augmentation products, and thus primarily on physical augmentation. Physical human augmentation further includes cosmetic augmentation (e.g. anaplastology or orthodontics), functional augmentation (e.g. prosthetics or powered exoskeletons) and medical augmentation (e.g. implants or bionic lenses). When developing these human-augmentation products, industrial designers and medical experts primarily focus on the user's urgent and objective needs, such as basic functionality, usability and safety. With a focus on functionality and physical characteristics at the expense of personal user aspects, they do not succeed in expressing and encouraging their users' concerns, identities and lifestyles. Accordingly, we focus on the semiotic (visual) and functional interaction between user, context and human-augmentation product. A well-designed human-augmentation device should have the ability to positively influence the bystanders' perception, resulting in an improved self-expression and self-confidence for the user. The corresponding main research question comprises "How can human-augmentation products be developed in such way that they strengthen the user's individual and contextual identity, increasing user-product attachment, user well-being and respect social values and ethical boundaries?". In the context of this design research, an overarching framing methodology of research through design (RtD) will be applied. RtD is an evolving research process that embeds design as a research means in order to generate new knowledge. This doctoral project is divided in four work packages (WP's). After thoroughly reviewing the state of the art literature (WP1: 'understand'), the research focuses on the exploration of the design context through prototyping for specific use cases (WP2: 'conceptualize') and validation by assessing the social impact of the prototypes in real-life experiments (WP3: 'measure'). For each use case cycle (one use case per year), two to three dynamic human-augmentation prototypes will be evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively on their stigma-eliciting potential in real-life conditions. As a reference during the experiments of each use case cycle, subjects wearing the newly-developed prototypes will be compared to subjects wearing classic, currently available human-augmentation products and to subjects wearing nothing. After each conceptualization and measurement cycle, insights and results will be steered towards implementation of new knowledge and tools (WP4'). The study will bridge the current technical and user-centred imbalance in the industrial design engineering of human-augmentation products. The resulting framework will comprise design methodology, design recommendations for the development of human-augmentation products and measuring techniques to validate design decisions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Fellow: De Boeck Muriel

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

An intensive care unit (ICU) is a safety critical environment where caregivers' activities are crucial to human lives. Adverse events, defined as injuries or complications that are provoked by a medical human error rather than the patient's underlying disease, occur in about one-third of cases in adult ICU patients and the risk of error is cumulative. The risk factors of adverse events include high nursing workload, caregivers' sleep deprivation or fatigue, communication failure, a high patient-to-nurse ratio and poor management. Work-related stress with the accompanying emotions provoked specifically in ICU is well documented. Nonetheless, only few studies have utilized physiological measures regarding research conducted on stress on medical caregivers. Within this project, it is aimed to develop a cognitive assessment platform (CAP) which comprises wearable sensors to enable monitoring of physiological parameters and location in real-time of caregivers within an ICU. This allows creating cognitive states of caregivers, linked to time and place. Workload, fatigue and stress are the monitored cognitive states, as they are the most significant threats towards patient safety. This innovative approach will allow us to correlate the cognitive states of caregivers with specific locations at the ICU, TISS-28, tasks and episodes during their working day and night, which will provide new insights and better understanding of the workflow of the ICU caregivers. Ultimately, this research may provide rich opportunities for examination and discovery in optimising the workflow of ICU caregivers.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Bruyne Guido
• Promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Co-promoter: De Bruyne Guido
• Co-promoter: Jorens Philippe
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

At the university of Antwerp, innovative products/services are defined based on state of the art scientific knowledge and technology. The aim of this project is to develop a workflow to facilitate and accelerate transition from these innovations in the domain of health and health care, to actual enrollment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verwulgen Stijn
• Co-promoter: Truijen Steven
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The loss of an upper limb dramatically affects a person's daily activities. Recent developments in bionics and prostheses make it possible to compensate this loss of functionality with a bionic robotic hand. These bionic hands are commercially available and can enable a person to perform multiple types of hand movements. Controlling a bionic hand is in most cases based on the interpretation of two surface electromyography (EMG) signals. To control the multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) of a robotic hand with only two EMG signals, a sequential control strategy is used. This sequential control strategy requires a lot of training from the user. Currently different strategies are being developed to enable a user friendly and more efficient type of control. Most developments in the field of upper extremity prostheses are aimed at adults with a single arm reduction. Children with a double arm reduction are often unable to use the available prostheses and those that are available don't provide a solution for their specific needs. This project aims to integrate the most recent developments in prosthesis control and bionic robotics and make them available for children with a double arm reduction. The research is unique and novel because it aspires to develop and verify the use of non-invasive control strategies that enable children with a double or single arm reduction to control prostheses (with multiple DOF) outside of lab conditions. This project is primarily focused on one user. Larrissa (anonymous name) is an 8-year-old Belgium girl that misses both hands and feet. At the age of 1,5 she lost both hands and feet due to illness. Because her current prosthesis (and all other prosthesis) isn't suited for a bilateral amputee and offers little functionality she remains highly dependent on the help of others. The development was initiated in 2015 by Jos d'Haens (BAP physiotherapy, MOVANT) and was complemented with the master thesis of Erik Haring. This collaborative project between the department of Product Development and Rehabilitation sciences and physiotherapy at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences resulted in a first prototype of a prosthetic socket, designed for Larissa. Jos d'Haens developed a miniaturised robotic hand that can perform three primary grip types. The compact dimensions make this bionic hand especially suitable for children. The prototype of the prosthetic socket (physical connection with the wearer) was the tangible output of the master thesis of Erik Haring. This project aims to provide the missing link, a user-friendly and intuitive control system that translates human input into desired movements of the robotic hand. We defined two clusters of research questions within the project 1. Human input: Which signals can be captured within the stump of the child? Are these signals suitable to serve as input for an intuitive control strategy for the prosthesis? 2. Control strategy: How can we transform these signals into a user-friendly control strategy? 2.1 Focus on movements: Developing a prosthesis control strategy that enables the child to perform at least the three primary grip patterns: power grip, precision grip and lateral grip. With these three grips users can perform 80% of the most common daily activities. 2.2 Focus on intuitive use and user-friendliness: With the actual feedback of the child we aim for a control system that can activate at least three grip patterns in a user-friendly and intuitive way. Apart from a functional fit, we will gather user feedback on the social acceptance of the movements and look of the prosthesis. We hope to apply and expand the knowledge and insights obtained from this study to other projects for young amputees. The methodology could serve as a basis for the development and design of similar intuitive and child friendly control strategies for prosthesis and assistive devices.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Co-promoter: Truijen Steven
• Co-promoter: Verwulgen Stijn

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project's overall aim is to develop a technology platform that allows developing cycling apparel with an optimized fit based on personal measurements. The first objective is to develop a measurement system that allows to measure an individual cyclist. The second objective makes it possible to develop a 3D shape model of trunk and limbs of a cyclists.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Bruyne Guido
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof
• Co-promoter: Verwulgen Stijn

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

gAALaxy - The universal system for independent and interconnected living at home. The motivation behind the gAALaxy project is to support older adults in staying autonomous and socially active in their familiar environment and in introducing them to AAL-technologies while using an ambient (integration of the system into life and living environment) and activating (inclusion and participation of the end-user into social environment) approach. The goal of the gAALaxy development is to bundle existing, innovative AAL solutions with professional home automation systems in order to deliver a unique and unified end-user experience. The core of the gAALaxy vision is the creation of a holistic residential gateway revolving around ambient home automation technologies enhanced with activating and engaging AAL technologies which offers access to call centre technologies or relevant tele and social services.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vaes Kristof

Research team(s)

• Product development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Given the increasing numbers of bacteria showing resistance against an increasing number of antibiotics, physicians have an urgent need for accurate and clinically actionable data with regard to the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of pathogens. Joint research between the Lab of Medical Microbiology and product development group at the University of Antwerp and the Brussels Photonics team at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel will lead to the development of a microfluidic strip and associated device for the rapid and accurate determination of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of antibiotics.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goossens Herman
• Co-promoter: Revets Hilde
• Co-promoter: Vaes Kristof

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project