معرفی
Dr Ruth Sims serves as Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Ergonomics at the University of Derby's School of Psychology within the College of Science and Engineering. Her work integrates ergonomics, human factors, and inclusive design with particular focus on ageing populations, disability inclusion, and behaviour change interventions across domestic, transport, and workplace environments.
Her academic credentials include:
- BSc (Hons) Psychology, University of Exeter (1998)
- MSc Ergonomics, Loughborough University (1999)
- PhD 'Design for All: methods and data to support designers', Loughborough University (2003)
- Certificates in Early Years Practice and Health & Social Care (Open University)
Dr Sims' research centers on inclusive design solutions addressing real-world challenges for older and disabled populations. Her pioneering work on kitchen ergonomics examines historical usage patterns and contemporary adaptations, while her transport accessibility research spans public transit systems, road safety in emerging economies, and the development of the HADRIAN digital tool for virtual fitting trials. Recent projects focus on behaviour change interventions for musculoskeletal disorders and train driver safety, demonstrating practical applications of ergonomics in high-risk environments.
Analysis of her publication history reveals consistent thematic evolution: from foundational anthropometric studies (2010-2012) toward integrated behaviour-change frameworks (2016-2023), with notable expansion into pandemic-responsive healthcare design (2023) and cross-species ergonomics applications (2021). Her work consistently bridges academic research and industry implementation through co-design methodologies.
Professional recognition includes:
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
She maintains active roles as Chartered Ergonomist and Human Factors Specialist, and Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society. As Pathway Lead for the MSc Behaviour Change (Ergonomics and Human Factors) programme, she supervises PhD candidates and delivers modules across undergraduate Psychology and postgraduate Ergonomics programmes. Her industry collaborations include the SaferBraIn project (India/Brazil road safety) and DEVICE initiative (child-focused design education), with grant funding supporting international data collection trials involving older/disabled participants.
Dr Sims co-leads the Digital and Material Artistic Research Centre's inclusive design stream, advancing the HADRIAN toolkit for virtual accessibility assessment. Her global consortium work—particularly with Indian and Brazilian institutions—focuses on adapting European safety standards to emerging economies while developing culturally responsive design solutions for vulnerable road users.
