Consumer Products

Module 6 IDE | IEM | ME

This website describes the module consumer products. It is intended for students and staff involved in the educational programmes at the University of Twente: Industrial Design Engineering (IDE), Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) and Mechanical Engineering (ME). The goal of this module is to meet product development practice. You will be introduced to the complexities involved in the development of consumer products (mass produced products ordinarily bought by individuals or households for private consumption or use). You are confronted with a large variety of subjects that collectively play a role in a development trajectory that is representative and typical for a consumer product.

Meet practice

No artificial context for this module. We try to get as close to the real deal as we can.

What we're aiming for

Learn about the module structure, the courses and the learning objectives

How its organized

Spoiler alert: lean and mean. No unnessary procedures and a lot of freedom.

Project timeline

Kick-off

General introduction of the module, the courses, assessment, timeline. Furthermore, for the project the company will be introduced and groups will be formed.

Elevator pitch (6 & 7 December)

You present your concepts and receive feedback from the company within 10 minutes. Based upon this feedback you should be able to make a decision for one of the concepts and commence the detailing and engineering phase. Each groups has 5 minutes available for their pitch and 5 minutes for feedback.

Deadline definition deliverables

Here you formulate the deliverables that collectively make up your design proposal and that you are going to describe in the interactive document.There are five simple rules for the deliverables and there is an approval procedure with your tutor.

Deadline mid-term peer review

In this module we use non-anonymous peer review. This enables you to assess your group members on several aspects of cooperation. Each project member will receive the feedback. Your individual feedback scores give you (and your group members) the possibility to start a discussion on how to improve personal skills and group interaction.

Deadline interactive document

The interactive document has all information that is required to explain the developed product concept and the realisation thereof. It also provides quick (demand-driven) access to the design rationale behind the concept and the decisions that are made. This website can be regarded as an example of an interactive document.

Deadline final peer review

In this module we use non-anonymous peer review. This enables you to assess your group members on several aspects of cooperation. Each project member will receive the feedback. Your individual feedback scores give you (and your group members) the possibility to start a discussion on how to improve personal skills and group interaction. The results will be taken into account at grading your project assignment.

Project wrap-up

The project wrap-up is where the company sees your results. It is a pitch set-up (i.e. a fast-paced exhibition of design proposals). Your pitch must convince the company and your peers (the 'competing design agencies') of the quality and uniqueness of your work. Based upon these pitches, the company will select the winner(s).

Project exam (30 Jan - 02 Feb)

The project exam is a meeting during which a project group presents the project results in an oral presentation and is questioned by at least two examiners. Ideally, the tutor of the project group is one of the examiners. In total this project exam is scheduled for 4 lecture hours: time for presentation is 30-45 min, time for discussion is approx. 2,5 hours, the remaining part is used to communicate the marks and reflect. Please note that the company itself has no influence on these marks, nor does the university has an influence on the assessment of the company.


Courses

ME module 6 link
Elasticity theory link
Tribology link
Prop. & processing of polymers link
Project: Consumer products link
Project: Specializations link
IDE module 6 link
Product-market relations link
Graphic design link
Technical product modelling 2 link
Project: Consumer products link
IEM module 6 link
Product-market relations link
Production 1 link
Technical product modelling 1 link
Sustainable supply chains link
Project: Consumer products link
IDE module 2 link
Calculus 1B link
Production 1 link
Technical product modelling 1 link
Project Ideation link

Elasticity theory

In this course the linear elastic theory (Hook’s Law) is discussed and extended towards more complex 3D situations (principle stresses, etc.) This includes the use of tensors, tensor analyses and linear algebra. The student learns to apply these theories to simple constructions. During the lectures, multiple real-life examples and materials (polymers, glasses or powders) will be discussed for the student to see the applicability and importance of this course.

Learning aims
  1. Work with tensors
  2. Calculate stresses (force equilibrium, etc.)
  3. Explain occurring deformations (strain) based on material theory
  4. Apply 3D elasticity theory on components of a construction
  5. Understand and describe material behaviour other than elasticity
  6. Evaluate and understand the results of a calculation
  7. Recognize the problem at hand and simplify it based on the interpretation of elasticity theory

Tribology

The focus here is the plastic surface (properties thereof) in interaction with the counter surface and, to a lesser degree, the bulk properties of the plastics (this is the subject of another course in this block). In summary, lectures basic tribology (friction and wear) and surface properties (also how to measure). Depending on the type of product chosen in this module, a lecture will be given to provide the student with specific tribo info related to the product.

Learning aims
  1. Identify a tribological system
  2. Analyze a contact by applying the Hertzian equations
  3. Understand basic friction, lubrication and wear mechanisms
  4. Understand friction phenomena as stick-slip, sliding, etc. and is able to analyze a basic mechanism in this respect
  5. Determine the life span of a component using the wear law
  6. Adapt a construction in order to minimize friction and wear

Prop. & processing of polymers

In view of the important development towards saving energy, a lot of effort has been put in reducing the weight of existing constructions. This has been an ongoing trend in the airplane industry, but this trend progresses towards more and more new products. In many cases, this weight reduction is achieved by implement lightweight polymer components. As a mechanical engineer, it is very likely that at some point in your career you will have to work with polymers. Because polymers differ significantly from metals, is it important to understand their unique properties and to already take these into account during the design phase of a product. In this series of lectures, first the chemical and physical structure of polymers is used as a basis to explain their time and temperature dependent mechanical properties. In addition, the processing step and the influence of different processing conditions on the final product are discussed.

Learning aims
  1. Indicate how the chemical and physical structure of the polymer chains affect the properties of the polymer
  2. Describe the different phase transitions and corresponding changes in physical structure and mechanical properties
  3. Use existing models for (time dependent) small deformations in plastic components (linear visco-elastic theory including Boltzmann and time-temperature superposition) in the calculation of (time dependent) deformations or stresses
  4. Use the molecular composition of the polymer to explain mechanical behaviour during large deformations and fracture
  5. Explain the behaviour of plastics during production processes and make changes to the design of the production process to prevent undesirable behaviour

Project: Consumer products

The project in module Consumer Products challenges competing groups of co-operating students from different educational programmes to meet the multi-disciplinary project assignment by developing an adequate product while explaining and underpinning the product development cycle. The assignment is a realistic design brief, provided by an industrial partner. This company can also play a role in e.g. midterm reviews and project evaluation. In the project, students 'Industrial Design Engineering', 'Industrial Engineering & Management' and 'Mechanical Engineering' conjointly participate in project groups; in principle, each project group exists of equal numbers of students of each discipline. The project relies on the student groups to plan, manage and execute the development cycle, according to their explicitly stated priorities and focal areas. The project work is supported by a number of guest lectures, workshops and practicals.

Learning aims
  1. Design and engineer a consumer product that fulfils the request of a client.
  2. Select and set priorities in a plethora of relevant design aspects in the form of deliverables towards a client for a new and mass-producible product.
  3. Integrate and employ knowledge from different fields of expertise (like marketing, styling, CAD/CAM, intellectual property, packaging, production, supply chains, research methodology, etc.)
  4. Document a product and its development cycle such that selected priorities and design choices are underpinned and can be discussed easily with representatives from a diverse audience.
  5. Present and communicate a product and development in a convincing and coherent way.
  6. Concurrently pay attention to subject-matters and organizational aspects (project planning, reflection on intermediary results and project management).
  7. Display interest and takes action to plug gaps in own-knowledge by self-study, enquiry or experimentation.
  8. Work as a member of an interdisciplinary team and reflect on the consequences of interdisciplinarity on the team cooperation and performance
  9. Reflect on his/her own discipline and its unique contribution (added value) to the design
  10. Perform a patent study about a product concept or about components of the product design.

Project: Specializations

The project in module Consumer Products challenges competing groups of co-operating students from different educational programmes to meet the multi-disciplinary project assignment by developing an adequate product while explaining and underpinning the product development cycle. The assignment is a realistic design brief, provided by an industrial partner. This company can also play a role in e.g. midterm reviews and project evaluation. In the project, students 'Industrial Design Engineering', 'Industrial Engineering & Management' and 'Mechanical Engineering' conjointly participate in project groups; in principle, each project group exists of equal numbers of students of each discipline. The project relies on the student groups to plan, manage and execute the development cycle, according to their explicitly stated priorities and focal areas. The project work is supported by a number of guest lectures, workshops and practicals.

Learning aims
  1. See osiris for learning objectives per specialization

Product-market relations

This course is aimed at teaching students the fundamental basics of marketing and introduces some relevant models and analysis techniques used in new product development and -introduction.

Learning aims
  1. Explain core concepts of marketing theory
  2. Address the business and brand strategy, and assess the market situation
  3. Conduct and interpret market research, obtain insights in customer behaviour, and design a marketing plan
  4. Use research (market and consumer) to inform the product development
  5. Apply key concepts of marketing theory to increase the odds of the market success of a product (e.g., define place, price and promotional strategies)

Graphic design

This module part concerns the ordering of text and images, like photo illustrations, cards and other visual means in the 2D field. The focus is on printed graphical language, like business cards, posters, magazines, brochures, reports etc.

Learning aims
  1. Produce well designed and legible visual media such as printed matter, digital report or website
  2. Provide graphic support for a product presentation
  3. Design product information such as usage, safety, and legal aspects
  4. Communicate and collaborate with professional graphic designers

Technical product modelling 2

Nowadays, computer tools are essential during the product development process (design and production processes). They integrate different processes in the product development process so that products are developed more effectively. This course pays attention to a number of aspects of the technical product development process. Also different advanced 3D modelling techniques are an important part of this course. The student becomes acquainted with methods and techniques which play an important role in CAD and CAM in mechanical engineering and industrial design engineering. The course aims on the role of CAD in the product development process by looking at amongst others: design processes and types of design models; modelling of geometry like curves, surfaces or solids; storage, management and use of design data; exchange of product data; finite element analysis; design efficiency and the possibilities of different technologies. The assignment focusses on modelling of complex assemblies, with a special focus on modular and flexible modelling so that assemblies can be redesigned quickly and easily. Also renderings, animations and simulations (strength/stiffness) are part of the assignment.

Learning aims
  1. Describe development processes and development phases in an interrelated manner
  2. Describe and apply different methods and techniques (curves, surfaces and solids) that are used in CAD/CAM systems.
  3. Describe possible ways to exchange data between different software tools (CAD, analysis, manufacturing) and select appropriate methods.
  4. Describe and apply rendering techniques
  5. Describe and apply modern methods and techniques in technical product modelling
  6. Apply feature based modelling techniques and employ them to make doubly curved surfaces
  7. Build large assemblies in such a way that they can easily be adapted (e.g. in case of re-design)

Project: Consumer products

The project in module Consumer Products challenges competing groups of co-operating students from different educational programmes to meet the multi-disciplinary project assignment by developing an adequate product while explaining and underpinning the product development cycle. The assignment is a realistic design brief, provided by an industrial partner. This company can also play a role in e.g. midterm reviews and project evaluation. In the project, students 'Industrial Design Engineering', 'Industrial Engineering & Management' and 'Mechanical Engineering' conjointly participate in project groups; in principle, each project group exists of equal numbers of students of each discipline. The project relies on the student groups to plan, manage and execute the development cycle, according to their explicitly stated priorities and focal areas. The project work is supported by a number of guest lectures, workshops and practicals.

Learning aims
  1. Design and engineer a consumer product that fulfils the request of a client.
  2. Select and set priorities in a plethora of relevant design aspects in the form of deliverables towards a client for a new and mass-producible product.
  3. Integrate and employ knowledge from different fields of expertise (like marketing, styling, CAD/CAM, intellectual property, packaging, production, supply chains, research methodology, etc.)
  4. Document a product and its development cycle such that selected priorities and design choices are underpinned and can be discussed easily with representatives from a diverse audience.
  5. Present and communicate a product and development in a convincing and coherent way.
  6. Concurrently pay attention to subject-matters and organizational aspects (project planning, reflection on intermediary results and project management).
  7. Display interest and takes action to plug gaps in own-knowledge by self-study, enquiry or experimentation.
  8. Work as a member of an interdisciplinary team and reflect on the consequences of interdisciplinarity on the team cooperation and performance
  9. Reflect on his/her own discipline and its unique contribution (added value) to the design

Product-market relations

This course is aimed at teaching students the fundamental basics of marketing and introduces some relevant models and analysis techniques used in new product development and -introduction.

Learning aims
  1. Explain core concepts of marketing theory
  2. Address the business and brand strategy, and assess the market situation
  3. Conduct and interpret market research, obtain insights in customer behaviour, and design a marketing plan
  4. Use research (market and consumer) to inform the product development
  5. Apply key concepts of marketing theory to increase the odds of the market success of a product (e.g., define place, price and promotional strategies)

Production 1

The course gives an introduction in the manufacturing of products by industrial production processes. It provides the theoretical knowledge base for these production processes as well as for the company context in which such processes are applied. With this, the course provides the background for all courses and projects that relate to the production of products. At the same time, the course is an introduction in the applicatibility of production processes in practical circumstances. Production 1 focuses on the producibility of products; in this, material characteristics like material type and crystal structures play a significant role. While taking into account these material characteristics, a variety of production processes like casting, moulding, forming, machining, joining, plastics & composites processes are explored. In the lectures the theory of the production processes is elaborated on; during the practicals the relation between the theoretical knowledge and practical situations in the workshop is established. Production I is the first course in the cycle on manufacturing engineering; as a consequence it is considered as foreknowledge for other courses in this cycle. Many other courses implicitly assume knowledge on production processes and techniques; this course provides the knowledge.

Learning aims
  1. Distinguish and describe the various production processes for discrete production
  2. Recognise and explain the (dis)similarities between the various production processes
  3. Select feasible/applicable production processes for a product while being able to underpin that selection
  4. Relate material characteristics to (the feasibility/applicability of) production processes
  5. Interrelate product geometry, material and production process(es) in relation to a.o. production quantity, batch size, tolerances, accuracy, quality and cost

Technical product modelling 1

For production of components and assemblies good technical drawings are required. Just a perspective sketch is not allowed and not sufficient enough. The technical drawings are currently not drawn anymore by hand but 3D CAD systems are used to create 3D CAD models. These 3D models are the basis for the 2D technical drawings. The course aims at the technical presentation of a product for production. The course pays attention to all 2D aspects of a technical drawing, for instance projection methods, section views, dimensioning, tolerances, geometric tolerances, fit tolerances, roughness, welding symbols, etc. Another important part of the course is 3D CAD modelling. The course focusses on 3D modelling methods, like feature based design. The student learns the basic skills of feature based modelling and learns how to model 3D CAD models (parts and assemblies).

Learning aims
  1. Analyse a product and can (with that information) model a 3D CAD part model and can redefine it easily.
  2. Create assemblies in 3D CAD.
  3. Can read a technical drawing.
  4. Can apply the technical drawing rules.

Sustainable supply chains

The course aims at preparing students to apply the concept of sustainable supply chain design in their projects. Students will be provided the basic concept of sustainability and sustainable development in an introductory lesson (including the students from Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design programs). Next, the concept of supply chain design and its relation to product design phase will be discussed. In addition, strategies to recover economic value-added from secondary physical flows will be classified and their environmental and social contributions will be discussed. Efficient thinking for sustainable supply chain implementation and its connection to product life cycles will be given in order to contribute the projects of student groups. Economic and Enterprise Input-Output Modelling will be taught to monitor the sustainability of supply chains so that students can visualize the environmental, social, and economic consequences of taken decisions along supply chains.

Learning aims
  1. Describe the main concept of sustainability and the relation of products and supply chains with the sustainability concept.
  2. Apply environmentally and socially sustainable solutions in the company project (central to Module 6).
  3. Design environmentally friendly and economically efficient supply chains.
  4. Identify sustainability niches in products and relate these to circular supply chain thinking.
  5. Relate the product design phase to the supply chain design phase and execute these phases simultaneously in the company project (Module 6).

Project: Consumer products

The project in module Consumer Products challenges competing groups of co-operating students from different educational programmes to meet the multi-disciplinary project assignment by developing an adequate product while explaining and underpinning the product development cycle. The assignment is a realistic design brief, provided by an industrial partner. This company can also play a role in e.g. midterm reviews and project evaluation. In the project, students 'Industrial Design Engineering', 'Industrial Engineering & Management' and 'Mechanical Engineering' conjointly participate in project groups; in principle, each project group exists of equal numbers of students of each discipline. The project relies on the student groups to plan, manage and execute the development cycle, according to their explicitly stated priorities and focal areas. The project work is supported by a number of guest lectures, workshops and practicals.

Learning aims
  1. Design and engineer a consumer product that fulfils the request of a client.
  2. Select and set priorities in a plethora of relevant design aspects in the form of deliverables towards a client for a new and mass-producible product.
  3. Integrate and employ knowledge from different fields of expertise (like marketing, styling, CAD/CAM, intellectual property, packaging, production, supply chains, research methodology, etc.)
  4. Document a product and its development cycle such that selected priorities and design choices are underpinned and can be discussed easily with representatives from a diverse audience.
  5. Present and communicate a product and development in a convincing and coherent way.
  6. Concurrently pay attention to subject-matters and organizational aspects (project planning, reflection on intermediary results and project management).
  7. Display interest and takes action to plug gaps in own-knowledge by self-study, enquiry or experimentation.
  8. Work as a member of an interdisciplinary team and reflect on the consequences of interdisciplinarity on the team cooperation and performance
  9. Reflect on his/her own discipline and its unique contribution (added value) to the design

Calculus 1B

Production 1

The course gives an introduction in the manufacturing of products by industrial production processes. It provides the theoretical knowledge base for these production processes as well as for the company context in which such processes are applied. With this, the course provides the background for all courses and projects that relate to the production of products. At the same time, the course is an introduction in the applicatibility of production processes in practical circumstances. Production 1 focuses on the producibility of products; in this, material characteristics like material type and crystal structures play a significant role. While taking into account these material characteristics, a variety of production processes like casting, moulding, forming, machining, joining, plastics & composites processes are explored. In the lectures the theory of the production processes is elaborated on; during the practicals the relation between the theoretical knowledge and practical situations in the workshop is established. Production I is the first course in the cycle on manufacturing engineering; as a consequence it is considered as foreknowledge for other courses in this cycle. Many other courses implicitly assume knowledge on production processes and techniques; this course provides the knowledge.

Learning aims

Technical product modelling 1

For production of components and assemblies good technical drawings are required. Just a perspective sketch is not allowed and not sufficient enough. The technical drawings are currently not drawn anymore by hand but 3D CAD systems are used to create 3D CAD models. These 3D models are the basis for the 2D technical drawings. The course aims at the technical presentation of a product for production. The course pays attention to all 2D aspects of a technical drawing, for instance projection methods, section views, dimensioning, tolerances, geometric tolerances, fit tolerances, roughness, welding symbols, etc. Another important part of the course is 3D CAD modelling. The course focusses on 3D modelling methods, like feature based design. The student learns the basic skills of feature based modelling and learns how to model 3D CAD models (parts and assemblies).

Learning aims

Project Ideation

In this project, you will work towards a concept design of which you will create a simple visual model. The project kick start familiarized you with the various phases of the design process. This project will once again go into the various design phases. This project will end at the concept phase. In the next project, you will work in groups to develop a concept into a working prototype.

Learning aims

Module coordinators

Bjorn de Koeijer (IDE) Module coordinator b.l.a.dekoeijer@utwente.nl
Salome Sanchez (IDE) Module coordinator s.sanchez@utwente.nl
Jamal S. M. Zanjani (ME) Module coordinator j.seyyedmonfaredzanjani@utwente.nl
Niek van der Veen (IEM) Programme coordinator n.vanderveen@utwente.nl