Welcome to Engineering Systems, Design and Innovation!
Our approach is to combine deep domain knowledge and cutting-edge science with design thinking, systems thinking and strong industrial links for exploitation and technology transfer.
Ben Hicks – Head of Group – ben.hicks@bristol.ac.uk
We are both an integrator and focus for collaboration internally, nationally and internationally with a particular focus on the design and manufacture of future infrastructure and high-value machines and systems.
Theo Tryfonas – Deputy Head of Group – theo.tryfonas@bristol.ac.uk
Our Structure
The ESDI is a very varied and wide reaching research centre, with projects spanning a large number of sectors. However, all of the projects undertaken by the group can be linked to one (or more) of the areas shown below, with design and systems thinking applied within each research area. To view our individual projects, please click here.
Our Research Themes
Design Thinking
The application and extension of Design For Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA), Design Structure Matrices (DSM), Design for X (DfX), marginal gain techniques, Design Search and Optimisation tools, and Creativity and Collaboration tools. This under pinning theme is led by Professor Stuart Burgess and Dr Chris Snider.
Systems Thinking
Our systems thinking research spans the development and novel application of soft and hard systems approaches to problem structuring and analysis. Working on complex socio-technical problems, we draw on Critical Systems Theory, stakeholder mapping and engagement, and group model building to co-produce understanding and co-create solutions. We also develop and deploy hard systems approaches and tools from Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) such as Interdependency Mapping, System Dynamics, Use Case Analysis (SysML/Activity Diagrams), Process Modelling and Safety, Risk and Uncertainty Management. This ‘joined-up’ approach to engineering helps create safer, more affordable and sustainable outcomes. This underpinning theme is led by Dr John May (Safety Systems) and Dr Ges Rosenberg (Systems Engineering).
Design Technologies
The creation of tool chains and technologies that will provide the game changing capability necessary to design, manufacture, operate and dispose of the next generation products and machines. This application area is led by Professor Ben Hicks.
Digital Manufacturing
The creation of simulation, 3D visualization, analytics, physical prototypes, automation and AI methods to create product and manufacturing process definitions simultaneously. This application area is led by Dr Aydin Nassehi.
Energy Systems
The creation of tools and methods for the specification, design, optimisation and operation of high performance and self- sufficient energy systems. This application area is led by Dr Sam Williamson.
City Infrastructure Systems
Our research seeks new ways to maximise social, economic and environmental benefits from existing assets and to inform the design of future city infrastructure. Internet of Things, sensing, and health and usage monitoring are used to instrument high-value city infrastructure assets on a broad range of projects. We use city data, simulation and mathematical models, such as ‘digital twins’, to diagnose urban challenges, analyse infrastructure performance, and support the design and integration of city infrastructure as ‘system of systems’. This application area is led by Dr Theo Tryfonas.
Design theory, manufacturing technologies, systems thinking, energy and design tools are key components of many of the Faculty’s undergraduate degree programmes and underpin the philosophy of education for our sector leading undergraduate programme in Engineering Design. In addition to teaching on u/g programmes many of our academics were founding members of the IDC in Systems Thinking and contribute to the leadership of the University of Bristol’s System Centre.