Linda Nhu Laursen

Research profile

Linda Nhu Laursen is Associate Professor and Head of Research at AAU Design Lab at the Faculty of Industrial Design at Aalborg University, Denmark. Her research focus is to understand how design and innovation can enable the sustainable transformation of the environment and society.

RESEARCH LEADERSHIP

At Aalborg University, Linda is appointed Head of Research at the AAU Design Lab, where she sets the scientific direction for 15 design researchers. In the AAU Design Lab she drives interdisciplinary research on responsible design, how to create products that will solve long-term problems for the planet. The aim is to experiment with concepts, design methods and new systemic approaches to sustainable design, and production.

Experienced in project leadership and fundraising, both nationally and internationally. Has to date led research project (PI) amounting to 30+ mill DKKr across research institutions, private funding, and organisations. Has wide experience in leading and managing research and innovation projects, both nationally and internationally, acting both as principal investigator, co-investigator, and work-package leader.

SCIENTIFIC FOCUS AREA

A major part of her research has been within design with particular emphasis on how to create products that will solve long-term problems for the planet. The research tackles design at every step of the value chain, from circular design and consumption, the design of long-lasting products, repairability and design based on waste materials. All research projects have an interdisciplinary character, combining design, innovation, engineering, materials, philosophy etc. The aim is to experiment at the frontier with concepts, methods and new systemic approaches to sustainable design.

Publishes in international top-ranked peer-reviewed scientific journal focusing on design, sustainability, and innovation such as Design Studies, Journal of Cleaner Production, Industrial Marketing Management, MIT Design Issues, Journal of Business Research by internationally acknowledged publishers (MIT, Elsevier, Emerald, Routledge, SAGE). Linda has received AAU recognition for reaching public impact with her research and education dissemination through media.

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