The Development of Data Driven Design for Wheelchair Seats

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Project details:The Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR) at the University of West of England (UWE) invites applications for a three-year full-time Doctoral studentship, fully funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), to undertake research into data-driven design and fabrication of low-cost, patient specific wheelchair seating for the use in developing countries.The project will develop and test data-driven design and fabrication methods for patient-specific wheelchair seating for developing countries. The research would be undertaken in collaboration with Bristol based wheelchair manufacturer Motivation, which is a charity with over 25 years' experience in providing wheelchairs for developing countries.The project will focus on the development of new methods for accessible, affordable and non-invasive methods for patient data gathering to drive digital-assisted fabrication of bespoke wheelchair seating that will offer improved comfort, stability and support. The project will build on UWE's Product Design Course experience in human-centred design as well as CFPR's extensive expertise in digital design and fabrication, in particular seeking to utilise digitally driven upholstery foam shaping methods and also 3D printing with elastomers. The project would also draw on occupational and physiotherapy input from UWEs Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences. External partners collaborating on the project include the wheelchair charity Motivation and Bristol Composites Institute, part of the University of Bristol's Faculty of Engineering, with specialist expertise in lightweight structural and functional materials. This studentship is due to commence in October 2018. CFPR has a strong track record in successful PhD completions and our doctoral programme provides a thriving intellectual community, with students from around the world researching into aspects of multi-disciplinary print. We expect research students to take a full and active role in the Research Centre including taking part in regular workshops, conferences and seminars. The Centre for Fine Print Research has extensive digital fabrication equipment including a 6 axis robotic arm. Experience of relevant technologies and software will be an advantage. Applicants will be expected to attend an interview and demonstrate:- Imaginative and viable preliminary ideas for research into this subject area.- An appreciation of the nature of PhD study and of both independent and collaborative research.- Clear motivation for undertaking PhD study in Bristol in this subject area. - Evidence that you have, or can develop, the skills required to start the proposed research