This three PhD projects will be part of a five-year project on ‘design for positive mood regulation’ of the Delft Institute of Positive Design (DIOPD), funded by NWO (Vici grant of Desmet). The project aims to develop a theory that explains how design-supported mood regulation can foster human well-being. The PhD projects will build on a theoretical foundation that has been developed in the first project year. We are looking for three ambitious candidates to join forces with prof. Desmet in increasing our understanding of mood in human-product interaction. The project will involve a mix of research methods, mostly relying on 'research-through-design', including the development of interactive prototypes that will be tested in intervention studies in various contexts (such as office environment, public transport, hospital environments).

Our ideal PhD candidates have a Master degree in design (and an interest in mood/emotions) or in psychology (with expertise on emotions/mood and an interest in product design). They have excellent research and writing skills as well as the ability to develop creative design tools and techniques. The position is fulltime.

These PhD positions are part of an NWO Vici project that was awarded to Pieter Desmet on the topic of 'design for mood'. Vici is one of the largest grants for individual scientists in The Netherlands.   

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

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.

The department of Industrial Design (ID) is recognized as an international leader in design research and was ranked as excellent by an international review panel in 2015. Research and education in ID is clustered in research groups focusing on subjects such as prototyping in design thinking, future interactions, and social design. The department houses the ID-StudioLab, a unique interdisciplinary design research community that includes staff from all research groups and facilitates design-driven research and education.      

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