IDC School of Design invites candidates to apply for PhD in the following core domains­: Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interaction Design, Animation and Film, Mobility and Vehicle Design, Human Factors and Ergonomics. Besides these core domains, the PhD programme fosters an open interdisciplinary approach involving the disciplines such as engineering, social sciences, media and education.

Before applying, the candidates are strongly suggested to refer to the list below, to know about the research areas of the faculty members and the research topics that are suggested for this intake.  

Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact and discuss their research interests with individual faculty members of IDC School of Design before applying, to gain a better understanding of the current research focus. Candidates are also encouraged to work with the faculty member, for a few months, and develop their research areas before the application.

PhD research areas for the 2023 Autumn Semester applications :

1. Biomimetics
2. Cinema
3. Cognitive & Physical Ergonomics
4. Comics Studies
5. Data Visualization
6. Design for Craft
7. Design for Health
8. Design Forecasting / Design for Future
9. Design Theory
10. Game Design
11. Human-Computer Interaction
12. Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems
13. Human-Machine Interaction / HumanAutomation Interaction
14. Immersive Media Design (VR/AR/XR)
15. Information Design
16. Design Innovation and Entrepreneurship
17. Instruction Design
18. Interaction Design
19. Mobility Design / Future Mobility / Vehicle Form & Aesthetics
20. Sustainable Design
21. Systems Thinking and Design
22. Typography / Calligraphy / Type Design
23. Visual Language & Storytelling

Below are a few specific PhD topics suggested for the 2023 Autumn Semester applications :