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Universidad EAFIT
Carrera 49 # 7 sur -50 Medellín Antioquia Colombia
Carrera 12 # 96-23, oficina 304 Bogotá Cundinamarca Colombia
(57)(4) 2619500 contacto@eafit.edu.co
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​Scientific obje​​ctives
and Research Areas​​​​

 

Over the years, a broad range of research topics have been addressed. Such fields cover areas that mainly combines "Industrial Design" and "Mechanical Engineering". The research group is convinced that scientific progress may be achieved through innovative applied-problems solutions. That is why the GRID have a set of "Scientific Objectives", implemented in a set of relevant "Application Areas"

 

​​​​​​​​​​In the above mentioned areas, the GRID's research lines​​​​ are:Nuevo canal.jpg

 
 

​Product Design Engineering:

This research line focuses on the design and development of innovative products, considering technical and functional aspects. In addition to ensuring product quality and safety, it emphasizes sustainability by analyzing the product lifecycle and its environmental impact. It involves modeling and simulation to analyze and optimize product performance, as well as the use of advanced materials and manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), to bring designs to reality. Furthermore, it aims to create smart products by integrating sensors, actuators, and connectivity systems, enabling products to collect data, adapt to different conditions, and provide advanced functionalities. Areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), convergent technologies, and Industry 4.0 are explored to develop intelligent products that enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

Methodologies for Product Design and Development:

This research line focuses on the application of various methodologies and approaches to improve the product design and development process. It includes techniques such as Design Thinking, design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA), CMF (Color, Material, Finishing), and the integration of artificial intelligence in the design process. The objective is to streamline the design process, improve efficiency and product quality, and optimize the user experience.

Usability and Human Factors in Product Design:

This research line studies how products adapt to the needs, capabilities, and preferences of users. The group investigates design ergonomics, ensuring that products interact effectively with users and are satisfying to use. It also incorporates virtual and augmented reality to enhance product visualization and testing, focusing on human interaction during the design process. This includes understanding user needs, expectations, and behaviors in their context of use. Usability studies and user testing can be conducted to gather feedback and iteratively improve designs.

Affectivity, Form, and Cultural Context in Product Design:

This research line explores how emotions, forms, and cultural contexts influence product design and perception. Its primary goal is to enhance the user experience, ensure better acceptance and adoption, and integrate products seamlessly into specific cultural contexts and markets. By addressing real needs and creating a positive impact on users' lives, this line is open to any type of product and market. It employs diverse methods and technologies and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with fields such as psychology, anthropology, and the arts. With a global and comparative focus, it incorporates environmental and social sustainability, ensuring products align with user expectations and contexts. Success is measured through indicators of result adoption by companies that implement product design and development processes.

Design and Innovation Management:

This area focuses on efficiently managing the product design process. It includes planning, coordination, and monitoring of design projects to ensure objectives are met within established deadlines and budgets. This involves resource management, quality control, and the implementation of methodologies to ensure effectiveness and success in creating new products. Product design management establishes policies and objectives that promote sustainable innovation and corporate social responsibility, positioning design as a strategic capability. It includes integrating sustainability criteria into decision-making, supplier evaluation, and collaboration with stakeholders across the value chain. Additionally, it ensures that developed products align with market trends and customer needs through market analyses and feasibility studies to identify opportunities for new products and enhance company competitiveness.

Education in Product Design Engineering:

This research line focuses on improving pedagogy at all educational levels, developing new teaching methodologies, and exploring different approaches to teaching product design. It aims to integrate emerging technologies to support and enrich the teaching and learning process while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with fields such as education, psychology, and educational technology. The success of this line is measured through indicators from implementation projects, ensuring continuous improvement in cultivating creativity, technical skills, and critical thinking among students in product design engineering.​​



Work Areas - Grid