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This paper discusses the concept of 'aesthetic intelligence', which acknowledges that we possess an innate, sometimes subconscious, ability to perceive a wide range of qualities in products that shape our responses to them. It argues that these qualities can be purposefully discussed and attempts to provide, for engineering designers, a way of structuring the complex field of aesthetic response. The author links sensorial qualities to cultural values and proposes a process of designing for the senses as a means to providing products with which customers can feel a greater degree of empathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many investigations into the determinants of hand hygiene (HH) behaviour have explored only individual predictors or were designed according to arguably overly simplistic models of behaviour. Consequently, important influences on HH behaviour, including habit and emotion, are sometimes neglected. This study is the first to employ the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour as a comprehensive model for understanding the determinants of HH behaviour. Method: A self-report questionnaire was conducted with staff from two large UK veterinary referral practices. Participants (n = 75) reported their HH behaviour and responded to statements rating the importance of social norms, self-protection, patient protection, time pressures, access to equipment, habit and disgust, to their HH behaviour. Results: Regression analysis showed that, overall, determinants explained 46% of variance (p <.001) in self-reported HH behaviour, with time constraints being the strongest predictor (β = −.47, p <.001) followed by difficulty finding equipment (β = −.21, p =.05). Discussion: Time constraints may be the most important influence on HH adherence among the determinants investigated. Future researchers should consider employing theoretical models to aid a more comprehensive understanding of the psychology underlying HH adherence and HH interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Theenvisageprogramme of research was funded to explore and evaluate the use of visualisation software tools using biomechanical data within rehabilitation. Three work packages were developed to evaluate the impact of the tools within stroke rehabilitation. The research presented here aimed at exploring the perceptions of rehabilitation therapists about the use of the visualisation software tools in the context of future randomised controlled trials and stroke rehabilitation practice.Methods: Sixteen therapists working in a range of stroke rehabilitation contexts participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview questions explored their current practice, and the perceived impact of the new visualisation technologies on their workplace environment and practice. Framework analysis was used to analyse the textual data.Results: In general, the stroke therapists were enthusiastic about the potential application of the visualisation software tools. Three themes were identified through qualitative framework analysis: potential uses of the visualisation tools; integration within current service provision; and trial involvement.Conclusions: The study highlights important contextual considerations which may impact significantly on the success of novel technologies in stroke rehabilitation. Normalisation process theory was proposed as a useful process evaluation methodology to optimise both trial evaluation and future service implementation.Implications for RehabilitationThere is limited research exploring the use of visual software technologies featuring biomechanical data within stroke rehabilitation.The perspectives of stroke rehabilitation therapists about the potential of such tools are useful both in terms of planning trial evaluations, and implementation.Therapists were generally positive about the contribution of visual software tools in stroke rehabilitation, but highlighted a number of practical constraints which required addressing.Normalisation process theory provides a useful process evaluation methodology which can support both trial evaluation and implementation of such novel technologies within stroke rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]