Pelin Efilti

Pelin Efilti, Assistant Professor at Istanbul Technical University's College of Architecture, Department of Industrial Product Design, specializes in industrial design theory, product design, and the historical, cultural, and social contexts of design. With a PhD in Industrial Product Design from Istanbul Technical University (2019), she has taught courses such as Project II, Visual Communication II, Design Theories and Methods, and Emotional Design. Her research focuses on empathy in design education, pedagogical roles in design studios, and culturally sensitive design practices.

• Doktora (PhD), Industrial Product Design, Istanbul Technical University (2019)
• Yüksek Lisans (MSc), Industrial Product Design, Istanbul Technical University (2016)
• Lisans (BSc), Industrial Design, Istanbul Technical University (2010)

Her recent research explores empathy's role in design learning and teaching, material-driven design for sustainable environments, and collaborative cultures in design research groups. She leads a scientific research project on collaborative culture in design research (2024–2025) and has completed grants on empathic design education frameworks and pedagogical roles of teaching assistants. Her work bridges design methodology with social practices, including pandemic-era domestic cleaning behaviors and menstrual product experiences.

Scientific awards include the ITU Publication Award (2023–2025). She has published extensively on design pedagogy, empathic perspective-taking, and material narratives in product design. Her collaborations span Turkey and Finland (Aalto University), and she contributes to design education literature through empirical studies and integrative reviews.