Design
Research
Consulting
About
I am an award-winning expert in design for sustainable development and focus on;
Industrial Design, Circular Economy, Inclusive Design, Design Strategy and
Design for 3D Printing.
I have worked extensively around the world specialising in Africa and Indian markets, developing unique approaches to solving real-world problems through qualitative design-led research to improve the lives of all.
Please contact me for information about bespoke consulting services and
workshops/training opportunities to embed a circular economy approach to your organisation.
Recent Projects
I adopt an applied and practical approach to design-led research with a focus on real-world impact and business change
through sustainable development.
Please explore the projects I have led or had significant involvement in,
feel free to get in touch if you would like more information.
Developing Inclusive Design workshops and training resources to promote responsible design and entrepreneurship in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria.
Part of the British Council Innovation for African Universities scheme.
Developing an understanding of issues faced by people with disabilities.
Design and Engineering analysis
of existing products.
Resources developed to support design and entrepreneurship.
Turning plastic bottles into new products for Low-Middle income countries. This project developed a sustainable approach to managing plastic waste and creating local manufacturing hubs.
UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund
User-centred design and rapid
concept development
Testing 3D Prints with users in
Kenya and Rwanda
The Mobile Manufacturing Unit concept developed
Please contact me for more information
Digital Innovation for a Circular Plastic Economy
This research identified and assessed digital solutions and innovations that can support the transition to a Circular Economy. This included the uptake and application of 3D Printing, Blockchain, IoT, and digital applications.
UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund
Technology Review - 3D Printing,
Blockchain, IoT
Understanding the opportunities for
technology to support sustainability
Promotion and development of
policy recommendations - Chatham House
3D Printing is an upcoming frontier technology. But what are the opportunities for 3D Printing in International Development? In this project, we investigated the application of 3D Printing and created a guide for 3D printing in internal development to support key decision-making.
Review of technology and
case studies of 3D Printing
Creation of 3D Printing toolkit
for International Development
Presentation to the UN Innovation
Network about the technology
This project developed a new and improved cookstove for users in Mozambique, where only 4% have access to clean fuels. The design was developed with local manufacturers focusing on sustainable design and quality control so that people would be proud of locally manufactured products.
User-Centred Design review of
Cookstoves
Cookstove re-design with local
manufacturers and template creation
Product launched into the market
increasing the use of clean stoves
Re-thinking uses for local material resources in Kenya, Uganda, Indonesia and Turkey. This project resulted in the creation of 39 diverse product concepts developed through a materials-led industrial design approach to support the supply chain and employment.
Co-design workshop with partners
to understand need
Creation of new product concepts
using sustainable materials
Development of a resource to inspire other
designers and manufacturers
Improving the livelihood of those living on less than $1 a day, through qualitative research and
frontier technology.
Speaking &
Workshops
I am an experienced speaker with the ability to convey complex information in an easy-to-understand format. I have presented my work widely at conferences, panel discussions and design workshops.
I typically speak and run bespoke workshops on:
-
Sustainable Design / Circular Economy
-
Design in an international context
-
Frontier Technology (3D Printing)
-
Industrial Design
-
Business change through Design Thinking
Please contact me to discuss your event.
.
Design Awards
"Timothy demonstrated rich and informed expertise in his field and motivated the participation of wider staff"
Michael P. Pieniazek
Academic Publications
