I am an assistant professor of Engineering Design and Mechanical Engineering at Penn State University. I direct the new Center for Research in Design and Innovation and the OPEN Design Lab where I conduct research into a new D-f-X area called Designing for Human Variability. DfHV combines rigorous design tools such as optimization, robust design, and statistical modeling with human-centered fields such as ergonomics, human factors, and biomechanics. My current efforts focus on the allocation of adjustability, vehicle safety, and the development of adaptive medical devices. I also teach undergraduate and graduate design courses for the university and conduct consulting work for a number of companies. For more information on these topics explore my website, visit the OPEN Design Lab, or contact me.
recent events
- 2009. NSF CAREER AWARD Prof. Matt Parkinson received the National Science Foundation's award for early career development. His proposal, Foundations for Designing for Human Variability, will be funded from 2009-2014. This work will enable the improved design of products, tasks, and environments, making them more accessible, accommodating, and effective for populations that are increasingly diverse.
- June 2008. The Iron Lion Design Challenge, a multidisciplinary design competition related to adaptive medical devices, will take place on the University Park campus June 23-July 2.
- September 2007. Including preference in anthropometry-driven models for design received the Design Automation Committee's best paper award at the 2007 ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences in Las Vegas, NV. The award was sponsored by Ford. Chris Garneau and Prof. Matt Parkinson were the co-authors.
recent papers
- Parkinson, M.B. and Reed, M.P. (2008). Modeling variability in torso shape for chair and seat design.
- Fromuth, R.C. and Parkinson, M.B. (2008). Predicting 5th and 95th percentile anthropometric segment lengths from population stature.
- Garneau, C.J. and Parkinson, M.B. (2008). Optimal product sizing through digital human models.
- Nadadur, G. and Parkinson, M.B. (2008). Extrapolation of anthopometric measures to new populations.
