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A Case Study of University–Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Furniture Design

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  • Jo Kuys

    (Centre for Design Innovation, School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia)

  • Abdullah Al Mahmud

    (Centre for Design Innovation, School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia)

  • Blair Kuys

    (Centre for Design Innovation, School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia)

Abstract

This paper describes the importance of including a Human-Centred Design (HCD) approach for successful university–industry collaboration. We detail user surveys and user evaluation techniques to engage end-users for the rejuvenation of manufacturing industries through sustainable product development. There are numerous studies describing the importance of university–industry collaboration; however, very few portray the detailed working relationships necessary to fulfil both the university and the industry agenda. This paper explores a joint project between a prominent Melbourne-based university and a government organisation from Malaysia. The intention was to innovate a range of furniture for Malaysian dormitories to stimulate the local manufacturing sector and provide high-value product applications for Malaysia’s abundant timber sector. By detailing a HCD approach, we reveal how to better direct the design outcomes to accurately reflect the research intent. This is detailed through a case study showing how the research data was translated into final product concepts influenced by end-users and collaboration with the industry stakeholders. The resulting products are a range of sustainable, modular dormitory furniture with a direct route to market. Finally, we provide the lessons learned and suggestions for developing sustainable products through university–industry collaboration.

Suggested Citation

  • Jo Kuys & Abdullah Al Mahmud & Blair Kuys, 2021. "A Case Study of University–Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Furniture Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:19:p:10915-:d:647731
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Birgit Hoinle & Ilka Roose & Himanshu Shekhar, 2021. "Creating Transdisciplinary Teaching Spaces. Cooperation of Universities and Non-University Partners to Design Higher Education for Regional Sustainable Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Steinmo, Marianne & Rasmussen, Einar, 2018. "The interplay of cognitive and relational social capital dimensions in university-industry collaboration: Overcoming the experience barrier," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(10), pages 1964-1974.
    3. Marina P. P. Pieroni & Tim C. McAloone & Daniela C. A. Pigosso, 2019. "Configuring New Business Models for Circular Economy through Product–Service Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-22, July.
    4. Marica Barbaritano & Elisabetta Savelli, 2021. "How Consumer Environmental Responsibility Affects the Purchasing Intention of Design Furniture Products," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-18, May.
    5. Garrette Clark & Justin Kosoris & Long Nguyen Hong & Marcel Crul, 2009. "Design for Sustainability: Current Trends in Sustainable Product Design and Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 1(3), pages 1-16, August.
    6. Thomas Wastling & Fiona Charnley & Mariale Moreno, 2018. "Design for Circular Behaviour: Considering Users in a Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-22, May.
    7. N. A. Ankrah & D. A. Langford, 2005. "Architects and contractors: a comparative study of organizational cultures," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(6), pages 595-607.
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    Cited by:

    1. Emilio Rossi & Erminia Attaianese, 2023. "Research Synergies between Sustainability and Human-Centered Design: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-19, August.
    2. Chuloh Jung & Nahla Al Qassimi, 2022. "Investigating the Emission of Hazardous Chemical Substances from Mashrabiya Used for Indoor Air Quality in Hot Desert Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-16, February.

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