PhD on Designing for Dynamics in Vulnerability

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:

• Identify pathways to vulnerability and investigate how different degrees of vulnerability influence and shape the design process through participatory design methods;
• Map and advance existing design guidelines and methodologies for creating technology solutions that are inclusive and accessible to users with dynamic and unique needs;
• Develop tangible design artifacts for the specific use cases and evaluate the impact in real-life scenarios;
• Facilitate transdisciplinary knowledge exchange and learning communities between different fields of sensitive settings through dissemination and international network activities.

This PhD project aims to make several contributions:

• Advance the notion of vulnerability as a dynamic state or variable that can purposefully shape and influence the design process to better represent users with specific needs in the design outcome;
• Generate insights into the role of technology in addressing the dynamics of vulnerability in health-related societal challenges and improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities;
• Provide implications for policy and design practice in designing technology solutions to create a positive social impact and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

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:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.