BURA Community:http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/86412026-06-13T23:52:16Z2026-06-13T23:52:16ZCollaborative design processes: Developing adaptive processes for OBM firms and design agencies across varying levels of design maturityChoo, Young Eunhttp://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/334282026-06-13T17:00:46Z2025-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Collaborative design processes: Developing adaptive processes for OBM firms and design agencies across varying levels of design maturity
Authors: Choo, Young Eun
Abstract: This study investigates how collaborative design processes can be developed to enhance cooperation between OBM (Original Brand Manufacturing) firms and design agencies operating at different levels of design maturity. The central aim is to develop collaborative design processes (CDPs) that foster mutual understanding, strengthens inter-organisational integration, and supports design-led innovation and competitiveness.
Focusing on South Korean OBM firms transitioning from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) models, the research examines how design collaboration operates in practice within industrial contexts characterised by engineering-dominant structures and hierarchical cultures. Through ten qualitative case studies in consumer electronics, robotics, and industrial appliances, the study examines how OBM firms and design agencies interact, negotiate, and co-develop design solutions across differing organisational and cultural settings.
A qualitative multi-case study methodology was adopted, incorporating semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and comparative analysis of collaboration structures. The theoretical framework integrates the Danish Design Ladder (DDL) with an empirically grounded Collaborative Design Process (CDP) model, revealing how varying levels of design maturity shape collaboration dynamics, decision-making, and innovation outcomes.
Findings indicate that most OBM firms remain at early design maturity stages (1–2), where collaboration is transactional and output-oriented. A few firms display Stage 3 characteristics (Design as Process), showing emergent integrative practices, while Stage 4 (Design as Strategy) remains largely unattained. Persistent barriers include engineering-dominant hierarchies, fragmented communication, and insufficient design leadership.
The study contributes by proposing collaborative design processes that align design agencies’ methodologies with the evolving maturity of OBM firms. Theoretically, it positions design as a collaborative and dynamic organisational capability. Practically, it provides actionable insights for managers and designers to embed structured collaboration, bridge internal–external expertise and advance towards design-led innovation systems.
Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London2025-01-01T00:00:00ZA framework for effective design thinking based smart cities projects in QatarAlAli, Danahttp://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/334112026-06-11T16:32:09Z2025-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: A framework for effective design thinking based smart cities projects in Qatar
Authors: AlAli, Dana
Abstract: As cities continue to grow and digital technologies reshape urban life, the concept of smart cities (S-Cits) has gained global momentum. In Qatar, this transformation brings unique challenges—especially around citizen engagement, data privacy, and governance. The aim of this thesis was to develop a design thinking-based framework tailored to the Qatari context, to support the effective design and implementation of smart city initiatives that are inclusive, secure, and sustainable.
The thesis adopted a mixed-method approach, triangulating data from quantitative analysis of two surveys exploring S-Cit elements, with t-test and correlation analysis of data privacy and security issues, and in-depth qualitative analysis of interviews with expert stakeholders on various S-Cit factors. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS (v. 30). The first survey involved 40 Qatari citizens and focused on the readiness to engage with smart city concepts across six domains: economy, governance, people, mobility, environment, and living. The second survey involved 120 citizens and 35 experts and focused on their perceptions of data privacy, cybersecurity, and their impact on adoption. The quantitative research is supported by 12 semi-structured interviews with senior managers and stakeholders in Qatar’s smart city initiatives. Case studies of Lusail Smart City and Msheireb added further contextual depth.
The findings show that while most citizens see clear benefits to smart technologies, the majority expressed concern about data misuse and transparency. A significant correlation was found between trust in data governance and willingness to adopt smart services. The interviews highlighted key obstacles, including fragmented policy, limited public engagement, and weak cybersecurity frameworks. Based on these insights, a design thinking framework was developed based on the theme of empathy, collaboration, iterative design, and long-term sustainability. The framework offers practical guidance for governments, urban planners, and developers to build smart cities that truly meet the needs of their communities—both in Qatar and in similar global contexts. This thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on S-Cits by offering both a theoretical and practical model for context-sensitive smart city development.
Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London2025-01-01T00:00:00ZActing on the Edge: Developing Mixed Reality Heritage Performance through Real-Time 3D and Virtual Production TechnologiesDima, MDaylamani-Zad, DLympouridis, Vhttp://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/333532026-06-03T02:00:20Z2026-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Acting on the Edge: Developing Mixed Reality Heritage Performance through Real-Time 3D and Virtual Production Technologies
Authors: Dima, M; Daylamani-Zad, D; Lympouridis, V
Abstract: ...
Description: ...2026-01-01T00:00:00ZInvisible minorities: A co-design framework to improve social care services for older immigrant people in the UKBalezdrova, Nevenahttp://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/333422026-05-27T02:00:44Z2026-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Invisible minorities: A co-design framework to improve social care services for older immigrant people in the UK
Authors: Balezdrova, Nevena
Abstract: Participatory design practice has existed since the 1970s in various forms. Diving into a trend that has picked up traction in recent years, this study aims to explore the guiding principles of ‘co’ terms and the applicability of co-design in public service development. This is done by observing the context of social care service development in the UK and specifically looking at the experience of social care services for older immigrant people, an often overlooked and marginalised group. Research shows that conventional care for older immigrant people across the UK remains inaccessible. Cultural and system barriers impact self-confidence and personal agency. Often evading dealing with the state, this user group rely heavily on word of mouth and informal family care. Through a review of literature and expert interviews, the study aims to shed light on the service experience of non-native peoples and uncover some of the service and system challenges that impact their lives.
As explored through the review of literature, findings show an overall lack of co-design practice in social care service development within local government. These concepts have been further discussed in research and investigated through expert interviews that were conducted during the earlier stages of this study. A comparative case study approach explores other global public service systems to help form an understanding of the way social care service systems are structured, provision for older immigrant people and the relationship between different stakeholders. The larger part of the research aims to build an understanding of how co-design principles can impact the social care service development in the UK as a way of tackling representation and social isolation, considering how co-design can help enhance social care services for older immigrant people and meaningfully engage people into the wider community. The study examines how co-design can help strengthen the citizen-state relationship and cultivate community engagement.
The empirical outcomes of this research have been translated into a co-design framework and guidelines for the use in a local government setting. The framework aims to work on four main principles: understanding people, building trust, creating local partnerships, ensuring on-going feedback and monitoring. The co-design framework builds on previous work that has highlighted the need for research that supports vulnerable groups in engaging with the co-design process in the public sector, by identifying the differences with existing user involvement processes.
Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London2026-01-01T00:00:00Z