Artefact-based PhD project in the interplay between technology and design

Design School Kolding invites proposals for a PhD project centred around artefacts, addressing fundamental design elements, such as form, function, aesthetics and/or materials, within the context of emerging technologies.

Technology is playing an increasingly significant role in society, particularly within the field of design. Advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, IoT, and AR/VR are evolving rapidly and have the potential to reshape the world as we know it.

Emerging technologies interact with and alter design practices in various ways. Not only do they influence the process of design but also impact what we design in terms of form, function, and aesthetics. Similarly, the evolution of technology challenges and transforms our understanding of materials and materiality.

Design School Kolding welcomes proposals for an artefact-based PhD projects aiming to generate novel insights through artefacts into the dynamic interplay between technology and design as both a material phenomenon and a practice. The PhD student is expected to produce artefacts, understood as creative productions, design objects, experiments with fabrication, etc. and through these contributions significantly impact the knowledge created within the project.

The new knowledge generated by the project should possess the potential to foster innovative approaches in contemporary design and/or offer inventive design solutions. Additionally, a critical examination of the specific technological aspect in the context of design, outlining both the prospective advantages and possible drawbacks, is expected.

Examples

The following examples illustrate potential scopes for a pertinent PhD project; however, it is important to note that these are not exhaustive:

EXAMPLE 1 – Technology and communicating sustainability

Within the realm of sustainability, there is an urgent demand to explore novel approaches for efficiently communicating data and content. Sustainability issues can involve intricate metrics and complex concepts, rendering them somewhat distant and intangible for consumers. To bridge this perceptual gap and render sustainability more relevant, it is imperative to investigate innovative strategies for conveying information.

Formats such as infographics, interactive applications, and immersive experiences can convert raw statistics into tangible, relatable stories. By visualizing the tangible impacts of individual choices or highlighting real-world success stories, sustainability can transcend the theoretical realm and become an experiential reality. Furthermore, the possible integration of sustainability messaging into the fabric of everyday life, such as through product labelling or the implementation of gamified applications encouraging eco-friendly behaviours, can maintain consumer engagement and motivation. By seamlessly incorporating sustainability considerations into their daily routines, individuals can be empowered to actively contribute to the pursuit of a more sustainable future.

EXAMPLE 2 – Smart textiles and inclusion

Smart textiles are not merely revolutionizing the way we interact with our clothing; they also hold the potential to significantly enhance inclusivity in various aspects of daily life. Fabrics, embedded with sensors, actuators, and other intelligent components, could be paving the way for inclusive designs that cater to diverse needs. One option is in the realm of adaptive clothing for individuals with disabilities. Smart textiles can be seamlessly integrated into garments, offering features like responsive adjustments to provide comfort and functionality tailored to specific mobility requirements. Smart textiles might also make substantive contributions to inclusivity by cultivating a more interconnected environment. For instance, textiles with embedded sensors mightfacilitate communication through haptic feedback, assisting individuals with visual or hearing impairments.

To actualize the potential for enhancing inclusivity, smart textiles must embody a seamless fusion of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and contextual relevance, achieved through tactility, colours, and material properties.

EXAMPLE 3 – Technology and inclusivity in fashion

The potential of technology in the realm of fashion holds considerable promise, particularly in fostering inclusivity and transcending traditional boundaries. Technological advancements offer innovative solutions that can revolutionize the industry, making it more accessible and accommodating to diverse needs.

The integration of 3D scanning technology in the design and manufacturing processes could allow for the creation of customized clothing tailored to individual measurements. This evolution from standardized sizing to personalized garments has the potential to cater to a more diverse range of body shapes, promoting a sense of belonging for consumers who may have felt marginalized by traditional sizing norms. Unlocking this potential is crucial, and researching how clothing can be tailored and fitted to individual body types is essential. Understanding and adapting clothing to diverse bodies can promote more sustainable user practices, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact.

When defining the project scope, please take into consideration the various design fields of Design School Kolding, which include Communication Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Textile Design, Accessory Design as well as Sustainability, Play and Social Design.

Formalities

The proposed PhD project must follow the executive order and the general rules for the PhD programme at Design School Kolding.

Please refer to: https://www.designskolenkolding.dk/sites/default/files/download/rules_for_the_joint_phd_programme_of_aarhus_school_of_architecture_and_design_school_kolding_rev._2021.pdf

An artefact-based PhD project comprises both a dissertation and a collection of artefacts. These components collectively encapsulate and validate the insights derived from the project. The dissertation is required to articulate new knowledge and insights, outline the methods and theories applied, and establish connections with existing knowledge in the field. Meanwhile, the artefacts are expected to materialise, document, exemplify and/or contextualise the research insights.

Together the dissertation and artefacts should provide a comprehensive overview of the PhD student's research efforts.

Applicant

To qualify for the position, the applicant must have:

• A relevant two-year Master’s degree (120 ECTS) from a design programme or its equivalent.
• Advanced oral and written English communication skills
• Familiarity with contemporary design practices
• Familiarity with design research literature

Application

We invite applicants to submit an outline of a well-defined project that can be explored through design-based experiments within aesthetics, form, materials and materiality along with relevant research inquiries and the corresponding theoretical perspectives and research methodologies.

For the application to be considered, the points listed below must be addressed with all mentioned materials enclosed:

• Motivational letter or application text
• Project description of 4-6 pages that should contain an outline of the project to be pursued including:
  • clearly expressed research question(s)
  • a theoretical base for the project including research methodology,
  • a literature review of the field of interest for the project to show state of the art and familiarity with the field,
  • a preliminary account of the empirical experiments/material/data, which the applicant expects to generate,
  • an outline of a timetable covering the three years,
  • a brief assessment of the potential use in contemporary design
  
  
• CV of 1-2 pages
• Portfolio highlighting design competences
• Diploma or alternatively a complete transcript of records (for BA and MA degrees).

The application and materials must be in English or Danish. We welcome both Danish and international applicants.
The school’s policy states that new employees unfamiliar with the Danish language is expected to develop skills to communicate in Danish.

Proposals specifically pursuing artistic research and leading to an artefact-based PhD project will be prioritized.

Application process

Following the application deadline, a shortlist will be created comprising the most promising applications, which will subsequently be assessed. Once the committee completes the review process, shortlisted applicants will receive feedback on their application.
The application deadline is January 8th, 2024, and the assessment will happen shortly thereafter.

The position is to be filled by March 1st, 2024, or as soon as possible.

Position

The position is full-time, and the salary is in accordance with the prevailing collective agreement governing the Danish labour market. The PhD student will be employed at Design School Kolding and enrolled in the institution's PhD school.

The PhD student will be a member of one of the three laboratories at Design School Kolding: Lab for Play and Design, Lab for Social Design and Lab for Sustainability and Design.

Design School Kolding wishes to reflect its surrounding community and encourages anyone to apply for the position, irrespective of personal background.

Please apply through Design School Kolding’s recruitment system which can be accessed under job vacancies on Design Schools Kolding's website. Please note that we do not process applications received per mail.

For further information, please contact secretary of research and development Christina Stind Rosendahl, phone +45 91 33 30 04 or mail: [email protected].

Kilde: Jobnet.dk