Publication
Title
Design for assembly meaning: a framework for designers to design products that support operator cognition during the assembly process
Author
Abstract
Designing assembly instructions is mostly considered to be a non-designer task. Hence, in many companies, it is performed by production planners or instructional designers. However, analysing product components and looking for clues on how these components can be fitted together into a subassembly or final product is a fundamental part of assembly. Product designers play an important role in the way these components are perceived by the operator. This paper discusses the need and importance of a new approach to product design focused on how the assembly design can promote meaning to the operator, supporting operator cognition. The aim of this approach was to guide assembly operators more intuitively through their increasingly complex tasks. Doing so will allow them to avoid some of the major drawbacks that are present when using procedural instructions. Hence, this approach has the potential to decrease cognitive load and frustration, and increase mental wellbeing, work motivation and efficiency. As a first step towards this new approach, a conceptual framework is constructed, and insights are formulated after reviewing various design theories and concepts of design for meaning on their potential in a context of manual assembly.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Cognition, technology and work. - London
Publication
London : 2020
ISSN
1435-5558 [print]
1435-5566 [online]
DOI
10.1007/S10111-019-00588-X
Volume/pages
22 :3 (2020) , p. 615-632
ISI
000554718300011
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Publication type
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 13.11.2023
Last edited 15.11.2023
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