Product Innovation
New technologies, environmental concerns and changing socio-economic conditions have emerged as key contextual drivers behind the majority of new product innovation in the early stages of the 21st century. Interdisciplinary research teams capable of crossing boundaries and owning new territories form the basis of the Faculty of Designs response to such challenges. The faculty engages in product innovation linked to cultural diversity, an ageing population, children, design for the workplace and sustainability. The product innovation research cluster has pioneered the use of design as a key component in the development of sustainable new materials, production technologies and systems; all of which expand the boundaries of the design profession and assist the faculty in repositioning the value of design research. One of our key research projects is listed below.
The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Wood Innovation.
To develop and commercilalise revolutionary technologies as well as extend relevant research that establishes wood as the sustainable material of choice.
The faculty also engages in product innovation linked to cultural diversity, an ageing population, children, design for the workplace and sustainability.
Designers are collaborating with CSIRO scientists, Melbourne University, the Government and numerous industry partners in a 7 year long research project linked to positioning timber as the sustainable material of first choice for the furniture and construction industry sectors.
CRC objectives include:
- To produce innovative, engineered wood products that are competitive in the international marketplace through the development of microwave modified, resin impregnated wood.
- To investigate innovative uses for microwave modified wood in the production of furniture, joinery, flooring and windows.
- To produce new, high strength, dimensionally stable, durable products suitable for high-value uses in internationally competitive furniture, and building construction markets.
- Develop innovative techniques for the manufacture of bent wood components.
- Develop optimal long-term performance criteria for wood products through the simulation of environmental conditions.
- Develop high efficiency production lines and in built control systems for the manufacture of high value wood products.
- Develop and apply innovative surface engineering solutions in order to enhance adhesion of surface coatings.
- To provide national leadership in research, innovation and education.
Research Students associated with the CRC
Lucy Allnutt, PhD candidate
Blair Kuys, PhD candidate
Christine, Thong PhD candidate
Jennifer Lee, PhD candidate
Michelle Hymes, Masters by Research candidate
Research Staff
Professor Lyndon Anderson
Professor Helmut Leuckenhausen
Lotars Ginters
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