The focus of research within the doctoral program in “Ergonomics and Industrial Design” is on consumer needs and their influence on the selection of technological solutions, as well as their relationship to marketing and market aspects in the development of products intended for the international market. Particular attention is paid to environmental sustainability, as well as to issues related to the registration and legal protection of intellectual and industrial property. The program employs modern, environmentally conscious technologies for the design and manufacture of high-quality and reliable engineering products. Emphasis is placed on the trend toward the individualization of industrial design and the integration of traditional craft techniques with modern digital methods for design, modeling, testing, and manufacturing, including the use of innovative lightweight and high-strength materials.

Doctoral students master the entire process of developing design solutions—from the analysis of technical requirements to the selection of appropriate materials, structures, and manufacturing technologies for solving specific engineering problems.

The results of this research are widely recognized through publications in authoritative specialized journals and presentations at prestigious international scientific forums, exhibitions, and trade shows.

 The program builds upon the doctoral students’ theoretical knowledge and practical skills, fostering innovative thinking and the ability to solve complex scientific and practical problems. Dissertation projects focus on real-world problems posed by industry, and doctoral students are encouraged to pursue research in promising scientific fields that support their successful professional and academic careers. The scientific and applied contributions of the dissertations are highly regarded not only by Bulgarian research institutes and industrial enterprises but also by leading international scientific organizations and companies.