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.
For example, by integrating knowledge about innovative technologies, materials and applications with the users’ needs and values.
Our areas of expertise
Design for healthcare
The healthcare system is facing many challenges. As designers, we can address these challenges creatively by integrating innovative technology with users' needs.
Sustainable design
Sustainable Design helps the product designer by using circular design methods and making environmental impacts both visible and measurable.
FabLab
Saxion’s FabLab is a high-tech public workplace where anyone can turn their idea into reality using modern digital production tools.
Interested in collaboration or do you have questions?
Please contact us.
dr. ir. Arie Paul van den Beukel
Our focus
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.
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 New Technologies in Design
We explore how to responsibly design from, with or for innovative 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.
New to us was the approach of Saxion University of Applied Sciences. We really enjoyed working together. The result was an interesting industrial design for the storage and care of hairpieces.
How can we collaborate?
Are you interested in collaborating with us on a research project? Or do you have questions about, for example: Sustainable Design; Design Thinking; 3D Printing using Bio-based Materials; Rapid prototyping; Designing for Healthcare etc. Please contact us to discuss the possibilities.
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.
There are several funding schemes for which we can apply. In consultation with SMEs or public institutions, we then write a proposal outlining what we want to research and why it is important. When a grant application is approved, we can conduct applied research. This means that the results can be used directly in daily practice.
In addition to the various funding schemes, we are able to undertake paid research assignments that fall within our areas of expertise.
Let’s find a solution together
CollaborateOur partners
Our researchers
Collaboration between research group, professional field and education
We make responsible design possible through sharing knowledge, methods and tools. We provide guidance and support to businesses and public sector organisations when they need specific expertise, collaboration or methodologies. We also instruct students about responsible design through practical examples.
The research group participates in the following programmes: