The Project:

We live in a world drowning in objects. Never before have we wanted, consumed and wasted so much. Over 40 tonnes of waste are produced for each tonne of electronic products made, and users discard 98 per cent of these within just 6 months of purchase. Employing hazardous substances and energy-intensive processes, the waste this system generates is highly problematic.

In the context of lighting design, there is a fast growing focus on the circular economy – an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in which we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life. With this, comes a seismic shift in thinking, from the design and delivery of short-life products, to that of longer-lasting material experiences and services.

Working across disciplinary borders – but with design at the core – the researcher will develop frameworks, systems, methods and tools to assist the formation of emotionally durable product service systems (PSS). This shift in focus, from selling products to selling services, aims to take the sector closer to closing materials loops through developing clear and systematised processes of product design, production, delivery and take back.

The following questions will form the core of this investigation:

• How have recent PSS insights shaped business models for the circular economy?
• How can consumers be effectively redirected from a culture of ownership to one of usership in the context of lighting?
• What are the social, economic and environmental incentives for businesses to shift from selling products, to selling services?

Philips will employ the models generated through this research to directly inform the development of new PSS solutions and initiatives, leading to immediate social, economic and ecological impact. In the spirit of open innovation, selected results will also be made available online to leading global professional and non-profit networks.

The researcher will undertake two, three-month research placements at Philips Research (Eindhoven), where further archival research and a number of interviews will be carried out with key designers, developers and scientists concerned with the development of high value luminaires. There will be the opportunity to work alongside researchers, developers, and entrepreneurs who work closely together at Philips Research, across a broad range of fields making it an extraordinary setting for this doctoral research study.

Project supervisors

Lead: Prof Jonathan Chapman
Second: Prof Peter Lloyd
Supervisors from Philips: Dr Jon Mason and Dr Dzmitry Aliakseyeu

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a masters degree, in a relevant subject.

Applicants are also required to submit a 1,000-word research proposal.

Funding

The studentship includes maintenance and fees for three years for a full time home student (please note that. EU students are eligible for tuition fees but not maintenance. Unfortunately, overseas students are not eligible for this studentship). 

For UK students, a stipend at the RCUK rate will be paid for three years. The stipend for 2015/2016 is £14,057 per year. For further details, please see the RCUK website.

Deadline for applications: 20 March 2015, 4pm

+44 (0)1273 761148
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