Design Sciences
At the Department of Design Sciences, the concept of design is used in a wide meaning, and includes the design of man–technology systems, packaging and packaging logistics, organisations and production systems, and the design of actual products. Teaching is carried out in many of LTH’s programmes.
Website of the Department of Design Sciences
Overview of divisions:
Certec – Division for Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Researchers at Certec – the Division for Rehabilitation Engineering Research – develop design principles and technical solutions that helps people with disabilities in their everyday lives. Research is based on real needs with the aim of making it possible for more people to study, to work and to live at home. One of the central areas of research is the interplay between IT, design and pedagogics.
Keywords: the disabled, disabilities, handicaps, aids, elderly and design, rehabilitation engineering, design for all, user-focused design, cognitive assistance, man–computer interaction, optics and the poorly sighted
Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology
Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology includes five areas, which deals with the interaction between people, technical systems and the environment in different ways.
Website of the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology
Aerosol technology
The study of aerosols (ultra-fine, airborne particles): properties, health risks, measuring techniques, clean-room technology, product hygiene and pharmaceutical applications.
Keywords: clean-room technology, air quality, smoke and dust, allergies, particulates from combustion, indoor air, working place air
Man, technology, organisation and risk management
The study of methods to identify and remedy system weaknesses in organisations and technology; risk management; organisation techniques.
Man-technology systems
In man-technology systems, research is carried out on how humans use technology, cognitively and physically, as well as designing interactive systems, e.g. virtual reality.
Organisation design and change management
Organisation design and change management is concerned with processes of change; in working life, in management, visualisation and learning, and strategic business development.
Keywords: organisation design, change management
The Thermal Environment
The Thermal Environment deals with the interplay between man and the thermal environment, for example, risk assessment models and protective clothing for extreme environments.
Keywords: thermal environment, extreme environments, health and working capacity, risk assessment and need for protection in extreme environments
Innovation Engineering
Innovation Engineering has a broad and interdisciplinary profile of innovation research, which provide explanations, understanding, frameworks methods and tools to tackle grand challenges like the ones related to the UN’s Global Goals. Innovation Engineering study the outcomes and performance of innovation activities, the innovation process (how to get new insights, explore and implement new product and processes), the methods and tools used in the innovation process, as well as development of innovation methods and development of individual innovation skills.
The research at Innovation Engineering can be summarized in the following areas: Business Models, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation.
Keywords: Product, service, and business model innovation, Innovation measurement systems, Decision-making in innovation projects, Innovation and strategic management within firms, Management and strategic alignment between firms, Open innovation and open-source technologies, Drivers and barriers of innovation adoption, Innovation policy in entrepreneurial systems, Innovation and sustainability, User innovation
Packaging Logistics
Packaging Logistics involves building up knowledge on packaging, from wrapping to delivery and use by the end consumer. This includes the ecocycle, information requirements, information systems, standards, choice of materials, new packages, recycling potential and design. Research is carried out in areas such as traceability, e-commerce, added value and the effects of the package on logistics.
Keywords: packages, packaging, logistics, supply chain, traceability, AutoID, modelling, simulation, RFID, radio-frequency ID, degree of filling
Product Development
The goal of the research in the subject of Product Development is to generate knowledge for the development of methods and technology for efficiency in the executing organization's - usually the industrial company's product development and design processes - taken into account within the framework of its overall product innovation process. The focus for this knowledge generation is on both product and process technical aspects. The aspects that must be taken into account are based on the assumption that each organization has limited resources for its development work and that the future product must be adapted to the product life cycle and to people and the environment. Of particular importance in this context is the overall industrial perspective on development work.
Keywords: Product development methodology of mechanical products, Design, Design methodology, Computer-based design analysis
Website of the Division of Product Development
Industrial Design
Industrial Design provides courses and projects in the core subject of the 5-year Industrial Design Programme. Research is focused on three main areas: meta qualities, i.e. the emotional dimensions of products and design elements, methods of communication with the user and in the creative work of the industrial designer, as well as the management of design in companies.
Keywords: industrial design, user-centred design, design