This course focuses on the "Look and Feel" of products from a surface engineering point of view, so how the surface determines the visual appearance as well as the tactile properties of products. These look and feel properties are explained using surface roughness, contact mechanics, manufacturing processes and surface treatments. Possibilities to change the look and feel of products are discussed. This course is finished by summarising the obtained results in “design guidelines" for the re-design of the visual and tactile appearance of a consumer product.
During a research project, the capability to apply surface engineering in daily (re-)design practice should be demonstrated. The same holds for the integration of subjective evaluations and objective measures.
Why this course: Every time a designer draws a solid line in a sketch or a (technical) drawing, he or she defines a new surface. Usually, the designer doesn't give these surfaces any special attention, but it should be noted that the surface has certain properties which can be altered and modified to better suit the use of the product and the requirements of the user. The surface of a product forms the interface of the product with the user and is therefore important for the appearance of the product and how it is perceived.
The general aim of the course is to develop skills for application of surface engineering for industrial (re-)design and to solve a defined problem.
Course highlights:
- Unique course combining design, the senses and surface engineering, offered since 2009;
- Lecturers are senior scientists and experts in the field of surface engineering and design;
- Dedicated focus on formulating novel research questions and on searching for research methods at individual level.
For whom: Professionals with prior knowledge on engineering as well as materials and mechanics on BSc level.
From whom: Prof. Dr. E. van der Heide, Dr. D. Matthews
Practical information: This is a regular master course, in which students as well as professionals can participate. Lectures within this course are optional; the content will be distributed electronically. The project can be done in teams of max 2 participants or individually. The choice of the topic for the research is up to the participant, research question and method selection follows from discussion with the lecturers. Finally, the acquired skills and knowledge are evaluated and assessed in an oral exam which can be organised on-line.
Location: University of Twente, Enschede, NL
Duration: The course is scheduled annually from November till January. It requires 140 hours of study load.
Costs: € 2067,15
More information:
Content of the course: Prof. Dr. E. van der Heide, e.vanderheide@utwente.nl
Registration: Registration form | Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET)