Design Engineering PhD Scholarship 15

Future Centred Design Psychology

Abstract
‘Future-Centred Design Psychology’ explores how design and psychology can be combined to anticipate and shape future human behaviours. As technologies increasingly influence wellbeing, there is an urgent need for tools that integrate psychological insight with foresight methods in design. This interdisciplinary PhD will develop and validate a systematic framework for anticipating behavioural outcomes, strengthening design processes, and reducing the risks of short-sighted innovation. Steeped in psychological science and using a design science approach, the work will combine qualitative and quantitative methods across real-world contexts to create adaptable, evidence-based tools that support responsible, human-centred, and future-oriented design practice.

How to Apply 
Please contact Dr Nejra van Zalk and Dr Leila Sheldrick 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.