Design Engineering PhD Scholarship 1

Woven connections: designing smart textiles for social interaction

Abstract
Smart textiles offer novel opportunities to mediate or enhance social connection, but they are often developed as isolated artefacts without considering the settings in which they are used. This project will explore how behaviour setting theory can inform the design of smart textiles to support human connection, whether through subtle cues for weak-tie interactions or immersive experiences for bonding. Successful candidates will investigate the interplay between material affordances, settings, and social practices, developing prototypes that demonstrate how textile-based technologies can foster meaningful connection.

How to Apply 
Please contact Dr Weston Baxter if you are interested in applying for this project. 

For more information on submitting a PhD application, please consult our application pages here. When you submit your application, please cite this project title in the 'how you are planning to fund your PhD' section.   

The deadline for submitting your application is 09 January 2026.