PhD Studentship: ‘Multigenerational Harmony and Discord – investigating behavioural interventions to reduce domestic energy consumption’

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship at Loughborough University.

The aim of this research is to investigate how behavioural interventions can be effectively designed to influence a change in the domestic energy consumption of multigenerational households.

Within the UK, there is an increasing trend towards multigenerational living; several generations of a family living under the same roof with complex social, economic and environmental dynamics. Although this context provides fertile ground for design innovation, this also presents new practical challenges to designers, who are in a position to reduce the negative use impacts of products, as they often pragmatically consider the ‘family’ as a single unit with standardised needs, values and actions.

This studentship will investigate multigenerational living, developing an understanding of how UK multigenerational families negotiate their domestic space, technologies and energy use. Combining the developed insights with Design for Sustainable Behaviour strategies such as scripting and persuasive technology, the candidate will design, prototype and evaluate the impact of novel behavioural interventions.

The specific topic for the PhD will be developed in further detail between the candidate and the PhD supervisors, Dr Garrath Wilson and Dr Debra Lilley, who have established research expertise in the field of Design for Sustainable Behaviour and user-centred design research.

Candidates must have a first or upper second class academic qualification or relevant Masters qualification in a discipline that has a clear focus on product/industrial design. Knowledge of user-centred design, behaviour change or sustainability would be an advantage.

The studentship provides a tax free stipend of £14,057 per annum for a period of three years plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Due to funding restrictions this studentship is open to UK/EU students only. Non-UK applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements, details available here: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/englang/index.htm

Any informal enquiries about this research should be directed to Dr Garrath Wilson: [Email Address Removed]; +44(0)1509 226961

Please note that we require all online applications to be accompanied by a short summary of why the applicant feels that they are appropriate for the post. This should be uploaded as part of the online application process. A portfolio presentation of design skills will be required at the interview stage.

Apply online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/.

Further information about Loughborough Design School can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/lds/.

Please quote the following reference when applying: GW/LDS2015.

The deadline for applications is Monday 19th October, 2015. The proposed start date is 1st January 2016 but an earlier start may be possible.