Ruth Mugge

Prof. Ruth Mugge is a Full Professor in Industrial Design Engineering at TU Delft, specializing in Responsible Marketing and Consumer Behavior within the Design, Organisation and Strategy department. Her research focuses on circular economy challenges, consumer decision-making around sustainable products, and strategies to extend product lifecycles. She leads major research projects like NWO VICI (slowing premature obsolescence) and NWO KIC (tackling fixophobia), and collaborates with the Circular Design Lab.

She holds a PhD (dr.) and Engineering degree (ir.), and has been nominated for TU Delft's DINED Scientist of the Year Award (2024). Her work bridges academic research and public engagement, evidenced by media contributions in de Volkskrant and VPRO Tegenlicht, addressing topics like consumer electronics waste and repair culture. As an Elsevier columnist (2023–2025), she communicates sustainability insights to broader audiences.

Key research areas include refurbished product adoption, reusable packaging systems, and design for longevity. Her FUN Scales framework assesses fundamental user needs in product interactions, while projects like 'Laptops at work' explore ICT circularity in organizations. She teaches courses on Sustainable Consumer Behavior and advises on policy strategies to combat 'throwaway culture'.