MDES, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Design

There is a growing expectation for customizing products to meet the end user aesthetic preferences, functional needs, or emotional attachment. However, it is challenging to customize a product without design knowledge or skills and accommodate the design and manufacturing process at affordable cost. The current model for mass customization provides limited room for personalizing colors, patterns, or materials, while the one for pure customization requires the involvement of professional designers to translate end users' personal needs. I propose a combined model for customization that offers step-by-step guidance for customizing a product based on parametric design process. This thesis presents the process of structuring the parametric design of eyeglass frames as a case study to demonstrate the proposed model and collect initial feedback from various stakeholders. A User Experience (UX) Design approach was applied to frame the user workflow, screen mockups, and digital interfaces for a web-based service that guides through the parametric design process with an eyeglass frame as an example. By simulating the online experience with a digital clickthrough prototype, I engaged multiple stakeholders, including product designers, service designer, marketing expert, and end users to demonstrate the model and collect initial feedback. Based on their feedback, I revised the initial screen mockups and discussed future opportunities to incorporate emerging technologies (e.g., 3D printing, AI facial scanning, online community for creative practice) into this process of guided customization, followed by their implications in design, business, and user experience.

Committee: Heekyoung Jung Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Brigid O'Kane MFA (Committee Member); Alejandro Lozano Robledo M.Des. (Committee Member) Subjects: Design

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2007, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects:

Doctor of Organization Development & Change (D.O.D.C.), Bowling Green State University, 2022, Organization Development

This dissertation evaluates the current phenomenon of public distrust in local government. More specifically, the research focuses on significant determinants of public trust in local government: public service quality and the way these are delivered to local residents. Drawing upon Coulter and Coulter's (2002) pioneering research, this study focuses on the relationship between customer trust antecedents and service providers and extends their research to local government. Evidence suggests that components of service quality (i.e., promptness, reliability, customization, and competence) and the manner of service delivery (i.e., civility and compassion) have direct bearing on customer trust in service providers. Scholars offer further indication that these factors are subject to a moderating effect when length of relationship (residency) between customer (resident) and service provider (local government) is considered. Provided that service delivery is at the core of local government's mission, this research seeks to measure the impact of local government services on constituent trust with additional inquiry into the moderating effect of length of constituent residency. Testing of hypotheses included split results with the correlation hypotheses (H1 – H6) being supported and the moderating hypotheses (H7(a-f)) failing to be supported. Findings and implications of this research demonstrate how local government service and way of delivery can be managed such that public trust is engendered.

Committee: Michael Zickar Ph.D (Committee Chair); Deborah O'Neil Ph.D (Committee Member); Donna Trautman Ph.D (Committee Member); Radhika Gajjala Ph.D (Other) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Public Administration

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2021, Communication

This study used semi-structured interviews to examine how players chose to customize their avatars in social video games. Thematic coding of 28 interviews revealed the common threads with which players create and maintain or update their avatars over time in many different game worlds. The effects of different toolsets that players use to construct these avatars is examined, along with the special role that players assign to the gender of their avatars. The behavioral effects of avatars are briefly explored, along with the way players regard the relationship between themselves and their avatars.

Committee: Teresa Lynch Dr. (Committee Member); Jesse Fox Dr. (Advisor) Subjects: Communication

BFA, Kent State University, 2018, College of the Arts / School of Fashion

The purpose of this research project is to design girls wear by focusing on the mind of the child and how they interact with the world around them. The collection proposes an idea of innovation in childrens wear centering on typical behaviors of children and how to enhance creativity and individuality using their imagination and curiosity. Through firsthand research and interviews with 10 girls aged 6-10, this collection was developed with the children who will be wearing the looks in mind. The children contributed to the development of the line through the process of guided customization, excited to be a part of creating something uniquely their own. The collection features elements that make the garments semi-customizable, allowing children to greater express themselves with the clothing that they wear. This will meet a market need at the boutique level of the industry where clothing is successfully made for children but does not yet encourage creativity as a part of the way that they dress.

Committee: Kim Hahn Dr. (Advisor); Catherine Leslie Dr. (Committee Member); Linda Ohrn-McDaniel (Committee Member); Denise Lee (Committee Member) Subjects: Design; Fine Arts

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2017, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

This thesis aims to address the architectural profession's response to globalization under the neoliberal post-Fordist networked societal framework as outlined and popularized by Patrik Schumacher. This thesis will explain how the information communications technologies (ICT) Industries have taken over architectural practice with building information modeling (BIM), and have produced a system of managerialism that replaces design with an emphasis on pure economic rationality through the use of tools aimed at flexibility, communication and data management. This thesis calls into question the ICT's agenda for the built environment, specifically that of the globalized city, and provide a critique on Parametricism (Architecture's Autopoiesis) by examining one of the theory's most notable flaws, namely the absence of public agency and the abolishment of the social in both design and design process. This thesis will examine how neoliberal ideals have created the conditions for the fear of acceleration that's associated with globalization, which have allowed Parametricism to take hold of the discipline and remove the public from the associated planning and design processes, as well as mold them as subjects to the market's evolutionary and self-organizing principles. To address this issue, this thesis proposes a method of design that utilizes mass customization and personalization alongside that of a BIM-based framework. The goal of a mass customized approach is to allow a top-down framework that enables bottom-up creative interpretation, improvisation, and execution. This design method is fundamentally participatory in nature while also utilizing advancements in software and technology related to advance manufacturing and data/network integration that are in line with neoliberal post-Fordist production processes, that is, they adhere to the pre-condition from which contemporary large scale built projects are to be built and managed. This thesis will look at recent (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Aarati Kanekar Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Christoph Klemmt A.A. Dipl. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2016, Communication

Abstract As consumers are becoming increasingly jaded toward traditional advertising methods, creators of persuasive messages are turning to new ways to make their appeals. Interactive technology allows the means to give users control over the persuasive message, message source, or product. When users are given control, a host of psychological benefits work in tandem to reduce resistance to being persuaded and ultimately increase favorable attitudes towards the advertised product. These studies assess the means by which customizing a persuasive source or message can change attitudes towards an advertised product. Using the theory of interactive media effects (TIME) and the entertainment overcoming resistance model (EORM) as theoretical foundations, an explanatory model, the customization reactance reduction model (CRRM), was created to assess the role of customization in reducing resistance to persuasive appeals. Three studies were conducted to establish the means by which allowing users to customize can improve their attitudes toward a product and to give support for the CRRM. Study 1 allowed users to create the avatar for a salesperson who would give them a persuasive pitch in a virtual environment. These users liked the product in the pitch better than those who could only watch an avatar customization video and had no direct control over the source's appearance. It was also established that the customization process increases intrinsic motivation, which ultimately increase favorable attitudes toward the product. Study 2 expanded on Study 1 by requiring participants to use a pre-selected avatar (zero choices), choose from one of four possible avatars (single choice) or create a new avatar (multiple choices) designed to represent the source of a persuasive message. This test was conducted in a two-dimensional, text-based environment. Study 2 found that although there were no direct effects between customization condition and product as shown in Study 1, incr (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Jesse Fox Ph.D. (Advisor); Brad Bushman Ph.D. (Committee Member); Emily Moyer-Guse Ph.D. (Committee Member); Nancy Rhodes Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2016, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

The world around us is changing. Cars are running on every street, cellphones signals are sending back and forth to satellites every second, medicine is saving people from death on every part of the world. The way we are working, moving, talking is changed. As human beings, it is our nature to change the world, to discover new life. From the first industrialization, we have been through a second industrialization, standardization, mechanization, mass production, and automation. Now, we are stepping into mass customization. Compared to cellphones, vehicles, and visualization, architecture is behind the times. The industrialization 5.0 allows customer customization in every production but why can architecture not do the same? Among material, space, and circulation, we as architects are driving everything through our awareness of the world. We say “cozy homes” but it is only our believing. Do users really like it? How can we allow users to change and modify their home? Old construction progress wastes tons of materials, and the construct stage is being designed roughly, which is abusing time and man power. To determine a solution to combat these problems, I want to design an easily-assembled, moveable pre-fabricated, customized Unit-House. In term to finish the design, I need consider three major parts. 1) How to allow customers to design their space. 2) How to move the pre-fab house. 3) How to arrange public spaces in complex arrangements. I hope this project can become a prototype, which has a major influence on people's lives.

Committee: William Williams M.Arch. (Committee Chair); Ming Tang M.Arch. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

Master of Fine Arts, The Ohio State University, 2015, Industrial, Interior Visual Communication Design

The advancement of additive manufacturing technology, such as 3D printers, has introduced many novel opportunities into the world of design and fabrication. The goal of this research is to explore the applications of this technology in the domain of product customization. This thesis consists of two parts: First, it investigates the opportunities provided by the technology regarding the personal fabrication purposes and identifies three main categories of needs through conducting three preliminary case studies. The result of this part is used to identify and explore two key elements of customization: physical need and emotional preference. Then, these two elements are analyzed in mass manufacturing systems. The second part of this thesis investigates how digital fabrication technology can be integrated into the customization process to improve the user experience. To do this, a methodology is proposed in order to increase the role of user and his/her physical and emotional needs in the process of customization. In addition, a case study is conducted to actualize the various aspects of the methodology and to visualize it step by step. In this case study, a customized protective helmet is designed for a child suffering from epilepsy through directly collaborating with her and her mother. The focus of the proposed methodology is on making products that can appropriately address the users' physical needs and at the same time properly respond to their emotional preferences and feelings. The methodology also emphasizes the role of designers in creating opportunities for users to benefit from the advancement of the digital fabrication technology regarding customization.

Committee: Roozbeh Valamanesh Prof. (Advisor); Elizabeth Sanders Dr. (Committee Member); Staley David Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Design; Technology

MDES, University of Cincinnati, 2012, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Design

In mass production, customization has been employed by device providers to allow customers to design products that they desire. By accommodating customer's needs and wants, brands are supported and emotional bonds between customers and products are enhanced. Products that customer's perceive as unique to their personal needs, create strong bonds with customers and instill brand loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to examine a strategy to help reduce this problem by extending the life of cellular phones in particular through the strategy of customization. This paper proposes specific principles for customization of cellular devices and then attempts to test those through a survey to determine viability of those principles.

Committee: Dale Murray MA (Committee Chair); Gerald Michaud MA (Committee Member) Subjects: Design

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2005, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Architecture (Master of)

Residential design outside the realm of the architect lacks specific customization. Developer models are meant to meet the needs of the majority. Suburban development emphasizes the typical family, so the needs of other life stages, such as young professionals or empty nesters, are left out. Architectural design, through specific customization, is capable of providing for the needs and desires of these groups, but issues such as a long development period and a lack of marketability limit the application of the architectural model. Since there is no visible element until well into the design process, the architectural model lacks a tangible object that can attract the consumer and generate the emotional connection that provides value beyond our most basic needs. By utilizing lifestyle market data, it is possible to develop a model that combines the benefits of speculative construction with a greater degree of customization for a particular consumer category. Elements that relate to specific needs of the consumer increases the perceived value to that consumer, and a shorter customization phase prior to occupancy maximizes the fulfillment of specific needs while reducing the development time. The result is a new architectural model that can supplement the current models and encourage a greater percentage of the residential market to utilize architectural design methods.

Committee: Michael McInturf (Advisor) Subjects: Architecture

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2011, Manufacturing and Technology Management

Several operations management researchers have considered the role of knowledge integration (KI) activities in coping with uncertain environments and improving organizational performance. The previous research focused on investigating and defining KI conceptually and ignored the need to investigate and define KI operationally. Therefore, there are doubts about how to develop effective KI capability and implement it at the organizational level. This study provides detailed explanations and guidelines for researchers and practitioners about KI, its antecedents and consequences. This research meets the needs of manufacturing management practitioners and researchers by providing an operational definition of how to integrate internal and external knowledge to manage environmental uncertainty and enhance a firm's overall performance. This research is built on an integrated perspective of operations management and knowledge management using a number of theories that include Knowledge Based View (KBV), Dynamic Capability (DC), and Contingency Theory (CT). This integrated perspective helps clarify how the implementation of internal integration and external integration practices can lead to effective development of knowledge integration capability. This study offers an in-depth understanding of knowledge integration (KI) capability and its related activities. Hypotheses of this research are developed on the relationships among the antecedents of KI (internal integration and external integration), knowledge integration capability, and the consequences of KI capability (mass customization, operational performance and the firm‘s performance). The study provides five significant contributions to manufacturing management research. First, it explores the antecedents (or the facilitators) that an organization should implement before developing a successful KI capability. Second, it provides an operational definition of KI that was not available in the manufacturing literature. (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Mark Vonderembse PhD (Committee Co-Chair); T.S Ragu-Nathan PhD (Committee Co-Chair); Stephen Callaway PhD (Committee Member); Iryna Pentina PhD (Committee Member); Mohammad Elahinia PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Business Administration; Management

Doctor of Manufacturing Management, University of Toledo, 2009, Manufacturing Management

This dissertation presents a critical analysis and rigorous scientific investigation of Mass Customization Manufacturing (MCM) and High Performance Work Systems (HPWS). A resource-based theoretical framework is developed that logically and conceptually guides an in-depth empirical examination of their theoretical strategic integration. The content within this manuscript conceptually argues that distinct MCM approaches must be aligned with and functionally supported by explicit HPWS configurations that consist of different, but complementary sets of internally aligned Human Resource Management (HRM) practices. Notions of internally consistent sets of HRM practices in a conceptual model provide a basis for theoretically identifying different structures of HPWS configurations. The conceptual model suggests that different, holistic sets of internally consistent configurations of HRM practices support distinct types of MCM systems. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis will attempt to indicate that operational performance measures should significantly increase when a firm designs and implements a comprehensive HPWS structure to support an explicit MCM approach.

Committee: Dr. Dale Dwyer (Committee Chair); Dr. Robert Yonker (Committee Member); Dr. Udayan Nandkeolyar (Committee Member); Dr. Nancy Waldeck (Committee Member) Subjects: Management

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2008, Communication

Internet customization technologies shift gatekeeping power from the mainstream media directly to media consumers. Public opinion scholars have debated whether customization technology will increase or decrease the scope of individual information exposure. This study is designed to empirically investigate the impact of customization technology on information exposure. This study also builds on previous digital divide scholarship concerning user-level variation in technology use. Survey instruments examine differences in news category exposure diversity between users of customized and non-customized web portals. Data from a national sample of 399 Hispanic Internet users, over 40 years old, a traditionally digitally underserved population, were gathered through an online survey. Regression analysis indicates sex (male) is the only significant hypothesized demographic predictor of portal customization. As hypothesized, regression analysis indicates a significant positive relationship between Internet connectedness (Jung, 2003) and use of customized web portals. This indicates a new digital inequality may be emerging between users and non-users of customized technologies. A separate regression analysis indicates customized web portal users report a significantly higher level of individual news category exposure diversity. This result suggests a positive relationship between customization technology and the public sphere. Additional implications of these findings and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Committee: Gerald Kosicki (Advisor); Anthony Roberto (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1997, Business Administration

Mass customization has quickly entered the lexicon of popular business. Many companies are striving to provide customized products and services to their customers at low costs. However, the concept of mass customization represents an apparent paradox for manufacturing by combining customization and mass production, offering unique products in a mass produced, low cost, high volume production environment. Historically, production lines were designed to manufacture either customized, crafted products or mass produced, standardized products. Customized products are made using low volume processes that cope well with a high variety of products. Similarly, a mass production process is chosen for making standardized products in a high volume, low cost environment. In contrast to this traditional dichotomy, mass customization provides a one-of-a-kind product manufactured on a large scale allowing customers to purchase a customized product near the cost of a mass produced item. The manufacturing systems required to support mass customization has not been adequately discussed in extent research. This study explores the multi-faceted nature of mass customization by developing a typology of mass customization approaches and the operational parameters required to support each approach. Notions of customer involvement and modularity coupled with modularity types in a conceptual model to provide a basis for identifying mass customizers. The conceptual model suggests a set of configurations of process and infrastructure which work in concert to support the various types of mass customization. This conceptual model is tested through empirical investigation of 194 companies producing both consumer and industrial products. In addition to developing new scales to capture the concept of mass customization, the survey instrument includes scales relating to the environment, performance, business and operations strategy as well as choices made with respect to process, organization and inf (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Peter Ward (Advisor) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2003, Labor and Human Resources

Although the growth of Web-based recruitment in recent years is phenomenal, little recruitment research has occurred in the context of the Web. This dissertation examines theoretical and practical issues relating to how the Webs interactive capability might be leveraged to enhance recruitment outcomes for job seekers and organizations. Specifically, customization of feedback regarding potential fit with organizations and jobs in terms of values, needs, and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) was examined, as was the opportunity for job seekers to customize the order in which information was presented in position postings. Theories of person-environment fit, similarity-attraction, attraction-selection-attrition, message elaboration, non-compensatory decision making, and information search costs are applicable to this investigation and were used to derive hypotheses at multiple levels of analysis. These hypotheses focused on how customization of information might affect the relationship between job seekers actual and perceived fit, as well as how customization might impact job seeker search costs and satisfaction, and applicant pool size and fit. A 2 (customization of fit feedback) x 2 (customization of the order of information presentation) x 20 (number of position postings; within-subjects) experimental design was used to test the hypotheses. Three hundred and forty eight individuals participated in the study. In Phase 1, participants provided background data regarding values and needs preferences, KSA levels, and information ordering preferences. During Phase 2, these participants visited a mock Web-based “job board” containing 20 position postings. For each of the postings, they were asked to indicate their perceived fit and were given the opportunity to apply for the position. Results showed that customized fit feedback acted to strengthen links between actual and perceived fit constructs, whereas customized information ordering did not exhibit significant hy (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Raymond Noe (Advisor) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2005, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Engineering)

The objective of this research is to develop a method to design a manufacturing system for mass customization. Mass customization is the production of individually customized products and services at near mass production efficiency. Most literature on the subject focuses on developing products that can be manufactured through mass customization. A new approach to design a cell-based system for mass customization manufacturing is presented in this research. The options offered for customized products' features and their process plans are used to design the proposed multi-stage minicell configuration. A new type of cells called minicells—small manufacturing cells dedicated to process a part of the operations required for an option family—are the building blocks in the new system. The processing operations for the options are divided into multiple stages and option families and minicells are formed within them to create the multi-stage configuration. A multi-chromosome genetic algorithm is developed to design a minicell configuration for a given expected product variant demand. An approach is presented to find a flexible minicell configuration that can handle variations in product mix and volume for a particular problem, using the genetic algorithm and simulation. Alternate minicell designs and the performance of the system with such designs are evaluated to assist in choosing the most appropriate minicell configuration. In addition, this research presents two approaches to laying out the minicells within the stages after the cells have been designed, in order to minimize the total distance traveled. The minicell configuration is an attempt to combine the benefits of cellular manufacturing and job shops to meet the requirements of mass customization. The proposed design is more flexible than traditional cellular manufacturing systems particularly in dynamic demand—volume and mix—environments seen in mass customization. Forming options families and minicells helps benef (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Dale Masel (Advisor) Subjects: Engineering, Industrial

MDES, University of Cincinnati, 2012, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Design

Personal electronic media devices have evolved from being purposed-based articles into objects of projection; they are now existential embodiments of self. Today, for Generation Y, significance is not found solely in an object's design but rather in the malleability the platform affords. The purpose of design has shifted from aesthetics and performance to self-structured e-media platforms. This is driven primarily by each individual's need for personal possessions to reflect one's self. Aesthetics and performance are a given in today's narcissistic lifestyle. The proliferation of personalized electronic devices among Generation Y has pushed e-media to where product value has been supplanted by personal need and the desire to 'make it mine.' This thesis examines the changes in need and desire for personal possessions. By analyzing Generation Y's communicative evolution and emotional relationships towards malleable e-platforms we begin to understand Gen Y's desire for unrestricted information. These platforms have become a kind of Harry Potter-esque 'Horcrux' -- fragmented pieces of ourselves left in personal electronic media we use today. This is our new reality, our new 'self.'

Committee: Henry Hildebrandt MArch (Committee Chair); Steven Doehler (Committee Member) Subjects: Design