Linda Nhu Laursen

Research profile

DESIGN, INNOVATION AND CIRCULARITY

Linda Nhu Laursen is Head of Research at the AAU Design Lab and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at Aalborg University. Her main research interests are Design, Circularity, and Innovation. Currently, specific research questions includes: 

• How can designers design for longevity and circularity?
• What constitutes a design expertise?
• How can (inter-firm) innovation be organized?

RESEARCH MANAGEMENT

Linda has extensive experience in research leadership of both national and international, as well as public and private funded research projects. Current research projects include:  the 'Designed to Last' project funded by Spar Nord foundation, the ‘Circular Design’ project, and the ‘Strategic Alliance Project funded by the Danish Industry Foundation.

INDUSTRY RELEVANCE AND COLLAB

Lindas research is characterized by high industry relevance and in close collaboration with industry. This has for example resulted in 2 mill funding by Unilever as well as research projects in LEGO, Heineken, Novozymes, MINI Cooper, B&O etc.

RESEARCH LEADERSHIP

As Head of the Design Lab Linda drives research on how to create products that will solve long-term problems for the planet and that people will use, cherish and love for a long time. She leads experiments with concepts, methods and new systemic approaches to sustainable design, development, materials and production, that can extend products' value.

Teaching profile

DIGITALISATION OF EDUCATION

Leading the digitalisation of industrial design education.

• Book: Designerly Loops https://aauforlag.dk/shop/boeger/designerly-loops.aspx
• Videos: Designerly Loops  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcOfDcdOjmk_Soi0MbSxw-tBu1NyENJD0
• Podcasts: Design Land https://open.spotify.com/show/5HG1FK1yls5dJvzoA9jxhU?si=ceb04b1a10924716
• Instagram: #designerlyloops

CIRCULAR TRANSITION OF EDUCATION

Design to Last (Research Integration)

• Publications e.g.: Design to last? Material selection tools considering aesthetic obsolescence – https://www.proquest.com/docview/2561107685/abstract/71B08A5D94DE478DPQ/1?accountid=8144

RESEARCH DISSEMINATION - PHD COURSE IN DESIGN THINKING

• Publications: The Shortcomings of Design Thinking when Compared to Designerly Thinking - http://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.2019.1652531
• Videos: Design Thinking Course - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcOfDcdOjmk_AfkyU_hJXRSfSqZxCiloY