Framed artwork is one of the interior spatial design elements.Speaking of framed artworks, they are usually created by applying pigments or adding other materials on the flat surface and framed.Then, such artwork is visually recognized when lit by natural light or lighting from outside but once the light is off at night, it cannot be appreciated.
Our life is not engaged in such a simplified environment as light daytime and dark at night time. If we could enjoy framed artwork even in dark, it would make our life richer. With that in mind, a special framed artwork was created: base is an acrylic sheet with white LED light source incorporated at the edge and on this board different shapes of cut WASHI and solid figures made by WASHI are assembled. When external light is available shadows to be created there will enhance the difference of texture and 3D effect.If it is not available, translucency, colors and different views of plant fibers can be appreciated by putting LED light on. In serialization of this illuminated framed artwork optimum production method was developed to get product of the same design repeatedly.

View full abstract

In recent years, the technique and the player of local revitalization is different, generally the beginning of the design is important for sustainable development of the town. The beginning of the design in the initial phase of the town development is making the future vision, framework construction space design, workshops, promotion, etc. "Excavation of possibility" and " share sense of crisis" become the key that determines the driving force and the sustainability.
In this study, we made a platform with outside the region designers and local activist groups, artists, residents, farmers, students to consider the growth strategy of the town in the old architecture group in Ebetsu. Through such activities, we organized the key points and flow of regional design to local revitalization inthe suburban city of urban suburbs.

View full abstract

There is a wide range of research about souy, but there is very little research that targets those with hearing-impaired person. To address this problem, we have developed a device called KIKIVIBE. This device converts audio informationnd and vibration including characteristics extraction to virtual reality and music therap into vibrations that can be felt with the use of the 5 fingers. With 5 actuators, it is possible to feel the different vibration frequencies on each finger. The piezoelectric elements used in this device can generate frequencies between 100Hz to 40KHz, and since it is suitable for producing low frequencies it is possible to feel the audio information as vibrations. By developing this work, we can expect to see an improvement in the rhythm perception of those who are hearing impaired, while also seeing its benefits in music education.

View full abstract

In election campaign, the campaign vehicle is an important tool. However, the conventional campaign vehicles do not satisfy functional needs enough. In addition, it is important that citizens have favorable impressions for the vehicle. Therefore, based on the investigations, we developed the campaign vehicle for effective election campaign.
We analyzed the needs of the campaign vehicle based on the research of the present campaign vehicles and the interview of the users. The requirements of the campaign vehicle were investigated by an evaluation experiment. After the final design was decided by the analysis of the result, a campaign vehicle was produced (Fig.1). The vehicle is planning to be used in future election.

View full abstract

This work is a learning tool that focuses on the study of truss structures. Because it has a wide range of instructional uses, from learning how to count numbers in arithmetic and mathematics to learning about figures and geometrical shapes, it can be used over a long period of time as a learning tool. Each of the counting sticks has magnets on both ends that make it possible to learn a wide range of things, from how to count numbers to the structure of trusses, thanks to metal plates inside and depressions that allow the length to be adjusted. The creation consists only of single units, but two pieces can be combined to create three-dimensional models byextending the length to create various figures, geometrical shapes,and truss structures.
This paper explains the history behind the development of "Oneto Truss" and how it is used.

View full abstract

The non-profit organization ( NPO) , Oirase Shizen Kanko Shigen Kenkyu Kai, is a group that uses mosses of the Oirase Mountain Stream in Aomori Prefecture, as resources for tourism. This study reviewed the process by which Oirase Shigen Kanko Kenkyukai became a non-profit organization ( NPO) , from designing the NPO to designing its visual identity. In this process, a workshop was used strategically and employed the following four steps (: 1) introduction of an NPO (, 2) gaining knowledge about an NPO (, 3) establishing an NPO, and ( 4) summary. In ( 1) and ( 2) above, the visions of the NPO members were integrated. In ( 3) and ( 4) , a business concept was created in which the specialty of each member could be used. The visual identity of the NPO was designed by summarizing social messages based on the business concept. The designer facilitated a workshop during which the opinions of the members were summarized cooperatively, and the designer and members were able to develop a full and mutual understanding of the NPO's goals. As a result, the designer was able to achieve a consensus among the members and design the NPO's visual identity.

View full abstract

When we deal with 3DCG natural object, we have to reconcile 2 conflicting aims, precise and natural and speedy rendering. While maintaining precise and natural image by speedy rendering, this paper proposes an algorithm and method to optimize or reduce polygon effectively.
There are a lot of triangles existing but some of those have less influence in total object shape. If we can reduce and/or eliminate those less important triangles, we can realize the less time rendering without sacrificing precise or natural expression.
MDD (Multi-Dynamic Documentation) creator is software that realizes the above concept with easy-to-understand UI. By watching the reducing polygon in real time, user can decide the appropriate points to reduce with slide-bar. In addition to this polygon reduction capability, the software has a feature to output optimized 3DCG model with HTML format.

View full abstract

In recent years, Universal Design (UD) are being applied to wide variety areas. In this work, we designed a new calendar by using a special font which has created from "Minna-No-Moji" of our UD font that including good legibility number characters for the elderly and handicapped persons.
Our UD calendar has been designed to corresponding a color UD while enhancing the legibility of the numbers and has its functionality and usability as a calendar. In addition, to cater to the need of color-blind persons, an expression of weekend and holiday notations that does not rely on color has been achieved with the application of cognitive science. During the course of the calendar development, our prototype showed the best result in feasibility evaluation experiments.

View full abstract

In this study, we proposed "the science communication activity model by utilizing visual design" consisting of scientists, designers and citizens. A visual design teaching material was produced with this system and a workshop based on the booklet "Kankyo Mana-Visual" was held concerning the problem of pine tree death. Through the design process and the practice, we report the effects of the joint development and the change of the science communication activity by visual design. In addition, we offered the booklets to related organizations and experts and inspected the benefits.

View full abstract

This project, whose purpose was to offer new Western tableware designs, was developed via discussions over the course of a year and a half with graduate student majoring in pottery. Images were created in the form of Western tableware that corresponded to their respective "view of life," and they were completed as products for mass production. Analysis of consumer preferences was carried out with the expectation of selling. The core item was a tea set whose ceramic was painted via firing and gold decoration, using a technique transcribing paper pictures onto the soft tones and translucency of bone china.

View full abstract

We have developed a tablet application and system to support peer review learning for visual art education. Students can also use their tablet PC to take pictures of their artworks to upload to the server-end of the system. The tablet front-end allows students to review others' work and provide comments in the form of written text and also comments drawn directly on the artwork. This system provided four view points to grow a drawing technique ("composition" "form" "three-dimensional" "material"). The online peer review system for appreciating an artistic work between students promoted a drawing activity. We found that the students enjoyed collaborative learning using the application. We proposed an improved design of the peer review application for art education that would be useful for students.

View full abstract