Study level

  • PhD

Faculty/School

Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Design Lab

Supervisors

Associate Professor Rafael Gomez
Position
Associate Professor (Industrial Design)
Division / Faculty
Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice

External supervisors

  • Shayne Beaver (QUT)

Overview

Materials play a crucial role in shaping people's perceptions, experiences, and emotional responses to the products they encounter. In automotive design, this significance is particularly pronounced within the interior cabin space, especially in the age of sustainability and electric vehicles (EVs).

The materials utilised heavily influence how customers and users perceive the value, quality, and emotional aspects of their interactions. While numerous studies have examined the link between interior materials and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the advent of EVs platforms necessitates an exploration of potential new dynamics emerging between users and materials in modern automotive interiors.

This project will be working within the QUT Design Lab in collaboration with the BMW Group + QUT Design Academy.

Research activities

To gain relevant insights, an analysis of current EV interiors from various brands will be conducted (luxury, premium, and entry-level brands). This will include exploration of materials utilised in modern EVs including factors such as sustainability, tactility, reflectivity, texture, finish, temperature, scent, auditory and so on.

Further, interior EV materials, features, and overall cabin design will be explored with prospective consumers and current users. Aspects relating to quality, value, and emotional perceptions to modern materials in EV designs will be investigated.

Outcomes

The research has several implications for current and future EV automotive design. The overarching purpose is to explore whether a new dynamic is emerging between users and interior materials in EVs. Further, it is expected that deeper insights will be gained into EV purchase decisions, user perceptions of quality and value, emotional responses, and future considerations for automotive interior designs in the EV era.

Objectives include:

  • classifying automotive interior design material factors in modern EVs across different categories (luxury, premium, entry-level brands).
  • studying automotive interior designs and material factors that impact EV quality, value, and emotional experience in current EVs.
  • identifying automotive interior designs and material factors in EVs that have potential to impact purchase decision, user perceptions and emotional responses.

Skills and experience

The ideal candidate may have a specific interest in industrial design, aesthetics, CMF (colour, materials, finish), or automotive design. They may have prior experience or a strong interest in exploring materials and its relationship to automotive design and/or user experience. They might also have an interest in sustainable transportation and sustainable materials use in the context of transportation and mobility.

  • Educational background: Honours or master’s degree in industrial/product design or a double-degree in design and business/marketing. Strong academic performance in previous studies is expected.
  • Research skills: The candidate should possess strong research skills, including the ability to conduct literature reviews, observations, interviews, surveys, gather and analyse data, and generate meaningful insights. Experience in qualitative research methods is desirable.
  • Technical knowledge: Familiarity with materials and sustainability practices relevant to materials would be desirable. Knowledge of design software and presentation tools may also be beneficial.
  • Creativity and design expertise: The ideal candidate should have a passion for design innovation, with a demonstrated ability to think creatively. Strong materials understanding, aesthetic sensibilities and an understanding of experience design are desirable.
  • Communication and collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for presenting research findings, writing academic papers, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. The ability to work effectively with industry professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders is highly valued.
  • Motivation and independence: The student should exhibit self-motivation, curiosity, and the ability to work independently. Demonstrating initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage time effectively are important qualities for successful completion of the PhD program.

Scholarships

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Keywords

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.