LSC charged playground design
Master Industrial Design Engineering 2022
This project was done within the course Sources of Innovation. The goal of this project was to design with novel technology, to design for technology push rather than technology pull. To do this, we had to incorporate all types of design methods into our design process to try them out and to help us in this process.
The novel technology that we had to design with during this project was Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSC). An LSC is a polymeric or glass waveguide that has luminescent molecules embedded in it. When sunlight penetrates the surface of this waveguide, the absorbed light is re-emitted, and a fraction of this light is captured in the waveguide by total internal reflection. This results in the light being concentrated along the edges of the waveguide. Photovoltaic cells are attached to these edges, which collect the light and convert it into electricity. LSCs are not as efficient as solar cells and thus cannot replace them, however, they can be implemented into the build environment, this environment lends itself as it is often considered to be difficult for effective and aesthetic use of regular solar panels.
In the analysis phase of this project, two design methods were used; the Delft Innovation Method and the Multilevel Design Model. The Delft Innovation Method makes use of an internal and external analysis in the strategy formulation stage. For this project, the analysis consisted of a market analysis, a stakeholder analysis, and a SWOT analysis. The Multilevel Design Model looks into the current use and application of a technology. However, as this is a new technology, this method was adapted a bit to suit that.
From these analyses, a search area was created and explored. It was then decided to create a playground that has LSC panels incorporated. For the playground design, we saw the following opportunities.
Variations - LSC panels can come in many vibrant colors. As areas designed for children are often designed to be colorful, LSC panels could be perfect to be used here. Moreover, the strength of the panels will come in useful, as children can play on or near them.
Education on normalization of LSC panels - This results in a new opportunity, which is to use the energy to add an educational aspect for children. Learning elements could be integrated into the playground, to teach children about solar energy. This could be done in a playful and lowkey way. Moreover, by introducing children to a fun way of generating energy they could grow up to be less resistant to sustainable energy, hereby normalizing the usage of, for example, LSC panels. Besides that, residents and parents can, in this way, be educated that solar energy does not have to impede their neighborhood. Such education can be done using lights and figures, that are powered by the LSC panels.
Reliability - However, the reliability of the LSC panels should be taken into consideration. The LSC panels might not always generate enough energy, and therefore cause failure of the technology that needs that energy to function. Therefore, if the generated energy powers an element of the design, it should be in such a way that said element can still function accordingly without the energy supply. This way, the experience of the user will be decreased, but not destroyed.
Social aspects - Not only is a playground a means to get together for children, but parents can also find social interaction in these areas. By keeping these stakeholders in mind in the design process, they will automatically feel more involved and connected with the design. This does not only help with bringing attention to LSC panel usage but might also fulfill deeper needs, such as the parent-child relationship.
Search area exploration
A graphic exploration of the chosen playground design direction
To create the design of the playground the Innovative Design and Styling method was used. Three concepts of playground design directions were drawn up and with the MAYA principle, a playground design that incorporates biomimicry was chosen. With this design the social aspect of keeping the parents need in mind was reflected in a seating area. Additionally, the importance of educating the children on the LSC panels and generating green energy is reflected in the design as well, by adding a playful element that teaches the children about this topic subconsciously. The LSC panels are dominant in this design and therefore stand out and catch the attention, not only of primary and secondary users but also of people passing by the playground. By using a tree as a basis, the technology reflects its natural source for generating energy. Additionally, the leaves of the tree allow for maximal implementation of the LSC panels while still being aesthetically pleasing, therefore suiting the MAYA principle in the best way possible.
Regular playground design
Less conventional playground design
While developing this concept, there were some problems that emerged. To solve these TRIZ was used. The founder of TRIZ discovered that most creative solutions use already existing solutions, so innovative solutions can be generated in a systematic way by reusing existing experience and knowledge.
Playground design with biomimicry
The final design is a playground design that mimics the shape of a tree, where the leaves are the roof panels made of colourful LSC panels. The final design will visualize the amount of generated energy during the day, by lighting up the sides of the trunk of the tree. As can be seen, at the start of the day, the lights will start at the bottom of the trunk. Once the LSC panels generate more energy, the light will spread upwards toward the leaves.
Visualization of different light stages of the playground
The parents of the children can sit comfortably near the playing space, hereby promoting and fostering social interaction between the parent and child. Also, near the seating area, an information sign is placed where the parents can read about the LSC panels, their capabilities of generating energy, and the integration of these panels within the playground.
A game is incorporated that visualizes the activity of the tree. The knobs represent the energy generated by the LSC panels. The child that interacts with the game can move the knobs from the leaves to the trunk of the tree until it fills up. This is a direct visual representation of how the amount of light in the actual playground increases. This indirectly educates the children on the topic of generating energy using LSC panels.
As the proposed design integrates an innovative technology, the design should be suitable for multiple different needs. Therefore, the playground will consist of a main base to which different components can be added. This means that a municipality that would like to implement this playground into the urban environment of their town or city, can choose different add-ons. Examples, as visualized, are a slide, a regular staircase, or slanted stairs. The only components that are not optional are the seating area for parents and the game for the children. These elements help educate the users of the playground about the LSC panels and are therefore a necessity for the functioning of the final design.
The final design was then evaluated by utilizing the Risk Diagnosing Methodology and Roger’s Diffusion Model. By using the Risk Diagnosing Method we can identify any risks that come along with implementing the (current concept) playground into a real-life situation. Roger’s Diffusion Model tries to explain how an idea or product gains momentum and diffuses through society over time. For a new technology to be integrated into everyday life, it first needs to be adopted by people, who turn into users. The product designed in this project is meant to aid in the adoption of LSC panels. Therefore, Roger’s Diffusion Model was used to evaluate how the designed product does this.
This project was done in cooperation with Esmée Bakker and Floor Stefess.