PhD Oral Exam - Mohsen Rasoulivalajoozi, Individualized Program in Fine Arts

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

Among the challenges individuals with mobility issues, such as wheelchair users, face—physical accessibility being one—their socio-emotional needs, which are latent and shaped by interconnected   underlying   factors, have   been   less   explored   and   addressed. These   factors collectively influence the socio-emotional experience of wheelchair users.  Existing research typically examines these needs from a single disciplinary perspective, such as sociology, psychology, or engineering, with a focus on urban navigation. However, studies rarely integrate the social and psychosocial needs of wheelchair users into the engineering and design process, whether for the environmental needs or the wheelchair design itself. 

To address this gap, this thesis aims to introduce socio- emotional design principles through an interdisciplinary approach.  Achieving socio- emotional design principles require a holistic perspective that incorporates descriptive semantic concepts, as well as environmental, cultural, socio-psychological, and aesthetic dimensions, to ensure the design meets users' socio-emotional needs, promotes inclusivity, and fosters positive social perceptions. 

Based on the research's overarching objectives, this manuscript is organized into five chapters and ten sections.  After elaborating on the problem statement and providing a general framework for understanding the wheelchair users’ experience, this research initially introduces the interdisciplinary theoretical   framework, consisting   of   three axes   and   two   grounding   layers, to   ensure   a comprehensive approach to wheelchair users. Then it explores and tracks the socio-emotional dynamics of wheelchair users, highlighting the relevant factors that influence their interactions and the impact of these factors on their experiences. Third, the research explores how wheelchair design influences users' socio-emotional interactions, focusing on two key layers: the external human-machine interface for safety and communication, addressing practical needs, and the socio-emotional aspects of design, supporting psychological well-being. Finally, regarding the review and empirical studies introduces ten socio- emotional design principles, along with one consideration, under the proposed interdisciplinary framework. Additionally, design concepts are introduced to demonstrate how these principles can be applied in practice. 

Overall, this research advances disability studies by advocating inclusive strategies to improve the social experiences of individuals with mobility challenges.  It also establishes a framework for designing advanced mobility aids, contributing to the fields of engineering and industrial design.