Designing for individuals: Leveraging advanced manufacturing for customised products

Overview

Today’s advanced manufacturing technologies offer a unique opportunity for moving away from mass production towards mass customisation in consumer products. This presents a prospect for creative practitioners to examine their role and how their expertise align with these technologies, allowing for design innovation to drive mass customisation and establishing industrial designers as a critical stakeholder within this paradigm shift in production.

Research activities

Existing case studies and research on mass customisation have been established in the fields of manufacture, production, and management. However, there are no extensive studies from a 'designerly' perspective in the embodiment of such concepts and concrete product examples making use of these advanced manufacturing technologies.

Outcomes

The purpose of this research project is to explore, augment and establish the capabilities industrial designers utilising advanced manufacturing technologies in the implementation and realisation of mass customisation.

The objectives of this project are:

• identifying appropriate manufacturing technologies allowing for design innovation and for the realisation of mass customisation
• utilising these technologies in the design and manufacture of prototypes as case studies, exemplifying the capabilities and qualities of industrial designers engaging with advanced manufacturing technologies.

Skills and experience

An ideal candidate may have a specific interest in the intersection of industrial design, advanced manufacturing technologies, and mass customisation. They may have prior experience or a strong desire to explore how design innovation can drive the shift towards mass customisation in consumer products. They might also possess a keen interest in understanding the role of industrial designers as critical stakeholders in this paradigm shift, with a focus on leveraging their expertise to shape the future of production.

• Educational background: A honours or master's degree in  industrial/product design. Strong academic performance in previous studies is expected.
• Research skills: The candidate should possess strong research skills, including the ability to conduct literature reviews, gather and analyse data, and generate meaningful insights. Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods is desirable.
• Technical knowledge: Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing, 3D scanning, prototyping and testing, CNC machining, or robotics, is highly valued. Knowledge of design software and digital modelling tools may also be beneficial.
• Creativity and design expertise: The ideal candidate should have a passion for design innovation and product development, with a demonstrated ability to think creatively and develop novel concepts. Strong aesthetic sensibilities and an understanding of user-centered design principles are desirable.
• Communication and collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for presenting research findings, writing academic papers, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. The ability to work effectively with industry professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders is highly valued.
• Motivation and independence: The student should exhibit self-motivation, curiosity, and the ability to work independently. Demonstrating initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage time effectively are important qualities for successful completion of the PhD program.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

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Keywords

• advanced manufacturing
• industrial design
• mass customisation
• design innovation
• additive manufacturing
• prototyping

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.