Design 4.0: a research into strategies for designers in the 4th industrial revolution

The development of Industry 4.0, as well as the first three industrial revolutions, is seen as a disruptive process. This causes that everyone who is involved in the production process, including designers, must redefine their own role within this processes. In addition, the Industry 4.0 concept is very broad, making it often difficult for those involved to envision the future possibilities and the possible changes to the production process. Designers can apply various methods of future exploration in their practice to visualize and discuss future visions. Within the doctoral project, the research will be focused on how the transformation of the manufacturing industry to an Industry 4.0 model redefines the practice of the product designer and what methodologies he can develop, starting from existing methodologies for future exploration, in order to create relevant designs together with manufacturing companies within this new industrial context.