Eindhoven designs / volume two 17
18 Examples of themes In the theme of Wearable Senses we apply the mission statement of the department with our special focus on those interactive products, systems and services that are close to, near or on the body. Our challenges are multiple: how to combine hard electronics with soft materials, traditional craftsmanship with innovative technology and smart textiles, functionality with fashion, value propositions with gadgets, Do-It-Yourself with manufacturing, and sewing with soldering? How do these products fit the body, measure bodily parameters and behaviour, and how give these products meaningful feedback? Wearable Senses has a strong network of partners, excellent facilities, high-end materials and the main application areas are expressive clothing and accessories, sports garments, interior textiles and interesting deviations. Health is a significant factor for the quality of life for us human beings. The theme Health Care focuses on both physical and psychological health – our well-being. Health care at ID embraces designing intelligent systems, interactive products and services to stimulate and promote health and patient comfort for both at home and in the hospital environment. Renowned clients include Máxima Medical Centre (MMC), Wilhelmina Kinder Ziekenhuis (WKZ) and Philips. Skills and developments trained through projects in the theme Health Care consist of smart textiles, physiological signal measurements, wearable electronics, monitoring, measuring movements, simulation, actuators, sensors, medical training process, user, form giving, clinical validation, etc. In summary, we aim at a unique integration of knowledge from science, design and engineering, contributing to the multi-user and multi-disciplinary nature of health care. The theme Discovering & Learning explores how Situated Learning can be applied in professional support like design tools for conceptual phase, exploring data such as music or books in libraries, assisting the elderly with new technologies, and stimulating knowledge sharing in multicultural neighbourhoods. Situated Learning is a function of the activity, context and culture in which it occurs. In this model of learning, learners become involved in a community of practice with certain beliefs and behaviours to be acquired. Learners construct their own knowledge by applying prior knowledge and experience to a new situation and integrating the new knowledge gained. The design opportunity for the development of intelligent products, systems and services resides in the transition of the supporting