Research Interest:
Practice Led Design Research; Cultural Migration
Academic Qualification:
PhD (Practice Led Design Research), Sheffield Hallam University, UK
MSc. Industrial Design Eng., BruneL Univ.,West London,UK
BDes. Industrial Design (ITM) Malaysia
Research Activities:
2020-2022 – Project Leader
A Study of Multi Functional Product with Life saving features during Flood Disaster reponding to Human Behaviour
2017- 2019 – Project Leader
Attributes of Social Development for Educational Toys Design to cultivate high moral excellence in Pre School Children
2016-2018 – Project Leader
The Study of Industrial Designer Role in Malaysian Furniture Industry in Competing with Global Changes and trends ; IPS (2016)
2016-2018
An investigation on body posture by using ergonomics method for elderly while driving – FRGS Co Researcher with USM
2016-2018 – Project Leader
The effectiveness of diversifying ergonomics application among Oil Palm plantation workers – Co Researcher at UPM and Sime Darby
2010-2013 – Project Leader
Research on Malaysian Motorcyclist Preferences to inform Design Development stage (daily user) -funded by MOSTI – Research University Grant Scheme – (Principal Researcher/Project Leader)
2006-2009
PhD Studies- (SLAB Program)
Thesis Title : Designing for Cultural Migration – Methods for Designer Confronted with Social Change.
2003-2006
IRPA Ergonomics Research Project a Collaboration work with Faculty of Medical Science and Health, University Putra Malaysia (UPM) and University Science Malaysia (USM). Sponsored by Ministry of Science Malaysia ( – C0-Researcher)
-The development of Ergonomic lumbar support design and anthropometrics instrument for ergonomics research.
-Design Development and Anthropometrics studies for bus seat in Developing Countries: Building a working design and Prototypes for India and Malaysia. (Co- Researcher)
Design Awards:
Silver Award (Multi Prupose Kitchen Stools), Malaysia Technology Expo 2014, Putra World Trade Centre .
Gold Award (Public Park Furniture), Malaysia Technology Expo 2013, Putra World Trade Centre 20-23 February 2013.
Special Jury Award with Compliments (Public Park Furniture), Malaysia Technology Expo 2013, Putra World Trade Centre, 20-23 Feb 2013.
Petronas Gallery Design Exhibition (2011), KLCC, Malaysia – Title :Migrating Design (Furniture)
Winner of the Honourable Mention in the 2002 International Design Competition Taiwan – Taipei, Taiwan 2002
3rd Place in 2nd Proton Concept Car Design Competition (Malaysia Design Council International Competition) – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Year 1996
Research Awards:
Silver Medal on Multi Function Kitchen Stools in UPM Research & Innovation (MiExPO) 2013
Silver Medal on Park Furniture in UPM Research & Innovation UPM 2012
Bronze Medal on Furniture Design in UPM Research Exhibition 2011
Bronze Medal on Furniture Design in UPM Research Exhibition 2010
Anugerah Penyelidikan Antarabangsa 2006 (UPM)
Bronze medal on transportation product
(National Level) (MTE 2007)- Malaysian Technology Exhibition (MTE)- 2007
Inpex (USA) International Award on Innovative Product – 2006 INPEX
Gold award on development of ergonomics bus seat for bus drivers in
Malaysia, 2006- UPM 2006
Design Patented:
Ergonomic Bus Seat Design (08-01395-0101)
Bench : My 10-01580-0101
Table : My 10-01581-0101
Public Benches : MY1200936-0101
Public Benches with Malay Traditional : MY1200939-0101
Eco Display Paneling MY12-00938-0101
International Paper Presented and Journals Published:
Preserving Zibo Cultural Heritage Exploring the Symbolism, Visual Identity and ConservationEfforts of the Fish Motif Pattern Design – Shao N., Rahman R., et al. (2024) Heranca – History, Heritage and Culture Journal, 2024, 7 (1), 67-78, ISSN : 2184-3090
Souvenirs Development Related to Cultural Heritage : A Thematic Review – Zhu Q., Rahman R. (2023), Sustainability Feb. 2023 Volume 15, Issue 4, 2918, MDPI, Basel.
A Thematic Review on Souvenirs from Design Perspective Publications from 2012-2022 : Analysis of Trends for Future Studies – QiuXia, Rahman R., H. WenHong (2022) published on August 2022, Volume 9 (Issue 1) pg. 1-23, Cogent Arts and Humanities Journal, Publisher Taylor and Francis.
The Process to Improve Inclusive Design Conceptual in NPD for Mobility Design System for PWDS with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PPFD) without Limbs and Legs – Rahman R. and Ariff F. (2022) in American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research, Volume 6, Issue 1, 2022.
A Study on Dengue Preventation and Control Method for Aedes Mosquitoes Breeding in Selangor, Malaysia – Rahman R., P.K., (2021) Annals of the Romanian Society For Cell Biology, 25 (6), 11671-11677. Retrieved from https://www.annalsofrscb.ro/index.php/journal/view/7680.
The Origin and Formation of Sichuan Opera – Yating, Rahman R. (2021) Journal of Balkan Tribological Association, Vol 27 (2), pp 332-342 (2021)
Product Design Specification (PDS) Development for Developing An Assistive Walking Device for Elderly ;International Journal of Sustainable Tropical Design Research/ Alam Cipta, Volume 13, Issue 2 (2020)
Reviews of Educational Toys Designs in Cultivating Social Competence of Pre School Children – Loy J. Shin and Rahman R.., International Journal of Sustainable Tropical Design Research/ Alam Cipta, Volume 12, page 69, Issue 1 (2019)
Managing Product Trend in Cultural Migration – Rahman R., Khairani Z.,International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, Vol. 7 (8) International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, ISSN : 2221-0989, (2017)
Adapting Domestic Product Within Cultural Migration in Malaysia – Rahman R., Suhirman M., Humanities and Social Science Review, GIAP Journals, Volume 5 (2) p109-111, http://giapjournals.com/index.php/hssr/article/view/518, eISSN : 2395-6518 (2017)
Design Elements Regarding to Cultural Factors of Iranian Carpets – Rahman R., Abedini A., International Journal of Sustainable Tropical Design Research/ Alam Cipta, Volume 10, Issue 1 (2017)
The Study of Industrial Designer Role in Malaysian Furniture Industry -Suhirman M., Rahman R. (2016) in REKA, USM. ISBN : 978-967-13104-1-0
Unchanged Values and Product Transformation Trend – Rahman R., International Conference on Local Knowledge/ ICLK, Grand Hotel Lembang, Indonesia, 14-16 October 2015
Culturally Localised Product Design – Rahman R., Dollah S., Stedex 2014, Volume : 6, DAAI Index, University Putra Malaysia Press, 2014, ISSN : 2180-0685
Role Play with Mock Ups as Communication Tools in Design Practice – Dollah S., Rahman R. Stedex 2014, Volume : 6, DAAI Index, University Putra Malaysia Press, 2014, ISSN : 2180-0685
A User Preferences Study of Malaysian Motorcyclist: Improving Motorcycle Accessories Design – Rahman R. , for 7th Design Principles and Design Practice Conference in Chiba University, Japan, 6th-8th March 2013. http://g13.cgpublisher.com/proposals/449
Experimenting Designs: Investigating Changes in cultural Practices – Rahman R., P120, Proceedings of Design Research Society International Conference, Bangkok. 30th June-4th July 2012.
Using Design to Progress Research: Developing Users’ Innovative Design Ideas (Rahman R., Rust C.) International Conference on Applied and Creative Arts (ICACA) 2011, University Malaysia Sarawak UNIMAS
The Study of Cultural Migration in Malaysia: A ‘Practice-Led’ Design Research Approach — Rahman R., Rust C. /Nakhara Journal of Environmental Design and Planning, University of Chulalongkorn, Bangkok, Thailand 2011
Experimenting Design to Reveal Culture Factors – Rahman R. /Journal in Stedex 10/ Faculty of Architecture, University Putra Malaysia, UPM 2011
Designing for School : Guideline in Design Development Stage (Rahman R.) Proceeding for 1st International Symposium on Conducive Learning Environment for Smart School /UKM/ CLES 2011.
Designing for Cultural Migration/ Visual Presentation – (Rahman R., Rust C.) at Design Connextiy Conference of the European Academy of Design, Aberdeen, Scotland, 30th March-1 April, 2009.
Migrating Designs: Matching product evolution with cultural practices (Rahman R., Rust C.) for Design Principles and Design Practice Conference, in Berlin, Germany; 15- 17th February 2009. Published in International Design Principles and Practices Journals Volume 3/2009, ISSN 1833-1874 (2009) website : http://rizalrahman.cgpublisher.com
Designing for Cultural Migration (Research Evaluation/RF2), Open Mini seminar for Research Committee, in Sheffield Hallam University, UK February 2008. (Proceed and Confirmed by Research Committee SHU – June 2008)
Ergonomics in Developing Countries: for 16th World Ergonomics Congress Conference, in Maastricht, Netherlands (Tamrin S., Rahman R. et al.) ISSN 0003-6870 (2006)
Designing for Children: A Case Study of DEsign Development on Play Equipments in South West Surrey, UK for 2nd Asia Pacific Risk Management Conference 2005/ Malaysian Journals of Public Health Medicine) ISBN : 1675-0306/ Volume 5/ 2005 (Rahman R.)
Design for Manufacturing: The Importance of Design for Assembly Understanding to Improve Malaysian Office’s Furniture Assembly Ergonomically.(Malaysian Journals of Public Health Medicine) ISBN : 1675-0306/ Volume 5/ 2005. (Dollah S., Rahman R.)
DFA To Improving Office Furniture Assembly Process In Malaysia. International Conference On Applied And Creative Arts Journal. ISBN : 9832643-88-0 (Publications of University Malaysia Sarawak) – (Dollah S., Rahman R.)
Jointing System In Open Plan Office System. International Advance Technology Congress Journal. (Publication of Advance Institute of Technology, University Putra Malaysia2005, Page.160)-(Dollah S., Rahman R., Rosnah M.)
An Ergonomic Bus Driver’s Seat Fitted To A Biomechanical Lumbar Support . (Publication of Advance Institute of Technology, University Putra Malaysia 2005)-(Wan CZ, Tamrin S., Rahman R. et. al)
An ergonomic bus driver’s seat fitted to a biomechanical lumbar support – Wan CZWH, Samsul BMT, Hamiraj FAh, Rosnah MY, Rahman R. , Asian Journal of Ergonomics Vol.8 (2007&2008) 47-66
Book Chapter :
Rahman R (2011) Experimenting Design to Reveal Culture Factors –. /Journal in Stedex 10/ Faculty of Architecture, University Putra Malaysia, UPM
Rahman R. and Hassan Rozeman (2017), Unchanged Values and Product Transformation Trend in Scientific and Technical Knowledge in Preserving Local Culture, University Science Malaysia, ISBN : 978-967-461-195-8
Book :
Rizal Rahman, Designing For Cultural Migration : Methods for Designer Confronted with Social Change, Sheffield Hallam University Publication (2010)
Hassan, A., & Ahmad Rizal, A. R. (2008). Reka bentuk perindustrian: Pengenalan. Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (ISBN: 978-983-62-9981-9)
Rizal Rahman & Zuhairi Majid (2017), Asas Penyelidikan dalam Rekabentuk, UPM Press (ISBN : 978-967-344-685-8)
Rizal Rahman, Fairuz A. (2023) Pengurusan Idea Reka Bentuk, UPM Press.
Post Graduate Examiner Experience:
(External for PhD: 18 and External for Masters :19)
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD) USM Jan 2024, Research on the Application and Creation of Plant Image in Contemporarily Ceramic ArtWorks, Sun Xiaoli
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD) UiTM Dec 2023, Visual Spatial : A Mediator Effects on the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Achievement in Speech Utterance, Muhamad Hafiz Hassan.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD) Unimas Dec 2023, Factors Affecting the Net Benefits of the Intelligence Hanging System for Jeans, Huo Yarui.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD) City University Nov 2023, Research on the protection and renewal of Hui style Architecture based on Experiential Design, Sun Fangzhen.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD) UiTM July 2023, An Analysis of Traditional Decorative Arts in the South Yangtze River Region of China: Taking Traditional Doors and Windows as Example, Wang Lukun.
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD) UPM, Design Evaluation Tools toward Emotional Intelligence in Automotive Styling for Sustainable Transport Design, Andi Nursyuhada, August 2023.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD) USM 2023, A Study on Improving Accessibility for Chinese Elderly Tourism through Service Design, Chang Rinyu.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD) Unimas 2023, Kebolehsanaan Tenaga Piko Hidro di Lokaliti Pendalaman Sarawak,, Zahrul Zamri Jamaluddin.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (Masters) UTM Dec 2022, Revitalization of Bemban Craft Industry in Sarawak, Malaysia, Jaron Sim Yu Chong.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (Masters) UiTM Dec 2022, Profiling Inspiration Approaches in Design Strategic and Resources through Form Giving Design, Nur Farah Najwa Nisman.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD), USM, 2022, Personalizing Activity On Mass-Produced Motorcycle By Its Rider in Bandung, Indonesia, Yunidar Dandi.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (Masters), Unisza, Feb 2022, Transferring 2D ideas to 3D Dimensional Physical Model: An Automotive Designer Perspective (Mohd Hosni Rifin).
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (Masters), UPM, January 2022, Improvise Meaningful Verbal Ability Factor for Children with Autism and Develop their communication and social skills with Multi Media Design (Hosseinoun Asieh Sadat) GS47926
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD), UPSI , April 2021, Fine Art Studio : Penghasilan Rekabentuk Perabot Awam Dalam Explorasi Budaya Masyarakat Rungus; Student Name : Nurhafizah bt Amir Nordin (Matrix Number : P20162002369)
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD), UPSI , Oktober 2020, Tajuk : Keberkesanan Pengaplikasian Pemikiran Komputasional dalam Pembelajaran Berasaskan Permainan (PBP) bagi Topik Operasi Asas Darab Tahun Tiga; Name : Nurul Dayana Mohd Dazid.(M20181001691)
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD), USM, July 2019, Ageing : Does Appearing Matter? Student Name : Nurazlina Jamalludin
External Examiner for Post Graduate (Master), Unisza, July 2019, Cultural and Heritage Visual Logo Design for Tourism Promotional Purposes inTrengganu. Student Name : Shuhaib Ahmed Al Harahsheh (SI 1070)
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (Master), UPM, Januari 2019, The Importance Of Typography Specification Use In Logo Design For Startup Brand . Student Name : Mariah Johari
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD), UPM, March 2019, Impacting Brand Equity Towards Customer Loyalty Of KR1M Product Through Designers Utilized Packaging Design. Student Name : Sazrinee Zainal Abidin
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD), USM, , Dec 2018 Penggurangan Gangguan Rangka Otot Pada Sakit belakang Bawah Pada Pemandu Teksi Warga Tua di Semenanjung Malaysia; Student Name : Irwan Syah Md Yusoff
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (Master), UPM, October 2018, Reka Bentuk dan Pembangunan system Hidroponik Kompak Bertingkat Untuk Pertanian Bandar di Kondominium dan Pangsapuri . Student Name : Mohd Hafiz Talib (GS42989);
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (Master), UPM, October 2018, User Emotional Responses and Perceived Quality Characteristics for Sustainable Product Design . Student Name : Mohamad Saiful Sazwan Mohd Rashid (GS47553);
External Examiner for Post Graduate (Master), UNIMAS, September 2018, Eksplorasi Rekaan Ergonomik dan Reka bentuk Sejagat Kerusi Solat . Student Name : Muhamad Jaidi Kumalah; Supervised by : PM Dr, Musdi Shanat
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD), UPM, September 2018, Transformation Bio mimicry Theoretical Framework in Furniture Design . Student Name : Few Chew Xiang (GS38937);
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD), UPM, June 2018, Effective Space Management Model for Optimizing Spatial usage of Mosques in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Student Name : Nayeem Asiff (GS47443);
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD), UPM, May 2017, Pemikiran Rekabentuk Melalui Pendekatan Biomimikri Terhadap Proses Reka bentuk Kreatif. Student Name : Wan Noor Faizah bt Wan Omar (GS44608);
External Examiner for Post Graduate (Master), USM, Penang 2016, (March 2016), Master Thesis Title: Strategic Design Language : Malaysian Cultural Icon in Brand Identity Translation. Student Name : Ahmad Zaki bin Azhari; Supervised by : Dr. Zuhairi Majid
External Examiner for Post Graduate (Master), UiTM Shah Alam 2015 (April 2015), Master Thesis Title: The Modernization of Chandelier as an Icon in house decoration. Student Name: Mariam Zarein (AD780), Supervised by: Assoc Prof Dr. Hariri Abdullah.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD), UiTM Shah Alam 2014 (November 2014), PhD Thesis Title: The Influence of Design Character on Logo Recall; Name: Muhammad Abdul Aziz bin Ab Gani, Supervised by: Assoc Prof Dr. Hariri Abdullah.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (Master), UiTM Shah Alam 2014 (July 2014), Master Thesis Title: Kitchen Electrical Appliance Design: Does it Influence to Consumer Lifestyle. Student Name: Mohd Hamidi Adha Mohd Amin (AD780), Supervised by: Assoc Prof Dr. Hariri Abdullah.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (Master), UiTM Shah Alam 2014 (May 2014), Master Thesis Title: A Case Study on Persian Geometric Islimis on Furniture Design. Student Name: Mahdieh Mirmoezi(AD780), Supervised by: Assoc Prof Dr. Baharudin Ujang.
External Examiner for Post Graduate, University Sarawak Malaysia (UNIMAS) , Malaysia, Master Thesis Title: An Assessment of Sarawak Indigenous Design Focusing on Daily used Domestic Tools, Student Name : Suhaifa Abdul Wahab. June 2013
External Examiner for Post Graduate, Multi Media University, Malaysia, Master Thesis Title: User Preferences on Street Furniture in Malaysia, Student Name : Velu Perumal. November 2012
External Examiner for Post Graduate, University Science Malaysia (USM) – May 2012, Master Thesis title : Design Study on Motor Scooters Preferred by University Students-Student Name: Sharel Abdul Wahid.
External Examiner for Post Graduate, University Sarawak Malaysia UNIMAS 2011 – (Oct 2011) Master Thesis Title: Aplikasi Venier Buluh dan Potensi dalam penghasilan perabot melalui Proses Acuan. Student Name: Abdul Ghafur Abdul Hamid, supervised by : Assoc Prof Dr. Khairul Adzlin Abdul Rahman.
External Examiner for Post Graduate (Master), UiTM Shah Alam 2011 (Noveber 2011), Master Thesis Title: sustainable Furniture Design in Malaysia: Perceptions and Challenges. Student Name: Shaboo Valipoor (AD780), Supervised by: Assoc Prof Dr. Baharuddin Ujang.
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (Master) UPM. (16 may 2011) Thesis Title : Development of Malaysia University Standard Corporate Identity Guidelines for University Putra Malaysia. Student Name: Fu Chew Xiang (GS23130). Supervised by : Dr. Zulkifli Muslim.
Internal Examiner for Post Graduate (PhD) UPM. Thesis Title: Direct Selective Laser Sintering of Flexible Building Components using Kenaf/CRP. Student Name: Golnar Kiani, Supervised by Prof Dr. Rahinah Ibrahim
Professional Affiliations:
Board of Studies BOS in Masters Innovative Design MIDI at UniKL, 2023
External Examiner for MQA at Malaysia Science University (MSU) for Bachelor of Product Design (Honours), Nov 2023.
External Examiner for MQA at University Technology Sarawak (UTS) for Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design (Honours), July 2023.
External Examiner for MQA at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) for Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design, April 2023.
External Examiner for Industrial Design Program at DrBHicom University, Pahang, Malaysia (2021-2022)
External Examiner for Industrial Design Bachelor and Diploma Program at Unisza Trengganu Malaysia (2019-2021)
External Examiner for Industrial Design Program at University Technology Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia (2019-2020)
Jury for MaraTEX 2019 – Innovation Competition at National Level under MARA
Jury for IIDEX International Invention, Innovation And Design Exposition, UITM, 2018
Jury for National Olympiad Malaysia Standard Kebangsaan 2018 for Jabatan Standard Malaysia at Pusat Belia Negara
MQA Eternal Examiner (Leader) for Diploma in Product Design, Melaka International College of Science and Technology (MiCoST) – 2017
External Examiner and Expert Resource for ABXS1103 Introduction to Social Science (Undergraduate Course) at Open University Malaysia 2016
External Examiner for ABXM1103 Man, Society and Culture (Undergraduate Course) at Open University Malaysia 2015
External Jury for Invention, Innovation and Design Expo 2016 (IIDEX), at University Technology Mara, Shah Alam.
MQA External Examiner for Diploma in Product Design, Unitar (MQA/PA 7505); PPT : Unitar, 2015
MQA External Examiner at for BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design 3+0 in Collaboration with Nottingham Trent University, UK, (MQA/FA 1455); PPT : First City University College 2015
External Jury for Invention, Innovation and Design Expo 2015 (IIDEX), April 2015 at University Technology Mara, Shah Alam.
External Jury for Invention, Innovation and Design Expo 2014 (IIDEX), March 2014 at University Technology Mara, Shah Alam.
MQA External Examiner at for BA (Hons) Product Design 3+0 in Collaboration with Staffordshire University, UK, (MQA/PA 4258); PPT : Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology 2013
MQA External Examiner at BTEC HND in 3D Design (A8460); PPT : Institut Jati., 2013.
Conference Paper Reviewer for 3rd International Conference on Universal Design and Built Environment (ICUDBE 3/13) International Islamic University, UIA 2013
External Examiner for JPT3 Biro Buku Teks, Ministry of Education, Malaysia 2013.
External Panel for Diploma in Industrial Design Program at Polytechnic Johor Bahru, Malaysia, January 2013
External Advisory for program of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) for Polytechnics at Ministry of Higher Education KPT, March 2013.
External Jury for Invention, Innovation and Design Expo 2013 (IIDEX), March 2013 at University Technology Mara, Shah Alam.
Panel for MQA (Malaysian Qualifications Agency) 2011-2014
JPA Examiner for Bachelor of Design Program for Faculty of Innovative Design, and Technology, University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Trengganu, Malaysia- 31st October, 2012.
Jury and Guest Speaker for National Competition of Universal Design for MOSTI & UIA, 2012, Malaysia
External Examiner for University Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) 2010 (Nov. 2010) Penilai Program Portfolio untuk Ijazah Sarjana Muda/ External Panel for Bachelor Degree Program; XAD Faculty Creative Technology and Heritage
Chartered Designer UK 2009
Associates Editor for International Journals of Design Principles and Practices (Australia)
External Examiner for Malaysia Institute of Art Malaysia 2005; Diploma Industrial Design Program.
Associate Editor for HRC Publication, Faculty of Engineering UPM 2010, 2011, 2012.
Associate Researcher at INTROP (Institute of Tropical Research), University Putra Malaysia.
Current Post:
Associate Professor in Industrial Design Department,
Faculty of Design and Architecture at University Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Dr. Rizal Rahman - Associate Professor of Design Study 