We currently have a vacancy for a PhD position in design for a circular economy with a consumer-centred approach.

Circular products (e.g. a refurbished laptop) and services (e.g. a pay-per-use washing machine) participate to the circular economy by lenghtening  lifetimes and reducing environmental footprint. However, for circular products/services to work, consumers need to accept them as a viable alternatives for new ones (van Weelden, Mugge & Bakker, 2016). As circular products/services are previously used and/or change the type of ownership, consumers are expected to respond differently. To enhance the success of circular products/services, designers can influence consumer response through product design. For example, designers may create designs that allow consumers to easily change/upgrade certain product parts in the refurbishment process or use the design to share stories of the first usage.

 The main research question of this PhD project is: How can designers positively influence consumers' acceptance of circular products/services? The PhD student will investigate how consumers choose between circular products/services and new ones as well as how product design influences these responses. The aim of the project is to contribute to the literature on the circular economy by proposing guidelines for designers on how to improve the design of circular products/services to ensure consumers' acceptance.

 The PhD candidate will also be part of the Circular Design lab within the faculty. This lab brings together students and researchers with an interest in circular economy.

We are looking for a candidate with a background in design, consumer behavior, psychology, or sustainability, and who has a strong interest in studying the intersections between design, consumer behavior, and sustainability.

 The candidate should meet the following criteria:

- a Master degree in Industrial Design, Marketing/Consumer Behaviour, Psychology or in any related field,

- excellent research and methodological skills.

 All applications must be submitted in the form of two PDF files:

1) A motivation letter of not more than 1 page

2) A curriculum vitae including all grades obtained for the BSc degree and MSc degree. 

Fixed-term contract: Contract for 1 year with possible extension to 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 education and research of the department PIM focusses on the methodological, organisational and market aspects of new product and service design. The aim is to help designers create product or service propositions that provide value for individuals, organizations, and society.

The research group Marketing and Consumer Research  focusses on theories, models from marketing and consumer research that can contribute to successful new product development (NPD). The group has experience in teaching and conducting high quality research on consumer behaviour in NPD, consumers' perceptions of new product designs, and on improving the acceptance of new sustainable alternatives. By enhancing knowledge in these areas, we aim to help designers create more successful and sustainable product and services. 

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