PRINTED ELECTRONICS, PRODUCT DESIGN AND THE EDUCATION OF FUTURE INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS?
Year: 2015
Editor: Guy Bingham, Darren Southee, John McCardle, Ahmed Kovacevic, Erik Bohemia, Brian Parkinson
Author: Southee, Darren; York, Nicola
Series: E&PDE
Institution: Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
Section: Technology and Knowledge Transfer
Page(s): 662-668
ISBN: 978-1-904670-62-9
Abstract
The knowledge transfer of printed electronics technology to the designers of products has the potential to make a significant impact. There is a perceived lack of exposure to this emerging technology among industrial designers. It is desirable for student designers to be made aware of the opportunities such technology affords in order to enhance the design of future products. It offers a diverse range of new flexible form factors, no longer constrained by a rigid circuit board. In order to understand this disruptive emerging technology, a knowledge framework is required to support the education of student designers. This paper focuses on three essential areas of knowledge for a framework: approaches to technology readiness; techniques used for printed electronics, and a taxonomy of printed electronics. This combined information with design examples and a technology readiness grading would provide a basis for the development of understanding printed electronics. This paper concludes that a knowledge framework of printed electronics can be achieved. The translation of other fields into a taxonomy then utilised for educational innovations has previously proved successful within the context of Industrial Designers and Engineering Designers understanding the respective language of their disciplines. The overall goal of this research is to create a printed electronics taxonomy that can be used to educate student designers and enhance future product design outcomes
Keywords: Printed electronics, product design, industrial designers.