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As part of our Faculty in Focus series, we spoke with Dr Manu Thundathil, Associate Professor in Product Design and Technology at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ. With a unique background blending polymer engineering and industrial design, Manu brings a global perspective and a passion for sustainable innovation to UL.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m originally from India, where I completed my undergraduate degree in polymer engineering and later a master’s in industrial design. After working in industry and consulting, including a role with General Electric, I moved into academia. I earned my PhD at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and spent several years there teaching and conducting research before joining UL in May. Over the past 18 years, I’ve worked across industry, startups, and academia, giving me a broad perspective on design and materials.

What inspired you to focus on the study of products and their design specifically?

Growing up in southern India, surrounded by rubber plantations, I developed an early interest in materials. At the same time, I was always creative, I enjoyed sketching, tinkering, and making things. When I discovered industrial design during my engineering studies, it felt like the perfect way to combine technical knowledge with creativity. That blend of material science and design became one of my passions and continues to shape my work today.

Can you tell us about something that you have designed that is in use?

One of the most memorable projects I worked on was with Indian Railways, one of the largest transport systems in the world. I was part of a team tasked with redesigning the interiors of high-density commuter trains, including seats and panels. The challenge was enormous. These trains often carry double their intended capacity, and vandalism and maintenance issues were common. Years later, while travelling in Mumbai, I realised I was sitting on one of the seats I had designed, and it was still intact! That moment was incredibly rewarding because it showed that thoughtful design can withstand challenges and make a tangible difference.

What are your main research interests today?

My research focuses on sustainable materials and how they translate into real-world products. There’s plenty of innovation in material science, but often these breakthroughs don’t make it into products people use. I aim to bridge that gap by developing products using bio-based and recycled materials, while studying how users perceive and interact with them. Sustainability isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s a human one. If a product looks unattractive, people won’t buy it, no matter how eco-friendly it is. My work combines material development with design psychology to create solutions that are both sustainable and desirable.

What trends or changes do you see in your area of expertise?

Two big trends stand out.  Sustainability is now a key consideration in design, and this is something that wasn’t on the radar a decade ago. Secondly, AI is transforming creative industries, including design. It raises questions about authorship, creativity, and how we prepare students for a future where tools and processes are evolving rapidly. At the School of Architecture and Product Design here ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, we emphasise adaptability, teaching students to think critically and adjust to change rather than rely on specific tools.

What does your role as Associate Professor in Product Design and Technology entail?

I teach both undergraduate and master’s students, focusing on hands-on, materials-oriented courses and studio-based learning. We run real-world projects here where students tackle genuine challenges, and develop innovative solutions, often leading to award-winning work. I also lead research initiatives and collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to connect material science with design applications.

What excites you most about joining UL?

UL stands out for its commitment to experiential learning and studio-based education, something that’s becoming less common in the world of academia. I’m thrilled to be part of a programme that values creativity, collaboration, and hands-on skills. Being in Ireland also opens doors to European research networks, which makes it easier to collaborate with experts in my field internationally. Joining UL means being part of a community that values design as a driver of change. I look forward to creating opportunities for students and researchers to make a lasting impact through sustainable and human-centered design.