Engineering a better world - bridging the gap between engineering and humanities

My research aims to create a product design framework rooted in humanity-centred design principles. The focus of my study is on service robots, specifically non-humanoid domestic robots, with an intention to refine and narrow this area of exploration further.
In light of advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative technologies, such as advanced materials, which hold transformative potential for mechanical engineering - particularly in the area of service robots - my research will investigate how to achieve a sustainable balance between the urgency of implementing these technologies and the integration of core human values into the early stages of product design.
I aim to explore and uncover a set of design principles that enable service robots to remain sustainable, inclusive, secure, and have a long-term societal benefit. My goal is to uncover a set of appropriate design principles, and propose a product design framework that prioritise future-oriented humanity needs.
I believe we face a critical opportunity, being in a position to "build it right" from the outset, rather than retrofitting ethical and humane principles after issues arise, as seen in other sectors, where rapid development has led to unsustainable practices, social inequalities, privacy concerns.

The anticipated outcome of this thesis is to build a body of knowledge, and a humanity-centred design framework that can be applied to carry out research, ideation, design, and inform prototype and development of products. The expected use of this new framework is to enable product design professionals, to apply culturally sensitive and socially sustainable practices in co-creating solutions, and focus on creating remarkable user experiences.
This research will draw on both quantitative and qualitative data, employing a mixed method data analysis approach. The proposed research plan, presented to my supervisory team, refers to primary and secondary data collection, and...