People are surrounded by products tailored to their specific size and shape: clothes, shoes, spectacles, sports products, as well as medical aids such as orthotics, prostheses, and wheelchairs. However, existing solutions focus on mass production and there is a lack of design methods and tools for personalized digital production. The major research topic of the project is to develop a person-centered design automation methodology (and supporting tools) to instantiate a unique design based on personal data (3D/4D scans, etc.), while considering ergonomics, aesthetics and digital manufacturing constraints and opportunities.

This research is part of the project: Next UPPS - Integrated design methodology for Ultra-Personalized Products and Services. Next UPPS focuses on developing a designerly modelling approach, fit for iterative cycles and (physical and virtual) prototyping while considering materials, microstructures and other physical properties. The proposed PhD research will be carried out in close collaboration with a PhD candidate in TU Eindhoven (Focusing on Co-design processes) and another PhD candidate in University of Twente (Focusing on Reliable personalized manufacturing).

We are looking for a candidate with Industrial Design Engineering (or similar) background and a strong passion to computational design, or with a computer science (or similar) background and a strong passion to Industrial Design Engineering. The candidate should have a recently completed master degree in Industrial Design Engineering, Computer Science, or similar disciplines, have experience with CAD software (e.g., Rhino, Solidworks), programming/scripting experience (e.g., python, C++), and a passion for personalized products. Strong English technical writing as well as communicative skills are essential for this project. Background in personalized product design, 3D scanning/image processing, computational algorithms and fluent Dutch is a plus.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information. 

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Industrial Design Engineering

The faculty of Industrial Design Engineering is the largest and broadest scientific design institute in the world, with over 2,000 students, more than 6,000 alumni and 300 staff (researchers and lecturers, including designers from industrial practice). The faculty aims to contribute to a better living environment and respond to social challenges by combining human values and desires with technological feasibility and economic viability. We are excellently placed to do so, as we ground design methods and skills in scientific knowledge from a wide range of disciplines, leading to concrete solutions.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ide/