Mass Customisation

The Multispace adaptable building concept and its extension into mass customisation

by Chris Goodier

Engineering Fashion: DMLS TiAl6V4 for high heeled shoes

by Philip Delamore

This paper describes the uptake of 3D Rapid Prototyping technology into the fashion industries and presents a case... more This paper describes the uptake of 3D Rapid Prototyping technology into the fashion industries and presents a case study in fashion footwear, where a shoe concept has been developed from an masters project into an early stage business model using components which have been laser sintered in Titanium and Polyamide. Increasing uptake of digital manufacturing into industry, combined with improved build speed, finish and size has allowed for greater flexibility in production of low volume, customised and bespoke products. The paper also describes the innovation potential for these technologies to cross domains, and suggests that their creative exploration by designers may be the key to developing new market opportunities.

A Logistics Reference Model for Mass Customization

by francesco costantino

Published in "Pathways to Supply Chain Excellence",  ISBN: 978-953-51-0367-7

The book chapter introduces a reference model for the analysis, configuration and implementation of logistics networks... more The book chapter introduces a reference model for the analysis, configuration and implementation of logistics networks with a dedicated focus on Mass Customization.
Logistics management is often considered as a support process but it can significantly contribute to reach core-business targets of companies because of its relevant impact on costs and performances. As Mass Customization asks organizations to radically change their production processes, logistics should be able to handle small quantities, personalized products and variable demand rates, keeping at the same time desired service levels.
An accurate configuration of distribution and information networks is so one of the most aggressive competitive leverages, as confirmed by many market-leader companies that continue to invest in this area to increase profits by strong improves of efficiency. The markets where modern companies are operating have specific characteristics that don’t allow a static attitude. Globalization creates important opportunities of improvement that need an harmonic growth of the whole organization, where a new generation of IT systems (for example RFID) plays a main role in managing different flows of goods.
The simple rationalization of production systems is no more sufficient, while an attention to new perspectives and opportunities in non-core processes can affirm the position of a company towards its competitors. In this scenario, logistics is a strong driver of competitiveness, enabling the sustainability of customization. While many studies already focused on inbound logistics (handling of goods during their production stages) as a key factor to address customization processes, outbound logistics still need to be deeply analysed as a strategic issue to maintain and control the level of customization.
A logistics framework for Mass Customization needs a clear definition of the objectives and an accurate analysis of the factors that can influence the performances of distribution networks, to support decisional processes and guide managers throughout the choices of the correct elements to reengineer, both in the case of an existing or in the design of a new network.

Perceived value of the mass-customized product and mass customization experience for individual consumers

by Aurelie Merle

Co-authored with JL. Chandon, E. Roux et F. Alizon

The operations management literature on mass customization mainly focuses on the questions of whether and how... more The operations management literature on mass customization mainly focuses on the questions of whether and how manufacturers can efficiently deliver customization. Researchers have analyzed the trade-offs between customization and dimensions of operational performance such as delivery times, quality, and costs. However, we argue that providing efficient customization is not sufficient per se to assess the value of mass customization. From this perspective, this paper focuses on complementary mechanisms for creating value: the benefits perceived by individual consumers. Two global components of perceived value within the context of mass customization are identified: mass-customized product, with three dimensions, and mass customization experience, with two dimensions. The Consumer Perceived Value Tool (CPVT) is proposed to empirically measure the five perceived benefits related to the mass-customized product and to the co-design process from the consumer viewpoint. The psychometric properties of the CPVT are assessed using three samples. The implications of this approach are discussed, along with directions for further research

Compendre la valeur perçue de la customisation de masse. Une distinction entre la valeur du produit et la valeur de l'expérience de co-design

by Aurelie Merle

Merle A., Chandon J.-L. et Roux E, 2008. Comprendre la valeur perçue de la customisation de masse. Un modèle dissociant la valeur du produit customisé et de l’expérience de co-design, Recherche et Applications en Marketing, 23, 3: 27-50.

Les travaux sur la customisation de masse (CM) considèrent qu’elle crée forcément de la valeur pour le consommateur.... more Les travaux sur la customisation de masse (CM) considèrent qu’elle crée forcément de la valeur pour le consommateur. Les échecs de telles stratégies semblent prouver le contraire. C’est pourquoi l’objectif de cet article est de proposer une réflexion sur la valeur perçue de cette offre. Nous répondons à deux questions de recherche : (1) pourquoi et sur quelles dimensions le consommateur valorise-t-il la CM ? (2) comment et dans quelle mesure ces sources de valorisation influencent-elles la valeur globale perçue d’une telle offre ? Deux composantes de la valeur de la CM sont identifiées : (1) la valeur du produit customisé, reflétée dans trois dimensions : la valeur utilitaire, la valeur de différenciation interpersonnelle et la valeur d’expression de sa personnalité, et (2) la valeur de l’expérience de CM, reflétée dans deux dimensions : la valeur hédonique et la valeur de réalisation créative. Les résultats soulignent que la valeur de l’expérience de co-design influence significativement la valeur globale perçue de la CM, par la médiation de la valeur du produit customisé.

La valeur perçue de la customisation de masse: proposition et test d'un modèle conceptuel intégrateur

by Aurelie Merle

Merle A., Chandon J.-L. et Roux E, 2007. La valeur perçue de la customisation de masse : conceptualisation et mesure, 23e Congrès International de l’Association Française du Marketing, Université de Savoie, Aix-les-Bains,
France

La valeur perçue de la customisation de masse: conceptualisation et mesure

by Aurelie Merle

Merle A., Chandon J.-L. et Roux E, 2007. La valeur perçue de la customisation de masse : conceptualisation et mesure, 23e Congrès International de l’Association Française du Marketing, Université de Savoie, Aix-les-Bains,
France

Cracking the code of Mass Customization

by Pablo MARTIN de HOLAN

3D Printed Textiles & Personalised Clothing

by Philip Delamore

This paper addresses the role of new fabrication techniques, reconsideration of textiles’ relationship to the body,... more This paper addresses the role of new fabrication techniques, reconsideration of textiles’ relationship to the body, and the role of the designer. It outlines the role of multidisciplinary research which explores the possibilities of generating truly 3-dimensional seamless garments constructed in one piece, using existing Rapid Manufacturing processes such as Laser Sintering to create 3D polymer fabric structures suitable for clothing.
This approach to creating clothing requires a new design and manufacturing paradigm.

Applying the Configuration Paradigm to Mass-customize Contract Based Services

by Mikko Heiskala

Tiihonen, Juha; Heiskala, Mikko; Paloheimo, Kaija-Stiina; Anderson, Andreas. Applying the Configuration Paradigm to Mass-customize Contract Based Services. In Mitchell,William J.;Piller, Frank T.; Tseng, Mitchell;Chin, Ryan; McClanahan, Betty Lou (eds.): Extreme Customization: Proceedings of the MCPC 2007 World Conference on Mass Customization & Personalization. Paper ID MCPC-134-2007, section 7.5.3 on the proceedings CD. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA, USA, October 7-9, 2007.

Personalising Emotional Skin Designs

by Willem-Paul Brinkman

Brinkman, W.-P., and Fine, N., "Personalising emotional skin designs", Emotion in HCI: Joint Proceedings of the 2005, 2006, and 2007 International Workshops, ISBN 978-3-8167-7540-9, pp. 31-33, Fraunhofer IRB Verlag Stuttgart., 2008.

Recently a number of people (e.g. McCarthy and Wright, 2004; Norman, 2004) have argued that the traditional focus on... more Recently a number of people (e.g. McCarthy and Wright, 2004; Norman, 2004) have argued that the traditional focus on performance in product design might be too narrow, and things such as aesthetics, fun and the user self-image should be considered. These seems all highly personal factors, with a large variation between users. Therefore, the traditional approach of designing for a single average user might be less effective here. Instead, user interfaces should be more fitted to the needs and desires of the individual user. However, most research on customisation focuses on function customisation, and less on form customisation. For example, personalised search engines and customised online purchase offers are both function customisations emphasising the importance of performance and usefulness of a product. When it comes to form customisation, which stresses aesthetic and the emotional need of the user, designers seem mostly guided by what is technically possible or by their intuition, and not always by what is desired by the users. Therefore, a better understanding of form customisation seems welcome.

Informing Intelligent Environments: Creating Profiled User Interfaces

by Willem-Paul Brinkman

Fine, N., & Brinkman, W.-P. , "Informing Intelligent Environments: Creating Profiled User Interfaces", Adjunct Proceedings of EUSAI, pp. 15-17, 2004.

Designing user interfaces for broad user populations often means average user interfaces that do not take individual... more Designing user interfaces for broad user populations often means average user interfaces that do not take individual differences into consideration. The PROSKIN project is researching whether subsets of users can be identified and grouped by distinguishing interactive behaviours so that a more personally optimised interaction can be designed. This paper discusses the design and development of a research environment to support this research.

Towards Customized Emotional Design: An Explorative Study of User Personality and User Interface Skin Preferences

by Willem-Paul Brinkman

Brinkman, W.-P., & Fine, N., "Towards Customized Emotional Design: An Explorative Study of User Personality and User Interface Skin Preferences", Proceedings of EACE 2005, pp. 107-114, 2005.

Two key elements in the area of cognitive ergonomics are user-system performance and the user similarity. However,... more Two key elements in the area of cognitive ergonomics are user-system performance and the user similarity. However, with the introduction of skinnable user interfaces, a technology that gives the user interface a chameleon-like ability, elements such as aesthetic, fun, and especially user individuality and identity become more important. This paper presents two explorative studies on user personality in relation to skin preferences. In the studies participants were asked to rate their preference of a set of Windows Media Player skins and to complete the BIS/BAS and the IPIP-NEO personality inventories. The results of the first study suggest colour and similarity-attraction as two possible underlying factors for the correlations found between personality traits and skin preferences. The results of the second study partly confirm these findings, however not for similar personality traits and skin types correlations.

Avoiding Average: Recording Interaction Data to Design for Specific User Groups

by Willem-Paul Brinkman

Fine, N., & Brinkman, W.-P. , "Avoiding Average: Recording Interaction Data to Design for Specific User Groups", Computing - ICEC 2004, pp. 398-401, Springer, Berlin, 2004.

Designing domestic user interfaces for broad user populations means designing for the average user. To design for more... more Designing domestic user interfaces for broad user populations means designing for the average user. To design for more personally intuitive interfaces detailed interactive behaviours need to be captured and described in order to better inform the design process. By utilising technologies such as interface skins, log file analysis and user interface description languages, the PROSKIN project is developing an empirical tool for quantitative capture, description and analysis of interactive behaviour in a non-invasive and situated context. The purpose of the tool is to identify user groups by distinguishing behaviour or trait which will allow designers to develop more personally relevant user interfaces. The tool itself facilitates the analyses of large datasets of users and their interactive behaviours. This will allow designers to produce interface skins for user groups of similar interactive profile and subsequently providing a less average user experience.

Towards Customized User Interface Skins: Investigating User Personality and Skin Colour

by Willem-Paul Brinkman

Saati, B., Salem, M. & Brinkman, W.-P., "Towards customized user interface skins: investigating user personality and skin colour", Proceedings of HCI 2005, vol. 2, pp. 89-93, 2005.

Skinning technology allows applications to have multiple appearances, giving designers the ability to customize a user... more Skinning technology allows applications to have multiple appearances, giving designers the ability to customize a user interface for specific user groups. For effective customisation, designers need to (i) segment their user population, and (ii) understand the relationship between the segmentation and the dimensions in which an application can be skinned. This paper presents two exploratory pilot studies that focus on user personality as a way to segment a user group, and colour as a skinning dimension. Instead of the traditional questionnaire style personality inventories, the study looks at user interaction behaviour as a way to determine the user personality. In the first study, 16 participants were asked to use an application for 5 days and to complete the IPIP-NEO personality inventories. Analysis of the recorded interaction behaviour and the participants’ personality, revealed significant correlations between behavioural measures such as time between two consecutive user actions, or the number of user actions made, and personality traits such as extraversion, and conscientiousness. A second pilot study asked 20 participants also to complete the personality inventory and to indicate their preferences for 5 colour-skins of two applications. The results revealed significant correlations between personality traits and skin colour such as blue and extraversion, but also between black and imagination. These early findings suggest that designers could develop customized skins based on users’ behaviour.

A Tool for Comparing Configurable Products

by Mikko Heiskala

Heiskala, M., Anderson, A., Huhtinen, V., Tiihonen, J., and Martio, A. (2003). A Tool for Comparing Configurable Products. Presented at the IJCAI 2003 Workshop on Configuration, August 11, Acapulco, Mexico, 2003

A Conceptual Model for Configurable Services

by Mikko Heiskala

Heiskala, M., Tiihonen, J., Soininen, T. (2005). A Conceptual Model for Configurable Services, Presented at the IJCAI 2005 Workshop on Configuration, July 30, Edinburgh, Scotland.

A Conceptual Model for Modeling Configurable Services from a Customer Perspective

by Mikko Heiskala

Heiskala, M. (2005). A Conceptual Model for Modeling Configurable Services from a Customer Perspective, Master's Thesis, Helsinki University of Technology, Department of Electrical and Communications Engineerings, June 2005.

Mass Customization of Services: Benefits and Challenges of Configurable Services

by Mikko Heiskala

Heiskala, M. Paloheimo, K-S., Tiihonen, J. (2006). Mass Customization of Services: Benefits and Challenges of Configurable Services, Frontiers of e-Business Research (FeBR 2005). Conference proceedings of eBRF, 26.-28.9.2005, Tampere, Finland

Four-worlds Model for Configurable Services

by Mikko Heiskala

Heiskala, M. Tiihonen, J., Soininen, T., Anderson, A. (2006). Four-worlds Model for Configurable Services, Joint Conference of International Mass Customization Meeting (IMCM'06) and International Conference on Economic, Technical and Organisational Aspects of Product Configuration Systems (PETO'06), Hamburg, Germany, 22-23 June, 2006