Designing Inclusive Participatory Mapping Tools: A User-Centred Design Approach for Capturing Diverse Urban Experiences

This project develops a participatory, user-centred mapping tool capturing mobility experiences of underrepresented groups, especially wheelchair users. Integrating narratives, IoT, and citizen science data, it informs inclusive urban planning. Co-designed and evaluated with stakeholders, and linked to digital twins, it delivers actionable insights for equitable, sustainable cities through global collaboration. In this PhD you will research and develop a user-centred participatory mapping tool that enables citizens, including wheelchair users, to document and share their mobility experiences. You will investigate and implement the best ways to integrate qualitative narratives, IoT sensor data, and citizen science contributions into a single accessible platform, prioritising inclusivity, usability, and empowerment. You will co-create, prototype, and evaluate this tool, capturing lived experiences to inform inclusive urban planning. The project will investigate mobility challenges faced by diverse user groups and co-design data-gathering methods combining qualitative and quantitative inputs. It will develop an interoperable mapping tool linked to systems such as LBSTech’s Birmingham Mobility Digital Twin and potentially VR/AR environments, evaluating its usability and policy impact. The tool will empower users and offer richer insights than conventional methods by integrating experiential data with IoT sensor and citizen science measurements. This research addresses gaps in conventional urban planning tools by prioritising underrepresented groups, particularly wheelchair users. Capturing urban experiences such as air pollution, biodiversity, and access to green and blue spaces ensures a more holistic understanding of cities. Collaboration with LBSTech and KAIST provides access to high-quality datasets and AI-enabled digital twins, generating globally impactful outputs and supporting equitable urban development.

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, either a First or Upper Second Class award in their undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, OR a First or Upper Second Class award in their undergraduate degree and a Merit or Distinction in a Masters degree in a relevant subject. Qualifications from overseas institutions will be considered if equivalent. Essential skills include interest in GIS, participatory mapping, spatial data, data analysis/programming (Python or JavaScript), user-centred design or participatory research methods, strong problem-solving, and communication skills. Desirable skills include familiarity with GIS tools, geospatial libraries, web mapping frameworks, and motivation for background research. Applications must include transcripts, research statement, personal statement, CV, and two academic referees.

Apply via the Aston University online application portal. Include:
(1) transcripts and certificates for all higher education degrees;
(2) a Research Statement detailing understanding of the research area, proposed approach, and brief literature review — use the exact project title;
(3) a personal statement outlining suitability, career aspirations, and relevant experience
(4) CV detailing education and work history;
(5) two academic references on headed paper, signed and dated within the last 2 years (at least one from most recent university — can be submitted later);
(6) evidence of English Language proficiency (can be submitted later);
(7) copy of passport, including evidence of settled or pre-settled status where relevant. Interviews conducted online via Microsoft Teams. For project enquiries: j.kim23@aston.ac.uk. For application process queries: pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk. Application deadline: 01 June 2026.