Innovation and Future Design

This study is initiated from the urgent demand for the emergency rescue equipment when emergency rescue tasks are performed for public emergencies such as earthquakes and road traffic accidents. The characteristics of public emergencies and the development status of existing emergency rescue equipment are analyzed. It is of great research significance to propose that reasonably designed emergency rescue equipment can effectively reduce the casualties of rescuers and the loss of national property.BR The purpose of this research is to complete the design of a demolition device that is efficient, portable, easy to operate, reasonable in human-computer interaction, and has strong endurance. As an indispensable type of emergency rescue equipment, demolition equipment should be optimized and innovatively designed. Based on the analysis of the research status of demolition equipment and key technologies, it is proposed that there are still many problems that lead to the low application of demolition equipment in large disaster sites. This paper proposes to improve the driving method, structure function and interactive experience of the demolition equipment, so that the demolition equipment can achieve better use effect and have a better use experience, and reasonably realize the innovative fusion design scheme of the new demolition pliers integration.BR The research content and results are as follows: firstly, the purpose and method of the research are clarified through investigation and analysis; the second part is to clarify the design principles of the demolition equipment; the third part applies the design principles to complete the design of the demolition pliers; the fourth part applies the relevant national standards and policies The document carries out the verification analysis on the design scheme. Based on these research results, we hope to provide some design inspiration and research ideas for the future innovative fusion design of emergency rescue equipment.

With design disciplines and territories expanding rapidly and design being positioned as a potential means of responding to grand global challenges, graduates of today are increasingly expected to work in dynamic and fluid ways, able to approach any wicked problem creatively. We contend that a design innovation approach is about developing agility and flexibility to be able to respond to any complex scenario where design could be employed or required. Using an action research approach within a single case study, which draws upon a current PGT program in design innovation, we propose that there is value in training students in four key areas: (1) understanding a context before responding, (2) engendering empathy, (3) crafting appropriate research methods, and (4) bringing form to the intangible complex. To illustrate how this is operationalized, we draw on the experiences of a residential student trip, where design innovation master's students worked with cohorts from two international schools. We fully acknowledge that one learning experience, despite being shared by three institutions, does not mean that solid and scalable conclusions can be drawn, but we offer our insights to date for discussion and to inform future learning activities and curriculum designs.

Purpose. This paper describes the design, manufacture and evaluation of a custom hand-cycle with a Delta-style frame and fork steering. The state of hand-cycle design and future design directions are also examined.Method. The design of the custom hand-cycle was based on these criteria: Light weight, aerodynamics, climbing ability, ergonomic fit and the user's specific needs. We designed and built a custom hand-cycle for one expert user, therefore, the user's personal needs were key design drivers. The hand-cycle was evaluated by the user over three years of use.Results. During three years of evaluation and over 8000 km of use there were two frame failures: (i) A crack propagated around one of the tubes connecting the mainframe tube to the headset tube; and (ii) a crack propagated around the circumference of the curved part of the main frame tube directly behind the seat. The first failure was repaired and after the second, the device was retired. The evaluation of this design serves as a basis for a new set of design criteria.Conclusions. Large amounts of frame flexion can indicate eventual plastic deformation and failure. Future hand-cycle designs should see the use of more advanced materials, finite element analysis software, and continued incorporation of bicycle technology and design innovation.

Microfluidic technologies have become a highly effective platform for the precise and reproducible production of nanovesicles used in drug and nucleic acid delivery. One of their key advantages lies in the one-step assembly of multidrug delivery nanovesicles, which improves batch-to-batch reproducibility by minimizing the intermediate steps typically required in conventional methods. These steps often involve complex hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, leading to variability in the nanovesicle composition and performance. Microfluidic systems streamline the encapsulation of diverse therapeutic agents, including hydrophilic nucleic acids, proteins, and both hydrophobic and hydrophilic small molecules, within a single chip, ensuring a more consistent production process. This capability enables the codelivery of multiple drugs targeting different disease pathways, which is particularly valuable in reducing the risk of drug resistance. Despite the promise of nanovesicles for nucleic acid delivery, their clinical translation has been hindered by safety concerns, particularly cytotoxicity, which has overshadowed efforts to improve in vivo stability and delivery efficiency. Positively charged nanovesicles, commonly used to encapsulate negatively charged nucleic acids, tend to exhibit significant cytotoxicity. To address this, charge-shifting materials that respond to pH changes or surface modifications have been proposed as promising strategies. Shifting the surface charge from positive to neutral or negative at physiological pH can reduce the cytotoxicity, enhancing the clinical feasibility of these nanovesicle-based therapies. Microfluidic platforms offer precise control over key nanovesicle properties, including particle size, rigidity, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency. Particle size is relatively easy to adjust by controlling flow rates within microfluidic channels, with higher flow rates generally producing smaller particles. However, continuous tuning of the particle rigidity remains challenging. By manipulation of the interfacial water layer between hydrophobic and amphiphilic components during nanoparticle formation, future designs may achieve greater control over rigidity, which is critical for improving cellular uptake and biodistribution. While shape tuning using microfluidic chips has not yet been fully explored in biomedical applications, advances in materials science may enable this aspect in the future, offering further customization of the nanovesicle properties. The integration of nanovesicle assembly and surface modification within a single microfluidic platform presents challenges due to the differing speeds of these processes. Nanovesicle assembly is typically rapid, whereas surface modifications, such as those involving functional biomolecules, occur more slowly and often require purification steps. Recent advances, such as rotary valve designs and single-axis camshaft mechanisms, offer precise control over flow mixing at different stages of the process, allowing for the automation of nanovesicle assembly and surface modification, thereby improving batch-to-batch reproducibility. In conclusion, microfluidic technologies represent a promising approach for the development of multifunctional nanovesicles with the potential to address key challenges in drug delivery and precision medicine. While obstacles related to cytotoxicity, scalability, and reproducibility remain, innovations in chip design, materials, and automation are paving the way for broader application in clinical settings. Future research, potentially incorporating machine learning, could further optimize the relationship between nanovesicle properties and biological outcomes, advancing the use of microfluidic technologies for therapeutic delivery.

To pursue innovation, design engineers need to continuously exploit the knowledge in their design domain and explore other relevant knowledge around the domain. While many methods and tools have been developed to retrieve knowledge within a given design domain, e.g., flying cars, knowledge discovery beyond the domain for innovation remains a challenge, and relevant methods are under-developed. Herein, we introduce a methodology to use a technology knowledge graph (TKG), which covers sematic-level knowledge in all technology fields defined in the international patent classification system, to retrieve the existing engineering knowledge in a domain and discover engineering concepts around the domain for future design considerations and innovation. We demonstrate the TKG-based methodology by applying it to explore the future designs of flying cars, an emerging domain with high uncertainty despite growing prospects.

This paper discusses the application and advantages of artificial intelligence technology in digital media interactive product design. Firstly, the development background of artificial intelligence technology and its promoting effect on design innovation is introduced, and the application of new technologies, such as generative adversarial networks in art creation and design personalization, is definitely analyzed. It then explores in detail the ability of AI to break traditional constraints in interactive design, innovate design, and optimize user experience, especially in digital media. Finally, the case study of Microsoft Cortana shows the method of classifying and processing user queries by machine learning system and its experimental results. The research of this paper provides the theoretical basis and empirical support for the application of artificial intelligence technology in the future interactive design of digital media and has important academic and practical significance.

Amid growing economic uncertainty and rising corporate default risks, effective legal reforms are essential for financial stability and sustainable business practices. This study examines the impact of China’s security interest system reform on corporate credit risk, highlighting its implications for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. Using a Difference-in-Differences approach and data from Chinese listed firms, the results show that the reform significantly reduces credit risk, particularly for asset-light, risk-averse, and growth-stage enterprises. Lower credit risk alleviates financing constraints, enabling firms to allocate more resources to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities and long-term sustainability initiatives. The findings reveal that legal reforms in secured transactions not only serve as risk management tools but also function as institutional mechanisms that foster CSR engagement and contribute to building a sustainable economic cycle. This research fills a gap in linking legal system reform, credit risk mitigation, and CSR, offering practical insights for future policy design in sustainable finance and green innovation.

Feasibility study on application of an artificial neural network for automatic design of a reactor core at the Kyoto University Critical Assembly

A complete mathematical model is developed for application to simulate the unsteady two-step on-chip sample injection and separation processes in microfluidic devices. The origin and applicability of the slip-wall velocity boundary condition is discussed. Due to electrophoresis effect, migration influence of every species is considered in the model and then solved for separation analysis. The model is non-dimensionalized in a unique manner to reveal effects of some key fundamental parameters: the Reynolds-Schmidt number, electrophoretic mobility of sample species, applied potentials, etc. In particular, the influence of ReSci is examined over the commonly encountered range and the effect of electrophoretic mobilities on separation is investigated for three different types of samples. Results include center-line concentration profiles as well as concentration contour plots over a range of nondimensional time (less than 400). Resolution is defined and employed to evaluate the separation results. The magnitude of calculated separation resolution (around 2.0) is comparable to experimental results. Through parametric studies, the characteristics of both injection and separation are revealed numerically and well understood for future effective control and innovative chip design.

Hearing loss can result from disorders or damage to the ear (peripheral auditory system) or the brain (central auditory system). Here, the basic structure and function of the central auditory system will be highlighted as relevant to cases of permanent hearing loss where assistive devices (hearing aids) are called for. The parts of the brain used for hearing are altered in two basic ways in instances of hearing loss: (1) Damage to the ear can reduce the number and nature of input channels that the brainstem receives from the ear, causing plasticity of the central auditory system. This plasticity may partially compensate for the peripheral loss, or add new abnormalities such as distorted speech processing or tinnitus. (2) In some situations, damage to the brain can occur independently of the ear, as may occur in cases of head trauma, tumors or aging. Implications of deficits to the central auditory system for speech perception in noise, hearing aid use and future innovative circuit designs will be provided to set the stage for subsequent presentations in this special educational session. [Work supported by NIA-NIH Grant P01 AG09524 and the International Center for Hearing & Speech Research, Rochester, NY.]

This article evaluates the prominent factors affecting financial intermediaries’ performance in the insurance industry. It is widely accepted that the performance of financial intermediaries in the insurance industry contributes to both industrial expansion and an increase in the market value of financial service providers. Surprisingly, there is not much research on financial intermediaries’ ability to identify obstacles that hinder their effectiveness. This study thus sought to provide strategies for financial services providers, insurance conglomerates, and senior management to gain a broad understanding and thorough review of the important influential factors that should be considered to enhance the performance of financial intermediaries in the insurance sector. To investigate the factors that enhance the performance of financial intermediaries, a close-ended questionnaire was developed in which 300 responses were collected at a market conduct authority. A quantitative approach was judiciously selected to analyse the data and identify the relationship between several factors. Using logistic regression models, key socioeconomic characteristics impacting the performance of financial intermediaries were identified including organisation, gender, education, level of education, and experience. By examining the interplay of regulatory frameworks, market conditions, and managerial practices, the study identified key drivers and barriers to success in this industry. It is recommended that future researchers adopt the strategies to further explore the complexities surrounding hedge funds and collective investment schemes. The findings of the study may aid in the development of future innovative product designs for financial intermediaries in the insurance sector. Keywords: Financial Intermediaries, Financial Intermediation, Financial Sector, Financial Services Providers

The Aircraft Data Hierarchy (ADH) represents a transformative Model-based Systems Analysis & Engineering (MBSA&E) data storage format for standardized aerospace data exchange, specifically designed to address critical challenges in the aerospace industry's digital transformation of its multidisciplinary design processes. This technical document outlines the development, structure, and prototype Python implementation of an open-source ADH as a solution that integrates systems analysis with systems engineering using a recursive Model-Based Systems-of-Systems Architecture (MSoSA) structure aligned with established standards. The ADH facilitates efficient exchange of critical information—geometry definitions, disciplinary tool inputs/outputs, and engineering requirements—through a centralized, validated data structure implemented using Pydantic v2, with support for serialization in JSON, YAML, and XML formats. The initial ADH architecture was designed by Boeing with support from NASA, GE Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, and the University of Michigan to gather a wide and varied set of requirements. This paper details the ADH's high-level architecture, including an example integration with NASA’s MBSA&E framework, its hierarchical organization of aerospace data, and its adaptability to accommodate diverse aircraft configurations. The use of a centralized authoritative data source like the ADH reduces data duplication, enhances cross-disciplinary and cross-organizational collaboration, improves traceability, and supports digital thread continuity. This ultimately enables more efficient and innovative aircraft design processes. The ADH is poised to become a fundamental component of future aircraft design systems. However, continued investment and industry involvement through AIAA and other avenues are needed to realize the full transformative potential of the ADH.

This article attempts to discuss the innovative application of gamification measures in mobile App design. Currently, many apps continue to incorporate gamification measures, aiming to increase user engagement within the platform and enhance interaction among users. This article argues that gamification measures have essentially become a means of platform capitalism, aiming to exploit users' attention and time spent within the app for extended periods, while concealing suppliers' advertisements in the form of games and interactions during everyday app usage activities. This represents an innovative advertising practice within apps, encouraging active user participation through gaming and rewards, and creating competitive and entertainment effects through integration with social networks. This article presents case studies of three innovative app designs: Pinduoduo, the live bullet interactive screen game on Chinese TikTok, and WeChat mini-games programs, to illustrate these points. The research suggests that future software designs will gradually strengthen the concept of social gaming, making them not only easy to spread but also difficult for users to resist.

Nowadays, people face two serious problems: the energy problem and the depletion of natural resources. Current solutions for managing environmental change have caused a great deal of waste of energy on heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting of our buildings. In the current paper, we propose an innovative multidisciplinary design system to combine biology, engineering, and basic principles of architecture for the construction of the building envelope that regulates environmental aspects. The study is based on adaptation strategies from biological systems and the contribution of “smart” materials and technologies toward the energy optimization of modern and future constructions, through the imitation of biological functions. Four bio-inspiration case studies are presented along with their architectural application, finishing with a comparative analysis to assess how well this methodology can be used in both present and future architecture and design. This research’s objective is to show how we can create a systematic transfer of knowledge between biology and technology. It aims to learn from biological principles and to apply this understanding to the development of bio-inspired structures, to understand the importance and impact that the use of bio-inspiration in architecture can have on the energy discussion.

Critical Design in Contexthas become a key text in design literature offering a conceptual introduction to the methods and operation of Critical and Speculative Design practice, and explaining how critical design can work in practice through a range of contemporary examples. Critical Designmoves away from traditional approaches that limit design's role to the production of profitable objects, focusing instead on a practice that is interrogative, discursive and experimental. Since its publication and continued dissemination there is a much more diverse and plural body of practice that can be presented and discussed in a context of Critical Speculative Design (CSD) beyond the scope and gaze of the industrial designer. This second edition begins to address this plurality in practice and extends the examples presented. It considers Interaction Design (UI, UX), Futures and anticipatory innovation and design examples from critical service design, fashion design and design led social innovation. The text focuses more on the relationship between critical / speculative design and design futures, experiential futures, and foresight. It introduces plural ontological design and its world-building agency in address to complex matters of concern. In this new edition, the author also draws upon and celebrates the theoretical work of Deepa Butoliya, Daniela K Rosner and others who have moved the contextual discourse of critical design to consider more diverse accounts and interpretations of the practice. Finally, a new discussion will demonstrate how the use and prominence of critical and speculative practices in design culture emerges, re-emerges and is today sustained relative to socio-economic agitation and global matters of concern. This discussion will show a direct correlation of CSD to global events and their impacts on the design profession.