Designing Inclusive Participatory Mapping Tools: A User-Centred Design Approach for Capturing Diverse Urban Experiences Aston University in United Kingdom

This PhD project at Aston University focuses on designing and developing an inclusive, participatory mapping tool to capture the mobility experiences of underrepresented urban groups, with a particular emphasis on wheelchair users. The research integrates qualitative narratives, IoT sensor data, and citizen science contributions into a single, accessible platform, aiming to inform and transform inclusive urban planning. The project is co-designed and evaluated with stakeholders and is linked to advanced digital twin systems, such as LBSTech’s Birmingham Mobility Digital Twin, and may extend to VR/AR environments.

As a PhD researcher, you will investigate mobility challenges faced by diverse user groups, co-design data-gathering methods that combine qualitative and quantitative inputs, and develop an interoperable mapping tool. The project’s novelty lies in its integration of user-centred design, accessibility, and emerging digital technologies to address gaps in conventional urban mapping, such as capturing air pollution, biodiversity, and access to green and blue spaces. The ultimate goal is to empower users to shape their environments and provide planners with actionable insights for equitable and sustainable urban mobility.

This research is conducted in collaboration with LBSTech and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), offering international research experience and access to high-quality datasets and AI-enabled digital twins. The partnership enhances research impact and supports globally relevant outputs.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold, or expect to achieve, a First or Upper Second Class undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, or a First/Upper Second Class undergraduate degree plus a Merit or Distinction in a relevant Masters degree. Overseas qualifications will be considered if equivalent. Essential skills include interest in GIS, participatory mapping, spatial data, data analysis/programming (Python or JavaScript), user-centred design, accessibility, and participatory research methods. Desirable skills include familiarity with GIS tools (QGIS), spatial databases (PostGIS), geospatial libraries (GeoPandas, GDAL/OGR), web mapping frameworks (Leaflet, Mapbox, OpenLayers), and publication experience. English language proficiency is required.

Funding: The project covers all tuition fees. Candidates are responsible for relocation, campus visits, visa, flights, and NHS Surcharge. International students must meet UK visa financial requirements.

Application Process: Submit a complete application including transcripts, certificates, research statement, personal statement, CV, two academic references, evidence of English language proficiency, and a copy of your passport. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The position is based at Aston Campus, Birmingham, UK, with regular in-person attendance required. Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams.

For project enquiries, contact Dr Jisun Kim at [email protected]. For application process queries, contact [email protected].