The Design Group's philosophy combines an emphasis on creativity, technology and design methodology with a concern for human values and the needs of society. The group's varied interests are reflected in the following areas of teaching and research:

  • bio-inspired design
  • biofluid dynamics
  • computer-aided design
  • controls
  • creativity
  • design analysis
  • design for manufacturability & quality
  • design theory & methodology
  • dynamics & simulation
  • engineering creativity
  • engineering education
  • experimental mechanics & stress analysis
  • fatigue and fracture mechanics
  • finite element analysis
  • haptics
  • high-speed devices
  • idea visualization
  • human-machine interfaces
  • kinematics
  • life-cycle engineering
  • machine design
  • manufacturing technology
  • medical devices
  • microcomputer-based systems
  • optimization
  • organizational innovation
  • product design
  • rapid prototyping
  • rehabilitation
  • robotics
  • robust design optimization
  • scientific instrument design

Diversity, one of the Design Group's strengths, is required to maintain a leadership position in the rapidly changing world of design and manufacturing.