Sharon’s research interests lie in the area of Ergonomics/Human Factors with particular interest in how design impacts challenged populations.

She has supervised six PhD students to completion – half have been international students including one co-supervision with Aarhus University, Denmark.

• The application and development of inclusive service design in the context of a bus service.
• Accessibility through User-Centred and Inclusive Design Methods.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of current training methods in enhancing the occupational health of younger construction workers.
• Exploring the development and application of creative participatory methods to co-design products for people living with dementia.
• Understanding how a blind or partially sighted runner runs around a 400m running track to improve independent running.
• Development of an Activity-based Service Design Model for improving Older Travellers’ Inclusion in Future Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS).

She is currently supervising a further four students.

• An Exploration of Elderly Patients and Their Carers Experiences of Hospital Care.
• Developing a conflict model to explore Mobility Scooter-related conflict.
• Understanding the enablers that influence retired baby boomer willingness to engage in digital healthcare technology in their independent life.
• Promoting independent living ability and social inclusion of deaf and hearing impaired people through inclusive design of technology.

Please contact Sharon if you would like to discuss PhD opportunities relating to: Inclusive Design, Empathy in Design, Dementia, Ageing and Disability, Diversity and disadvantage.