Industrial Design

Saxion’s Industrial Design research group explores ways to design products, services and tools responsibly. This research involves finding solutions which benefit society, people and the environment. We do this by integrating knowledge about new technologies, materials and applications with the user’s needs and values.

The world is constantly changing, giving rise to new social and personal questions. At the same time, a great variety of new technologies are becoming accessible. How does one use this to design meaningful and socially relevant products?

With our team of researchers, designers and teachers, we work together with companies and students from various disciplines on practice-oriented research. In this way we create relevant applicable knowledge, sustainable solutions and smart designs.

Pioneering user-centered solutions through different ways of thinking and new technologies.

Human centered design

We explore ways to responsibly design products and services, focussing on the user’s needs. Our starting point is a social problem. We use appropriate design methods to provide us with an overall view of our users and to provide the users with information about topics they find important. Together with the user, we create designs which contribute to their wellbeing.

Materials and technologies in design

We explore how to responsibly design from, with or for new technology, specific materials or specific applications. Our starting point is an interest, need or problem experienced by a company or public service. We focus on integrating materials, technology and application. To achieve our aims, we make use of applied design research, design thinking, a selection method or sustainable design.

Prototyping in FabLab

In our high-tech public workplace, everyone is challenged to make things themselves using various computer-controlled prototyping machines such as 3D printers, laser cutters, 3D scanners, textile machines etc. Students are encouraged to openly share their designs and ideas. The focus is mainly on ‘doing it yourself.’ We can help you and offer support through holding open office hours workshops or offering specific courses for realising your project.

3D metal printing lab

Saxion is the first university of applied sciences to have a 3D metal printer as the connecting technology between research and education.

3D concrete printing lab

Within this lab, research group Industrial Design, together with regional partners, is developing a 3D concrete printer and various innovative applications.

Surface Lab

In the Surface Lab you can work with various techniques to apply a functional surface to your own product or prototype.

Observation and Design thinking lab

Facilities for conducting user research are available in the observation studio of research group Industrial Design. There are various cameras, recording equipment, beamer and mobile white board.