http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/22556 2026-10-19T00:15:05Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/23150 Title: LUXURY VENUE CLASSIFICATION AND DISCOVERY FOR EVENT PLANNERS Authors: GUPTA, RAASHI; Das, Partha Prathim (SUPERVISOR) Abstract: The Cvent Supplier Network (CSN) is a widely used business-to-business venue sourcing platform that connects event planners with hotels and venues across hundreds of countries. Within this marketplace, luxury venues form a high-value segment and consistently generate a disproportionate share of request-for-proposal (RFP) activity relative to their share of total listings. Despite this, CSN offers no systematic method for identifying, classifying or surfacing these venues in a way that reflects how planners evaluate luxury or how luxury hotels seek to position themselves. This thesis documents a six-month industry research project conducted within the Product Design team at Cvent, focused on understanding the gap between how planners experience luxury venue discovery on CSN and what the experience could offer them. The research was carried out in two phases. The first phase, Discovery, combined a platform audit of CSN's existing flows, qualitative interviews with six event planners and ten hoteliers, a competitive analysis of five alternative venue sourcing platforms and a quantitative analysis of platform data drawn from CSN's internal Client Loyalty Survey (CLS) records and RFP transaction logs. The second phase, Solution Exploration, synthesised research findings into a refined problem statement, a user persona and a customer journey map, and then proposed a set of design solutions that were subsequently presented to and validated by the product management and design leadership team at Cvent. The key finding of the research is that a significant number of venues that genuinely qualify as luxury by objective criteria are not tagged as luxury on the platform, yet these venues receive approximately six times more RFPs than venues that are tagged as luxury but do not meet the same criteria. This mismatch between the platform's classification system and actual planner behaviour points to a structural problem in how luxury is defined and surfaced on CSN. The proposed solution introduces a luxury classification framework based on a tiered scoring model that draws on external industry accreditations, platform behavioural data and venue profile attributes. Building on this framework, the solution centres on a luxury toggle within the search experience, allowing planners to shift directly into a pre-filtered view of verified luxury and ultra-luxury venues. Supporting changes to the venue profile page and the hotelier listing template are also proposed. Evaluative research in the form of usability testing on the prototyped solution is planned as the next phase of this project. Findings from that research will be incorporated into this document once complete. A dedicated section has been reserved for this purpose in Chapter 5. 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/23032 Title: FROM CHAOS TO FOCUS: DESIGNING AN EXPERIENTIAL SYSTEM FOR ATTENTION MANAGEMENT Authors: BHATT, NALIN; Kashyap, Deepika (SUPERVISOR) Abstract: The increasing presence of smartphones and digital platforms has transformed the way people study and work, while also creating new challenges related to distraction, fragmented attention, and reduced focus.While focusing has always been a challenge for mankind, digital distraction has added to the difficultly Existing solutions such as productivity applications, timers, and website blockers often rely heavily on self control and remain confined to the digital environment, limiting their effectiveness for many users. This project explores the possibility of supporting focused work through a combination of physical and digital interventions that influence user behaviour rather than merely tracking it. The outcome of the project is Spine, a focus-support system designed to encourage sustained attention during study and work sessions. The system combines a chair mounted ergonomic support device with a companion mobile app. By introducing environmental cues, social accountability, session timers, and a deliberate separation between the user and their smartphone, the system aims to create a structured transition from distraction to focused engagement. The design draws upon principles of behavioral design, habit formation, ergonomics, and digital well being to develop a more immersive and intentional focus experience. The project was developed through secondary research, user surveys, concept exploration, prototyping, and iterative design evaluation. Findings indicated that distraction is influenced not only by digital notifications but also by environmental conditions, routines, and the absence of meaningful focus rituals. Rather than positioning focus as an issue of willpower alone, the project investigates how design can shape behaviors and environments that support concentration. The thesis demonstrates how an integrated product-service system can address contemporary challenges of attention management by combining physical interaction, behavioral triggers, and digital support into a cohesive user experience. The resulting concept offers a potential direction for designing focus-oriented experiences that respond to the realities of an increasingly distracted digital culture. 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/22718 Title: SOCIAL DESIGN FRAMEWORK FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HANDLOOMS AND HANDICRAFTS Authors: MAHESHWARI, BINDU; Singari, Ranganath M. (SUPERVISOR); Gupta, Charu (CO-SUPERVISOR) Abstract: At the Kamaladevi Memorial Lecture, Chatterjee (2014) called for reimagining the future of crafts beyond patronage, toward frameworks that integrate tradition and innovation. India’s handlooms and handicrafts, representing one of the world’s richest repositories of cultural heritage and livelihoods, face systemic challenges, including market decline, policy fragmentation, and weak integration of sustainability. Mamidipudi (2018) refers to design as a strategic tool that creates value through innovative products and services, leading to positive social and economic outcomes. The study proposes, develops, and validates the Social Design Framework (SDF) to regenerate the sector by embedding heritage preservation, co-creation, sustainability, packaging, branding, and Intellectual Property as its core pillars. The framework was conceptualised through a systematic literature review that aggregated existing knowledge on the design processes adopted by designers working in the sector, the methods adopted by artisans, the challenges they face, their adaptability to markets, and sustainable practices in Handlooms and Handicrafts. The existing literature and discussions with the core group, comprising master artisans, designers, and sector experts, identified a set of attributes for the proposed social design framework. Using a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods, the research included participatory discussions, direct interviews, in-field surveys, and questionnaires distributed to diverse stakeholder groups, including artisans, designers, educators, craft experts, and funding organizations for design development in the craft sector. Some Projects like Rural Experiment, [NID-IIM- Jawaja], Operation Mojari, [UNDP-NLDP-FDDI-RUDA], Indo-Africa [DIPP, GOI - NID], Crafting Futures, [ British Council – CEPT], Design Clinic Scheme, [Min. of MSME, GOI- NID] were discussed and studied, reflecting on the process adopted and their impact. Decision-making [PMI] techniques were used to refine the framework, with valuable inputs from Artisans, Designers, and other craft experts and researchers enhancing its relevance and usability. The findings highlight both statistical significance and practical relevance, offering a roadmap for integrating Design v thinking and Universality with cultural continuity, sustainable practices, and policy reform. This research contributes to theory by operationalizing social design in craft contexts and to practice by providing a scalable, impact-driven model for artisans, designers, policymakers, and educators. The conceptual Social Design Framework proposed in this research builds on six interlinked components identified from the literature review and the mixed-method research analysis, leading to sustainable development. An info-graphic representation highlighting the key attributes of the framework, as the 7 S of the Social Design, namely Sanskritik, Sundar, Sahaj, Sasta, Samajik, Samman, and Sustainable, is developed for easy remembrance, understanding, and adaptability by all stakeholders. Three case studies validated the framework: [1] Loin loom weaving of Manipur, [2] Wooden lacquerware work of Banaras, UP and [3] Revival of Mandana – the folk- tribal art of Rajasthan. These case studies tested the framework’s adaptability, efficacy, reliability, usefulness, and accuracy. This study redefines the role of design in nation-building, moving from a creative discipline to a strategic instrument for inclusive and sustainable development. It demonstrates that the future of design in India lies not in imitation but in intelligent reinvention, empowering communities through creativity, collaboration, and cultural consciousness. This research presents a comprehensive exploration into how design can serve as a transformative tool for social, cultural, and economic empowerment within India’s craft ecosystem. 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/22717 Title: DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW PRODUCT DESIGN PROCESS TO IMPROVISE DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING USING 3D/4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY Authors: SOLANKI, AJAY; Singari, Ranganath M. (SUPERVISOR); Singholi, Ajay K.S. (CO-SUPERVISOR) Abstract: Three Dimensional and Four-Dimensional (3D/4D) printing has widespread popularity because of its shape-changing capabilities in various applications. 3D Printing makes only stationary structured products whereas 3D/4D printing enables an object to change its configuration in response with different external stimuli. Researchers from many fields have examined an extensive array of 3D/4D printing using proofs-of-concept. 3D/4D printing needs more advancement in the structural quality and efficiency to satisfy significant industrial applications which ensure cost effective manufacturing. An overview of integrated computation design strategies and its contribution in enhancing efficient use of smart materials in vast applications also presented and concluded with the findings like systematically incorporating sustainability variables into cost- effectiveness analyses with recent advancements in additive manufacturing tailored with human material interaction aids industries to make informed decisions that align with economic goals. Future views are critically explored and encouraging the collaboration with fabrication methods directs research efforts in a way incorporating advanced 3D/4D product design methods that satisfy industry and customer demands. Three Dimensional and Four-Dimensional (3D/4D) printing is an emerging structure creation process that allows for form morphing in response to external triggering chemicals. Many studies currently concentrate on small to medium-sized 3D/4D printing of structural components. As a result, in order to build industry-based large-scale structures, printing capabilities must be increased without sacrificing quality, cost, and speed. Advances in computer-aided design modeling have led to the development of 3D/4D products, which are essential for the large-scale manufacture of structures for various engineering purposes. Furthermore, cost-effective design and quality assurance control techniques, along with obstacles, are highlighted. Researchers previously encountered challenges in achieving high material efficiency and precise control in laser metal wire deposition, such as variability in friction, fluctuations in deposition rates, and inconsistent hardness across different scanning speeds and power settings. This research focuses on the single deposition technique within laser metal wire deposition, evaluating material usage and deposition efficiency by analysing factors like wire feed rate, laser power, and deposition speed. Findings indicate that coefficient of friction increases with higher scanning speeds, particularly at a sliding velocity of 0.5 m/sec. Furthermore, there were considerable changes in hardness and deposition rate, with the largest deposition rate occurring at the lowest scanning speed of 0.4 m/min. The research implications are significant for industries requiring complex, high-quality metal ABSTRACT components, positioning laser metal wire deposition as a key solution for modern manufacturing challenges. Supply chain management is poised for a transformative shift through the adoption of 3D and 4D printing technologies, which enable localized manufacturing, lead time reductions of up to 65%, and inventory cost savings of approximately 67%. These technologies support the growing demand for customized products by fostering a supply chain that is more responsive, adaptive, flexible, efficient, and cost-effective. 4D printing further enhances product lifecycle management by allowing objects to change shape or function over time, improving overall performance and longevity. The proposed impact analysis demonstrates streamlined adaptation of manufacturing processes, contributing to environmental sustainability through significant waste reduction. Integration of high-value design principles and additive manufacturing improved key dimensions like agility, visibility, collaboration, and flexibility by 15–20 points each, while stakeholder support remained strong, with 62.5% endorsing 3D/4D adoption, 67.8% favouring faster delivery, and over 57% supporting digital integration strategies. Conventional manufacturing methods have always been riddled with shortcomings such as wastage of material, design limitations, and added cost of manufacturing. Conventional methods fail to work efficiently with complex geometries, leading to wasteful use of material and longer production time. In contrast to this, the advent of 3D and 4D printing eliminated such shortcomings by improving design freedom, minimization of waste, and enhancing the manufacturing process. Fishbone diagram analysis is used to identifying the influences of mechanical performance, sustainability, and cost. Mechanical testing indicates hardness is up to 70.3, and young's modulus has a high negative correlation with layer height, which influences the structural integrity. Material selection is the determining factor in establishing the balance of durability, flexibility, and adaptability for optimum performance. Sustainability analysis reflects that additive manufacturing minimizes the wastage of material by nearly 30 percent against conventional means, paving the way for environmental-friendly production. Further, a cost analysis has reflected 25 percent lower production costs, so 3D and 4D printing has become more economical. The evidence points out that incorporating design for manufacturing and design for additive manufacturing boosts the efficiency, performance, and sustainability, establishing additive manufacturing as the revolutionary option beyond conventional means. 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z