My Expertise
Industrial Design, Inclusive and accessible Design, Universal Design, Design for Old Age, Co-design and Participatory Design methods, Design Research Methods, Design & Emotion, Emapthy, Product Semantics & Design Language.
Keywords
Fields of Research (FoR)
Industrial and product design, Design, Interaction and experience design, Ergonomics design, Design practice and methods, Other built environment and designSEO tags
Biography
I am Professor of Industrial Design at UNSW Sydney, where my research focuses on co-design, inclusive design, design for ageing, and the development of products and environments that support dignity, accessibility, and quality of life. Across my work, I have been guided by a simple belief: design is at its best when it is created with people, not just for them.
My academic and professional journey has been shaped by a longstanding commitment...view more
I am Professor of Industrial Design at UNSW Sydney, where my research focuses on co-design, inclusive design, design for ageing, and the development of products and environments that support dignity, accessibility, and quality of life. Across my work, I have been guided by a simple belief: design is at its best when it is created with people, not just for them.
My academic and professional journey has been shaped by a longstanding commitment to people-centred design. I completed my undergraduate studies in Industrial Design at METU, graduating as the faculty valedictorian, and later pursued two PhDs exploring how older adults can actively contribute to the design of everyday objects and environments. My first doctoral research combined Quality Function Deployment with participatory design to develop structured frameworks for user-informed innovation. My second PhD involved working directly with older adults as co-designers in the development of products such as door handles and seating. Together, these experiences laid the foundation for my approach to design research: careful listening, collaboration, and translating lived experience into design knowledge.
At UNSW, I have held several academic leadership roles, including Associate Dean of Education in the Faculty of Built Environment, Discipline Director of Industrial Design, and Program Director for the Master of Industrial Design and Master of Science (Industrial Design). I also led the design and development of UNSW’s first Built Environment MOOC, Re-Enchanting the City, which reached more than 9,000 participants globally through FutureLearn and was later integrated into the university curriculum.
My research is also informed by lived experience. Since 2008, I have been a caregiver for my husband, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This experience has deepened my understanding of the physical, emotional, and systemic challenges that accompany ageing, care, and neurodegenerative conditions, and it continues to inform my commitment to design that is inclusive, compassionate, and grounded in everyday realities.
More broadly, my work brings together industrial design, design research, and education, with interests spanning product semantics, participatory methods, ageing, care, and wellbeing. Through research, teaching, and collaboration, I aim to contribute to a future in which design is more inclusive, more meaningful, and more responsive to the people whose lives it shapes.
My Grants
Selected grants and funded projects
- Evidence-based applied research and usability testing to inform the design of future CPAP products. ADA Faculty Research Grants Scheme, 2023. Demirbilek, O. $7,004.
- Learning and Teaching Digital Uplift Innovation Grant. UNSW, 2018. Demirbilek, O. $10,000.
- Breville Product Semantics Project. Industry Contract Research, 2018. Demirbilek, O., Mintzes, A., Sunstrum, F. $16,523.
- Breville Product Semantics Project Pilot. Industry Contract Research, 2018. Demirbilek, O., Mintzes, A. $18,002.
- Digital Future Lab: Digital Fabrication for Prototyping in Architecture and Product Design. 2015. Matthias, H., Demirbilek, O., Russell, L., Ward, S., Park, M. et al. $443,929.
- Design and Architecture Practice Research: Contemporary PhD (DAP_r). OLT Innovation and Development Grant, 2015. UNSW representatives: O’Callaghan, J. and Demirbilek, O. $497,000.
- Novel pressure-sensing surface system. UNSW Major Research Equipment and Infrastructure Scheme, 2014. Bridge, C. E., Judd, B., Lowe, R., Demirbilek, O. R., Ward, S., et al. $225,000.
- Digital Fabrication for the Construction Industry to Deliver Digital Architecture in Australia. Major Research Equipment and Infrastructure Initiative, 2013. Haeusler, H., Demirbilek, O., Lowe, R., Ward, S., Park, M. $210,533.
- Livable bathrooms for older people: Designing out dependence in activities of daily living. ARC Linkage Grant with Caroma, 2012. Bridge, C. E., Judd, B., Lowe, R., Demirbilek, O. R., Peng, G., et al. $446,000.
- State-of-the-art three-dimensional scanning and printing equipment for the FBE Design Research Lab. UNSW Major Research Equipment and Infrastructure Scheme, 2009. Demirbilek, O. R., Ward, S., Park, M., Fowkes, A., Lowe, R. $219,500.
- High-tech equipment for the FBE Experimental Design and Research Lab. UNSW Major Research Equipment and Infrastructure Scheme, 2008. Demirbilek, O. R., Máté, K., Carthey, J., Fletcher, G. et al. $150,000.
- The Efficient Use of Dwellings and Land by Older Home Owners. AHURI, 2007. Judd, B., Olsberg, D., Demirbilek, O. R., Quinn, J. $208,887.
My Qualifications
- Graduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching, UNSW Sydney
- PhD in Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Bilkent University
- PhD in Product Design, Marmara University
- Master of Science in Building Sciences, Middle East Technical University (METU)
- Bachelor of Industrial Design, Middle East Technical University (METU)
My Awards
Selected awards and distinctions
- Cité Internationale des Arts Residency, Paris, UNSW/COFA, 2012
- Second place (Runner-up), Young Designer of the Year Award, Sydney Morning Herald, 2000
- Finalist, Designex ’99 Symbol Design Competition, Istanbul, 1999
- Second Prize, Şişecam Decorative Glass Pane Competition, Istanbul, 1998
- Honourable Mention, Şişecam Decorative Glass Pane Competition, Istanbul, 1998
- First Prize, Ministry of Forestry National Emblem Design Competition, Ankara, 1993
My Research Activities
My research spans inclusive design, participatory co-design, product semantics, design research infrastructure, digital fabrication, ageing, and teaching innovation. Across this work, I examine how products, product-service systems, and environments can become more accessible, meaningful, and responsive to the people who use them.
A major strand of my research focuses on participatory and inclusive design. I work directly with users and other stakeholders through co-design methods with particular attention to ageing, accessibility, and wellbeing. This research explores how design can enhance physical comfort, emotional experience, dignity, and independence in everyday life, especially as people’s needs and abilities change over time.
A second strand of my research investigates how people interpret the design language of products and brands. Through work on product semantics, design language, and user perception, I examine how form communicates meaning and how everyday objects generate emotional and cognitive responses.
Underlying both strands is a commitment to making inclusive design a mainstream design practice rather than a specialist concern. My expertise includes design research methods, participatory design, inclusive and accessible design, universal design, product semantics, and design language. I have collaborated with industry partners, including Breville and Caroma, to translate research into practical applications.
Alongside my academic research, I maintain an interest in the relationship between craftsmanship and technology through design practice involving hand-making, digital fabrication, and 3D printing. This practical engagement continues to inform my understanding of form, materiality, and making.
My Research Supervision
Supervision keywords
Areas of supervision
I welcome HDR and research students in the following areas:
- Inclusive design and accessibility
- Design for ageing, care, and wellbeing
- Participatory design and co-design
- Design research methods
- Product semantics and design language
- Design and emotion
Currently supervising
Jie Meng, PhD (2022–present) Friction with New Technologies: Designing Future Daily Products that Make Older People Feel Valued. Primary supervisor, jointly with Demet Dincer
Danielah Martinez, PhD (2020–present) Towards Inclusive Aging: Examining the Impact of Critical Design. Joint supervisor with Katherine Moline as primary supervisor
David Schlosner, PhD (2020–2026, submitted and under review) Enhancing Medical Data’s Potential Through Systematic Product Design. Primary supervisor, jointly with Gonz Portas and Peter Brown
Completions:
Farnaz Fattahi, PhD (2021–2025) Artist/Architect/Activist: Choreographing Scenarios of Collective Interaction. Joint supervisor with Ainslie Murray as primary supervisor
Frederique Sunstrum, PhD (2018–2022) Self-conceptual Perceptions on Design Language Semantics: A Case Study on Kitchen Appliances in a Cultural Context
Primary supervisor, jointly with Nicole Gardner
Peter Sweatman, PhD (2012–2019) Evidence-based Bathroom Product Design: Creative Liveable Bathroom Environments for Older People
Co-supervisor with Catherine Bridges
Farzad Heyrani, Master’s by Research (2017–2021) Assessing Contemporary Art Museums in Australia in terms of Interior Design Circulation and Success in Conveying Messages to Visitors. Primary supervisor, jointly with Bruce Watson
Phillippa Carnemolla, PhD (2012–2015) Enabling Built Environments: Home Modification as a Substitute for Community Care. Co-supervisor with Catherine Bridge
Li Xian, PhD (2008–2013) E-waste and E-product Life Span in China. Primary supervisor, jointly with Miles Park
Catharina Nawangpalupi, PhD (2005–2009) Investigating the Usability and Pleasurability of Sustainable Product-service Systems. Primary supervisor, jointly with Mariano Ramirez
Joanne Quinn, PhD (2003–2013) A Home for All Ages: Design of the Home Environment for an Ageing Australian Population. Main supervisor
Esra Demirel, Master’s by Research (1999–2001) Solutions and Modifications Towards Design Deficiencies of Modular Kitchens in Turkey: Kayseri as a Case Study. Middle East Technical University; joint supervisor with Guner Mutaf
- Supervised 22 Master of Science and Master of Industrial Design by Coursework theses between 2000 and 2005, with 21 completed successfully
- Supervised 90 Industrial Design Honours theses in the Bachelor of Industrial Design (Embedded Honours) program as sole supervisor between 2000 and 2026
My Engagement
My Engagement
I contribute to the design discipline through professional service, invited juries, external academic review, keynote presentations, and media engagement. My work connects inclusive design, ageing, design research, and industrial design practice across academic, professional, and public contexts.
Professional engagement
- Ambassador, Good Design Australia
- Member, COVID-19 Design Taskforce, Good Design Awards
- Member, The Design Society (since 2015)
- Member, IFA International Federation on Ageing (since 2013)
- Member, Design Institute of Australia (since 2012)
- Jury Member, Premier Design Award , 2019
- Invited Jury Member, Australian Design Awards, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2026
- Jury Member, James Dyson Award first-round shortlisting, 2009, 2011
- Invited International Jury Member, Turkey Industrial Design Awards, 2010
- Invited International External Reviewer for Promotion and Tenure, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 2010, 2011, 2017
- Peer Reviewer, Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 2010, 2013
- Member, Industrial Design Educators National Network in Australia (since 2007)
- Invited Advisory Committee Member, ETMK Good Design Award initiative, Turkey, 2006–2007
- External Examiner, Temasek Design School, Singapore, 2007
- Technical Committee Member, International Ergonomics Association, Affective Design Technical Committee, 2006–2010
- ARC expert assessor for Discovery Projects peer review (since 2004)
- Member, Include Network, Royal College of Art, London (since 2004)
- Member, European Academy of Design (since 2001)
- Member, CIB/TG19: Designing for the Ageing Society (since 1998)
I also review for international journals and conferences, including Architectural Science Review, Ergonomics, Applied Ergonomics, International Journal of Design, and METU Journal of Architecture.
Selected public lectures and keynotes
- Keynote speaker, “Designing for Life - Integrating People, Planet, and Possibility”, 10th International Academic Conference on Ecological Design: Integration · Co-Creation, Wuha, 2025
- Keynote speaker, “Inclusive and Participatory Design”, 5th UTAK National Design Research Conference, Ankara, 2022
- UNSW Meet the Professors, “Better Life in Cities for All with Accessible and Inclusive Design”, 2019
- Meeting of the Minds professorial talks, “How Can Industrial Design Contribute to the Design of Better Cities for All?”
- Utzon Lecture Series, “Colliding Worlds: Health, Wellbeing, Design and Built Environments”, 2016
- COFA Talks, “Art, Design and Healing”, 2011
Selected media and public communication
- Talking Architecture & Design podcast, Episode 83, 2021
- Open Forum, “Designing for People,” 2019
- Architecture & Design, “Co-design is the key to higher living standards,” 2019
- UNSW Built Environment researcher profile video, Enhancing Standards of Living through Industrial Design
- Campus Morning Mail, feature on research infrastructure and UNSW’s MOOC, 2016
- The Sydney Morning Herald, feature on postgraduate careers, 2014
- ABC Radio National, The Comfort Zone, “Universal Design and Accessibility in Design,” 2002
- BBC World Service interview, “Special Design Considerations Regarding the Elderly Population in Turkey,” 1998
My Teaching
I teach human factors in product design and design research methods, with a particular emphasis on inclusive design, participation, and the relationship between research and practice.
I also led the design and development of Re-Enchanting the City, UNSW Built Environment’s first MOOC on FutureLearn. Delivered between 2013 and 2016, the course engaged 9,169 participants from 60 countries and was later adapted as UNSW’s General Education course BENV2000, extending its reach across and beyond design disciplines.
Contact
Publications
ORCID as entered in ROS
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2248-0482
Videos
During the Stories Behind Products, industrial designers from the national and international stage will talk about their design journey through a single product. The talks will focus on real-life product stories, where presenters will uncover the story of one specific product undertaken by them. The stories will include why the product was made, the product development process and its nitty-gritty, the struggles, the highs and lows, the failures and the lessons, and maybe some of the changes these products have made to people’s lives.
Watch the other talks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyr4dwd9H42vKsjNSvIH2HA
The aims of the Online Teaching Symposium 2020 organised by the Faculty of Built Environment (BE) were to:
• Provide BE teaching staff with practical guidance and support in delivering courses online in Terms 2 & 3 for 2020;
• Engage and provide constructive dialogue around online teaching practices in the BE context;
• Provide professional development around the educational practice.
• Develop and debate educational agenda and strategies to ensure the delivery of high-quality online education;
• Provide a foundation for future conversations around the educational practice, collaboration and support amongst teaching staff.
Emotions are forces that help us make sense of the world, and as such, are a central component of what makes us experience life. Emotions make us human and influence our thoughts, behaviour, experiences, and relationship with the world. In a physical world that is now colliding with the new digital world, design is gaining ever more importance. This will be illustrated with examples of design for well-being, happiness, and health; together with some of the unexpected side effects. This lecture will also offer a glimpse of what is to come in the future, with the latest technological advances.
https://www.be.unsw.edu.au/news/people-centric-approach-design-key-enhancing-standards-living
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/re-enchanting-the-city
