How can we train the Industrial Design Engineers of the future to co-create with AI?

The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials at the School of Engineering of the University of Navarra (Tecnun) is seeking a candidate to work within a research project in which they will undertake a doctoral thesis with the objectives described below.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have recently broken through-into mainstream consciousness with tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL·E 3 among others.

Industrial design is the process of creating and developing new products, including their form, function, and aesthetics. The field of industrial design is constantly evolving, and new technologies are continually being developed to aid in the design process. AI tools, with their ability to analyze data and generate new ideas, have the potential to revolutionize the way products are designed.

Recent advances in AI have led to the development of new tools that can be used in the design process, such as generative design, which uses algorithms to generate new design options based on specific criteria, and computer-aided design, which uses AI to assist in the creation and manipulation of 3D models. These tools can aid in inspiration, ideation, and other stages in product development, making the design process faster and more efficient.

The objectives of this thesis will be the following:

• How artificial intelligence influences industrial design? What is the right methodology to help an industrial designer using IA? How is the arrival of new methodologies affecting the academic world?


• To provide a detailed overview of the landscape of AI tools and their potential use in industrial design and product development. This will include an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of current AI tools and how they can be integrated into the design process to aid in inspiration, ideation, and other stages in product development.


• To identify the courses in the curriculum of our Degree of Industrial Design and Product Development Engineering that could be suitable to integrate and teach some of these tools to our future students.


• To develop the contents (toolkits, practices, workshops, etc.) that will allow the integration of AI basic knowledge and tools following a project-based learning model. To test and evaluate these contents with students before implementing it.

• Master's Degree in Engineering/Architecture/Design accredited by ANECA (National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation), preferably in Industrial Design. It must have been obtained as of 2018.


• Good level of English and Spanish


• Knowledge of typical industrial design software tools (3D modeling, rendering, etc.)


• Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and AI-based tools applicable to the field of Industrial Design.


• Initiative and autonomy


• Availability to travel to conferences and congresses.

Offered:

• One year contract (extendable for 3 more years)

• Good work environment and teamwork.