PhD Advancing consumer acceptance of additive manufacturing technologies for repair & refurbishment

The PhD candidate will investigate motivators and barriers in consumer acceptance of 3D printing for repair and refurbishment practices and develop and test interventions to increase adoption.

PhD Opportunity: Advancing Consumer Acceptance of Additive Manufacturing Technologies for Repair & Refurbishment

The research group of Responsible Marketing and Consumer Behaviour at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) is seeking a PhD candidate to conduct research on the transition to a Circular Economy by increasing consumer adoption of repair and refurbishment practices with the aid of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies (e.g., 3D printing).

The Responsible Marketing and Consumer Research group focuses on theories and models from marketing and consumer research that contribute to successful new product development (NPD). The group has extensive experience in teaching and conducting high-quality research on consumer behaviour in NPD, consumers' perceptions of new product designs, and improving the acceptance of new sustainable alternatives. By enhancing knowledge in these areas, we aim to help designers create more successful and sustainable products and services.

A Circular Economy requires changes in consumer behaviour, such as adopting repair practices and purchasing refurbished products. However, consumers face barriers to adopting such circular behaviours. For repair, challenges include time, effort, lack of knowledge, high costs, availability of spare parts, and perceived low product value. Repair and refurbishment are also met with scepticism, as consumers often associate them with lower quality and wear. As a result, repair is rarely considered, and refurbishment occupies a small share of the consumer market.

This PhD project will explore how AM can increase consumer adoption of repair and refurbishment, as AM offers unique opportunities for customization, fast and cost-effective repairs, and enhanced product value. However, consumer perceptions of AM in repair and refurbishment contexts remain unclear, as does their likelihood of adopting these solutions based on product design integration. Accordingly, this PhD project aims to answer the following research questions:

• What motivators and barriers do consumers experience regarding AM-based repair and remanufacturing?
• Which design strategies will increase consumer adoption of AM-based repair and remanufacturing?

To answer these research questions, a mixed-method approach is expected, including both consumer research (qualitative and quantitative) and Research-through-Design (RtD).

This PhD project is part of a larger, NWO-funded project on Additive Manufacturing in repair and remanufacturing (ADD-ReAM), which includes 15 PhDs focusing on various aspects such as technical design, logistics, sustainability assessment, consumer behaviour, and more.

Job Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Marketing/Consumer Behaviour, Psychology, or a related field.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills with an aptitude for research and critical thinking.
• Excellent methodological skills, preferably in both qualitative (e.g., interviews) and quantitative research methods (e.g., surveys and experiments).
• Very good command of English (reading, writing, and speaking). Understanding of Dutch is considered a plus, but not critical.
• A proactive, flexible, and collaborative personality, motivated to engage with different partners involved in the project such as UTwente, TU Eindhoven, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Stichting Repair Cafes, Signify, Techniek Nederland, and others.

The starting date is planned for January 2026.

About TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering, and design. It delivers world-class results in education, research, and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health, and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering

Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations, and society to create products, services, and systems with purpose. IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability, and health, as well as in the development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in our inspiring hall, labs, and studios. In close cooperation with industry, the public sector, and NGOs, we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of two employment contracts: an initial 1.5-year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School, which provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff, and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related, and research skills. TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional Information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof.dr.ir. Ruth Mugge at r.mugge@tudelft.nl or Dr. Giulia Granato at g.granato@tudelft.nl.