Loughborough University has a rich research base and world-class facilities that have been immensely helpful to me, and I am confident others will find them equally valuable.
The Doctoral College research support is comprehensive, providing the resources and guidance necessary for both academic and personal development. Additionally, the University is situated in a tranquil town, offering an ideal environment for research. Its central location in the Midlands also makes it convenient for travelling north or south when taking a break from research.
As part of my PhD, I have received valuable academic support, including opportunities to showcase my research and training sessions organised by the Doctoral College which has significantly enhanced my learning and development.
My PhD research explores the nudging dynamics for enhanced human-technology interaction in work environments. The goal is to empower individuals to make decisions that improve both their performance and safety, without feeling controlled or restricted to create safer and more productive manufacturing environments.
With today’s technology, it is feasible to dynamically generate highly personalised nudges, using information on the person receiving the nudge, such as their intention and the situation they are in.*
Nudging involves subtly influencing people's decisions without restricting their freedom of choice. This can be achieved by changing how information is presented, designing inclusive human-machine interaction interfaces or by creating tools that intuitively guide users toward safer and more efficient work practices.
My research is highly relevant to the field of manufacturing, as safety and productivity are critical factors that directly influence operational efficiency and employee well-being. Specifically, my work aligns with the broader trend toward more intelligent and adaptive manufacturing systems that prioritise the needs of workers by adopting an inclusive, people-led approach.
My advice to anyone considering a PhD is that Loughborough University provides access to a rich research environment, along with outstanding resources and state-of-the-art equipment that will significantly support and enhance your research journey.
*Sandor Dalecke and Randi Karlsen (2020) - Designing Dynamic and Personalised Nudges.(WIMS 2020). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 139–148.