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Submitted Research Projects – Dr. Salman Asghar

As part of my ongoing commitment to advancing design research aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Effat University's mission, I have submitted the following research proposals for competitive funding in 2025. These proposals focus on sustainability, technology integration, and user-centered innovation across design practices:

RDIA 2025 Grant Proposals (Under Review)

1. From Waste to Wealth: Circular Furniture Design Practices for Sustainable Living in Saudi Arabia

• Role: Principal Investigator (PI)

• Funding Requested: 800,000 SAR

• Summary: This project explores circular design strategies to repurpose waste materials into functional and sustainable furniture, promoting environmentally responsible living practices in the Kingdom.

2. Real-Time Posture Optimization: An IoT-Enabled Intelligent Chair for Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Role: Principal Investigator (PI)

• Funding Requested: 400,000 SAR

• Summary: The research proposes the development of an AI and IoT-integrated ergonomic chair aimed at monitoring and improving user posture in real time, targeting the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal issues.

3. EcoPack Jeddah: Circular Economy-Based Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Reducing Plastic Waste in the E-Commerce Sector of Jeddah

• Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)

• Funding Requested: 1,500,000 SAR

• Summary: This interdisciplinary project focuses on designing circular packaging systems tailored for the growing e-commerce industry in Jeddah, addressing the urgent need to reduce single-use plastics and environmental impact.

Internal Basic Research Grant Proposals (Under Review)

1. Seeing is Believing: Eye-Tracking for Smarter Design and Enhanced Customer Engagement in Saudi Arabia

• Summary: This study aims to integrate eye-tracking technology into the product and visual design process to better understand user attention, improve UI/UX design, and enhance marketing strategies.

2. Neuro-Psychological Consumer Response to Packaging Design in Saudi Arabia: A Study Using EEG and GSR for Emotional and Cognitive Analysis

Summary: Employing advanced neuro-design tools such as EEG and galvanic skin response (GSR), this research investigates how packaging influences emotional engagement and decision-making among Saudi consumers.​

3. Enhancing Socialization in Autistic Children Through VR-Based Social Skills Training​

• Summary: This project uses immersive Virtual Reality scenarios to help autistic children practice key social skills in a safe and engaging environment. The aim is to build confidence and support smoother social interactions in daily life.​