Apply your artistic and design thinking, creative engineering knowledge, digital media and making skills while doing research at one of the best places in the world to study and research design.
At Brunel you will benefit from our industry accreditations, impeccable reputation for inclusive design, and an incredible co-working space and hardware accelerator within the Central Research Laboratory, where you can turn your research into a business.
Brunel Design has a well-established record of research excellence, with multidisciplinary, product-related design research grounded on strong engineering design traditions. Research activities within the design programmes at Brunel cover a wide-ranging and diverse field of topics. Academic staff involved within these programmes combine human-centred design for autonomous vehicles, ageing demographics and healthcare systems; from incorporating sustainability in design by developing cleaner electronics, design for 3D and 4D printing, and incorporating social responsibility; to using innovative design for creative industries and information architecture.
Research in Design is organised according to the following thematic priorities:
- Human-Centred Design through inclusive design, design for ageing demographics, perception and enhancement.
- Sustainable Design through social responsibility, cleaner electronics and advanced materials and manufacture.
- Advanced Technologies through engineering methods, optimization techniques, computer-aided-design and other emerging technologies.
- Products, services and digital design through design innovation management, open design, design entrepreneurship, creativity, the digital economy, digital production and interfaces, and Information Architecture.
The department’s scope of research includes but is not limited to:
- Human Centred Design
- Trust in autonomous vehicles
- Inclusive Design and Design of Healthcare Systems
- Perception Enhancement
- Design and Sustainability - theory, methods and tools
- Design for 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) and Printed Electronics
- 4D Printing / Shape Memory Materials for Additive Manufacturing
- Social impact of Distributed Manufacturing Systems
- Design Innovation Management
- Digital Design, Interfaces and Digital Production
- Open Design and Co-Design
- Social Innovation
- Pedagogy and Curriculum
Research students are welcomed as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community in Brunel Design. Our doctoral researchers join the Made in Brunel team in the annual project showcase and lead-up events. In addition, our yearly Design Doctoral Symposium, as well as social events, enable you to foster vibrant connections with the outside research community.
Browse the work of subject-relevant research groups
- Inclusive Design
- ·Additive Manufacturing and 4D Printing
- Creative Computing
- Design for Sustainability
- Smart Technology Advancements in Health and Rehabilitation
- Digital Design Lab
- Human-centred Design
How to apply?
As a doctoral researcher, you will be welcomed to Brunel as a valued member of our thriving, research-intensive community. Browse PhD opportunities, studentships, and learn more about our research by visiting our website.
Get in touch!
Please get in touch with your questions and sign up for insights, tips and advice that will guide you on your way to a PhD!
Where is Brunel?
Brunel University London is based in Uxbridge, London – 45minutes to Central London on the Metropolitan Line – which means you have great access to the heart of this beautiful city, and yet can enjoy the safety and convenience of a suburban campus with all you need in one place.
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