This fully-funded 4-year PhD project at the Department of Industrial Design aims to examine how the dynamic degrees of vulnerability shape and influence the design process of technology to support users in sensitive settings.
Position PhD-student
Irène Curie Fellowship No
Department(s) Industrial Design
FTE 1,0
Date off 14/07/2024
Reference number V51.7527
Specific individuals or groups experience adverse effects or exclusion when interacting with technology due to physical or cognitive impairments, socioeconomic status, cultural differences, or health conditions. In this context, such users are often labeled as ‘vulnerable’ based on characterizations or general representations of these specific user groups (e.g., diagnosis of dementia). However, these representations might not reflect how such users view themselves, yet strongly influence the design outcome. In addition, there is still a reported lack of understanding of what vulnerability entails for designers and technology developers in general and how design or technology can support overcoming vulnerability in sensitive settings.
This fully-funded 4-year PhD project at the Department of Industrial Design will address different cases of sensitive settings that are strongly characterized by dynamic changes of vulnerability, such as neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s) or specific sudden life situations (e.g., bereavement). Participatory design methodologies will be utilized to actively involve users in the design process and explore their perception and self-observation of vulnerability. Research through design methodologies will be employed in which tangible design artifacts will be co-created, developed, and evaluated to cater to dynamic levels of vulnerability.
The main goals for this PhD project are to:
This PhD project aims to make several contributions:
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
TU/e is located in a highly tech-driven region in the Netherlands, known as the ‘Brainport’. This region is internationally recognized as a top technology area with a special focus on the integration of design and technology. The department of Industrial Design at TU/e is internationally recognized for its scientific research on the design of systems with emerging technologies in a societal context. We excel at the acquisition and execution of projects where “integration of emerging technology into everyday life” and “application of technology in a societal context” play a major role.
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Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Maarten Houben, m.houben1@tue.nl .
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, email hrservices.ID@tue.nl.
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Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:
We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.
We are an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude.
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