Duncan Brooks

I have been working in the design profession for over 35 years. I worked full time in the global automotive industry for fifteen years before coming into higher education.

I have worked with, managed and consulted design research and development groups in American and Europe. As a design consultant I have advised the Ministry of Defence, NATO, Nestle’ Switzerland, FIAT, SICAM Turin, AHMNE Sweden, GSPK UK, Camborne group UK, KAB Europe, Sheffield University Dental School, Mercedes Benz, MAN, Volvo, Saab, HM Coastguard, RNLI, BBC- Designs on Britain contributor- design of the Hemi Tec truck for Motor Panels Coventry UK. The overall context of this experience relates to the process of innovation, invention and product design development leading to high volume production in the areas of automobile, truck and tractor design and production.

My research and development work in the automobile engineering industry concerns the design of user- product innovations particularly in the field of postural ergonomics and the driver-operator interface. My designs for OEM’s-original equipment manufacturers- supplying the automobile, truck and tractor markets can be seen in Volvo, Ford, FIAT, Ferrari, SAAB, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, MoD Navel, Air and Army transports, HM Coastguard and the RNLI. My design approach stems from a user-centred participatory standpoint and is currently concerned with the area of interactive user-centred sensory environments.

Research interests include human factors user centred design, design for industrial production.