Journal Articles
Torrens, G and Asghar, S (2023)
20 years of the Loughborough user centered assistive technology design process: has it made a difference?,
Assistive Technology, 35(5), pp.425-434, ISSN: 1040-0435. DOI:
10.1080/10400435.2022.2113477.
Asghar, S,
Torrens, G, Iqbal, M, Iftikhar, H, Mujtaba, MA (2022)
Cultural bias: a comparison of semantic responses by 126 students from Pakistan and the United Kingdom to a wheelchair when viewed against a congruent and incongruent background,
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 18(2), pp.127-139, ISSN: 1748-3107. DOI:
10.1080/17483107.2022.2126903.
Holloway, C, Morgado Ramirez, DZ, Bhatnagar, T, Oldfrey, B, Morjaria, P, Moulic, SG, Ebuenyi, ID, Barbareschi, G, Meeks, F, Massie, J, Ramos-Barajas, F, McVeigh, J, Keane, K,
Torrens, G, Rao, PVM, MacLachlan, M, Austin, V, Kattel, R, Metcalf, CD, Sujatha, S (2021)
A review of innovation strategies and processes to improve access to AT: Looking ahead to open innovation ecosystems,
Assistive Technology, 33(sup1), pp.68-86, ISSN: 1040-0435. DOI:
10.1080/10400435.2021.1970653.
McMurchie, B, King, RSP, Lindley, M, Reynolds, J,
Torrens, G, Kelly, P (2021)
Dietary omega-3 supplementation causes rapid, reversible changes to dark adaptation ability,
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, 49(4), pp.390-392, ISSN: 1442-6404. DOI:
10.1111/ceo.13925.
Torrens, G and Fray, M (2020)
Making a difference: using a participatory design process to give a voice to people with disabilities,
Design for All, 15(11), pp.56-63.
McMurchie, B, King, R, Lindley, M, Reynolds, J,
Torrens, G, Kelly, P (2019)
Shedding Light on the Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on Dark Adaptation Capabilities, DOI:
10.26434/chemrxiv.11302613.
McMurchie, B, King, R, Lindley, M, Reynolds, J,
Torrens, G, Kelly, P (2019)
Shedding Light on the Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on Dark Adaptation Capabilities, DOI:
10.26434/chemrxiv.11302613.v1.
Asghar, S,
Torrens, G, Iftikhar, H, Welsh, R, Harland, RG (2019)
The influence of social context on the perception of assistive technology: using a semantic differential scale to compare young adults’ views from the United Kingdom and Pakistan,
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 15(5), pp.563-576, ISSN: 1748-3107. DOI:
10.1080/17483107.2019.1646819.
Asghar, S,
Torrens, G, Harland, RG (2019)
Cultural influences on perception of disability and disabled people: A comparison of opinions from students in the United Kingdom (UK) Pakistan (PAK) about a generic wheelchair using a semantic differential scale,
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 15(3), pp.292-304, ISSN: 1748-3115. DOI:
10.1080/17483107.2019.1568595.
McMurchie, B, Kelly, P, King, RSP,
Torrens, G (2019)
Finding evidence in the dark: utilization of inkjet-printed amino acids,
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 51(sup1), ISSN: 1834-562X. DOI:
10.1080/00450618.2019.1571108.
McMurchie, B, King, RSP, Kelly, P,
Torrens, G (2018)
The importance of dark adaptation for forensic examinations; an evaluation of the Crime-lite Eye™,
Science and Justice, 59(2), pp.138-144, ISSN: 1355-0306. DOI:
10.1016/j.scijus.2018.10.006.
Torrens, G (2018)
Dialogue appropriate to assistive technology product design: A taxonomy of communication formats in relation to modes of sensory perception,
She Ji, 3(4), pp.262-276, ISSN: 2405-8726. DOI:
10.1016/j.sheji.2018.01.001.
Torrens, G (2017)
The order and priority of research and design method application within an assistive technology new product development process: A summative content analysis of 20 case studies,
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 0(0), pp.0-0, ISSN: 1748-3107. DOI:
10.1080/17483107.2017.1280547.
Torrens, GE, Badni, K, Hurn, K, Storer, IJ (2015)
An introduction to the development of a product brand: An evidence-based template for use with first year undergraduate industrial designers,
Engineering Design Graphics Journal, 79(2), pp.24-45, ISSN: 0046-2012.
Torrens, GE and Newton, H (2013)
Getting the Most from Working with Higher Education: A review of methods used within a participatory design activity involving KS3 special school pupils and undergraduate and post-graduate industrial design students,
Design and Technology Education: an international journal, 18(1), pp.58-71.
Torrens, GE and Smith, NCS (2012)
Evaluation of an assistive technology product design using a paired comparisons method within a mixed methods approach: a case study evaluating preferences for four types of cutlery with 34 upper limb impaired participants,
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 8(4), pp.340-347, ISSN: 1748-3107. DOI:
10.3109/17483107.2012.735746.
Torrens, GE (2012)
Assistive Technology product to Universal design: A way forward,
Design For All India, 7(7), pp.182-205.
McCardle, J, Storer, I,
Torrens, G, Whitehead, S, Mailley, J, Farrell, G (2011)
Offending Users: Designing-in Deterrence with Mobile Telephones,
DESIGN JOURNAL, 14(3), pp.323-342, ISSN: 1460-6925. DOI:
10.2752/175630611X13046972590888.
Whitehead, S, Mailley, JC, Storer, IJ, McCardle, JR,
Torrens, GE, Farrell, G (2007)
In Safe Hands: A Review of Mobile Phone Anti-theft Designs,
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research, ISSN: 1572-9869. DOI:
10.1007/s10610-007-9040-9.
Torrens, GE (2006)
Kodak's ergonomics design for people at work,
ERGONOMICS, 49(2), pp.220-220, ISSN: 0014-0139. DOI:
10.1080/00140130500145194.
Williams, G, Hodder, S,
Torrens, GE, Hodgson, AR (2005) Integration of anthropometry into computer aided design to manufacture and evaluate protective handwear,
Journal of Engineering Manufacture, pp.275-288.
Williams, GL,
Torrens, GE, Hodgson, AR (2004)
Integration of anthropometric data within a computer aided design model,
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART B-JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MANUFACTURE, 218(10), pp.1417-1421, ISSN: 0954-4054. DOI:
10.1243/0954405042323450.
McDonagh, DC,
Torrens, GE, Reid, A (2003) Meeting needs beyond the functional: living with urinal incontinence,
The Ergonomist: The Newsletter of the Ergonomist Society, April 2003(394), pp.1-4, ISSN: 0268-5639.
Torrens, GE, McDonagh Philp, DC, Newman, A (2001)
Getting a Grip: Cutlery Design undergoes extensive evaluation of hand-object interaction, leading to improved products for people with hand use limitations,
Ergonomics in Design:The Magazine of Human Factors Applications, 9(2), pp.7-13, ISSN: 1064-8046.
Torrens, GE and McDonagh Philp, DC (2001) Handle with Care: Getting a Grip on Specialist Cutlery Design,
New Design Magazine, 3, p.54, ISSN: 1472-2674.
Torrens, GE, Hann, J, Webley, M, Joy, J, Sutherland, IA (2000)
Hand performance assessment of ten people with Rheumatoid Arthritis when using a range of specified saucepans,
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION, 22(3), pp.123-134, ISSN: 0963-8288.
Torrens, GE (2000) The implementation of a user-centred design approach by student industrial designers when designing for elderly and disabled people,
The Design Journal, 3(1), pp.15-30, ISSN: 1460-6925.
McDonagh Philp, DC and
Torrens, GE (1999) Developing a user-centred approach to new product innovation,
Academy Newsletter: The European Academy of Design, July, p.4.
Torrens, GE and O'Hare, FP (1998) Introducing user-centred factors into a value analysis methodology approach to the development of a health and beauty care product,
The Design Journal, 1(2), pp.27-36, ISSN: 1460-6925.
Torrens, GE (1998)
Design for ageing and disability at Key Stage 4: An introduction to the nature of designing, available teaching materials and resources,
The Journal of the National Association for Design Education, 2, pp.19-35, ISSN: 1354-408X.
Torrens, GE (1997) Barrier free design: Getting the message to designers,
Newsletter of the European Institute for Design and Disability, p.2.
Torrens, GE (1997) Choosing a switch,
New Designers, pp.22-23, ISSN: 1358-6882.
Torrens, GE (1997) Barrier free design: Connecting with your environment,
Newsletter of the European Institute for Design and Disability, 5(Autumn/Winter), p.2.
Burkitt, J, Martin, G, Kay, GH,
Torrens, GE, Chapman, C, Sandbach, D (1996)
The development of the Port-a-Bidet: A portable bidet for people with minimal hand function,
MEDICAL ENGINEERING & PHYSICS, 18(6), pp.515-518, ISSN: 1350-4533. DOI:
10.1016/1350-4533(96)00003-3.
Torrens, GE (1996) Barrier-Free Design,
New Designer, 1(2), pp.10-11, ISSN: 1358-6882.
Torrens, GE (1996) Getting a Grip: Developing an Understanding of Hand and Product Interaction during Task Performance,
Usertalk, (7), pp.4-5.
Burkitt, J,
Torrens, GE, Kay, GH, Sandbach, D, Sutherland, IA (1995) The development of the Autosip: A hygienic, self-operated, drinking device for people with minimal sucking ability and/or minimal arm strength,
Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences, 8(4), pp.115-118, ISSN: 0929-6719.
Conferences
Sansoni, S,
Torrens, G, Yang, F, Suroya, S, Wang, Y (2023)
Medical device or fashion accessory? A case study of a redesigned child's prosthetic upper limb applying principles of perception and semantics to reframe social acceptance. In
24th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED23 ); Proceedings of the Design Society, Bordeaux, France, pp.2615-2624, DOI:
10.1017/pds.2023.262.
Torrens, G, Jiang, Y, Dong, H (2020)
Incorporating "care" into design education through games. In Iacono, FTASABE (ed)
E3_Universal Design Practice Conference III_Design and Ergonomics - “Designing for Inclusive Learning Experience”; Designing for Inclusion, Gamification and Learning Experience, Florence, Italy, pp.54-68, ISBN: 9788891797780.
Palmer, G and
Torrens, G (2020) Crafting expertise. In
, EKSIG 2013: Knowing Inside Out - Experiential Knowledge, Expertise and Connoisseurship - International Conference 2013 of the Design Research Society Special Interest Group on Experiential Knowledge, Conference Proceedings, pp.271-288, ISBN: 9781907382727.
Johnson, N,
Torrens, G, Storer, I (2019)
Communicating the value of design: Design considerations to assist practitioner rationale in FMCG packaging development. In Bohemia, E, Nuša, GG, Bont, FCD, Almendra, RA (ed)
Academy for Design Innovation Management Conference 2019: Research Perspectives In the era of Transformations; Conference proceedings of the Academy of Design and Innovation Management 2019: Research Perspectives In the era of Transformations, Loughborough University London, pp.453-468, ISBN: 9781912769018.
Johnson, N,
Torrens, G, Storer, I (2019)
The value of design in UK FMCG packaging development: An industry case study exploring practitioner design practice rationale & decision-making. In
International Association of Societies of Design Research Conference (IASDR) 2019, Manchester Metropolitan University.
Torrens, G, Storer, I, Asghar, S, Welsh, R, Hurn, K (2019)
Social camouflage: A survey of 143 students of their preference for assistive technology cutlery and the visual mechanisms being influenced. In
Contemporary Ergonomics & Human Factors 2019, Stratford-upon-Avon,ISBN: 9781999652715.
Torrens, G, Storer, I, Asghar, S, Welsh, R, Hurn, K (2019)
Persona-Technology footprint: an evaluation of 144 student’s perceptions of a person using assistive technology. In Golightly, RCD (ed)
Contemporary Ergonomics & Human Factors 2019, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Asghar, S,
Torrens, G, Iftikhar, H, Harland, RG (2019)
Cultural blindness: Eye-tracking trial of visual attention towards assistive technology (AT) product, by students from the UK and Pakistan. In
International Association of Societies of Design Research Conference (IASDR 2019), Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
Asghar, S,
Torrens, G, Alamgir, S (2018)
What is the energy price of independent living? A review of energy consumption of AT products in inclusive smart homes. In
Conference on High Performance Energy Efficient Building & Homes (HPEEBH 2018), University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, Pakistan, pp.314-324.
Asghar, S,
Torrens, G, Harland, RG (2018)
Cross-cultural influences on the semantics ascribed to assistive technology product and its envisaged user. In
The Asian Conference on Media, Communication & Film 2018, Tokyo, Japan, pp.263-263.
McMurchie, B,
Torrens, G, Kelly, P (2016)
Forensic anthropometry from fingerprints- A collaboration between chemistry and design [Abstract]. In
International Conference on Anatomy and Physiology, Birmingham, UK, pp.29-29, DOI:
10.4172/2161-0940.C1.002.
Torrens, GE (2014)
How User-centred is Assistive Technology design?. In
Naidex, National Exhibition Centre, Brimingham, pp.1-36.
Ollyn, MG, Bibb, RJ,
Torrens, GE, Molwane, OB (2013) Determine the level of design awareness and investigate user-centred design (UCD) approaches in Botswana's Companies. In
Gaborone International Design Conference (GIDEC), Gaborone, Botswana, pp.1-4.
Torrens, GE (2012)
Rebranding of Assistive Technology: Towards social acceptance of AT products. In
ALT2012, 1st DMU Assisted Living Technologies Workshop, De Montfort University, Leicester, pp.1-34.
Norman, EWL, Bhamra, TA,
Torrens, GE, Trimingham, RL (2008) Curriculum Design for the 16+ to 18+ Design and Technology Educational Phase Boundary: Loughborough's Design Contexts Module. In Norman, DE and Spendlove, D (ed)
Designing the Curriculum - Making it Work: The Design and Technology Association Education and International Conference 2008, Loughborough University, p.121, ISBN: 1 898788 84 7.
Edwards, MB,
Torrens, GE, Bhamra, TA (2006) The use of fingerprint contact area or biometric identification. In
International Conference on Biometrics; Advances in Biometrics, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Hong Kong, pp.341-347.
Storer, IJ, Badni, KS,
Torrens, GE, Goonetilleke, T, Page, T (2005) Enhanced Communication of Product Concept Data Utilizing Motion Capture, CAD Modelling and Animation. In
, pp.1-14.
Torrens, GE and Hayes, SG (2004) Towards a new materials specification for extremities personal protective equipment. In
Technical Textiles for Security and Defence, 15-17 November, TTSD 2004, Royal Armouries, Leeds.
Storer, IJ,
Torrens, GE, Williams, G, Woodcock, AJ (2003) Harder Hardware? A Pilot Study into Gaining Soldiers' Perceptions of their Weapons. In McCabe, PTE (ed)
The Ergonomic Society 2003 Annual Conference, Contemporary Ergonomics 2003, Edinburgh, pp.443-447, ISBN: 041 530 9948.
McDonagh, DC,
Torrens, GE, Reid, A (2003) Enhancing quality of life: living with incontinence. In
17th Conference of European Health Psychology Society (Gender, Culture and Health), Book of Abstracts, Kos, Greece, p.102.
Woodcock, A,
Torrens, GE, McDonagh, DC (2003)
Emotional response to food packaging. In McDonagh, D, Hekkert, P, Erp, V, J, Gyi, eds, D (ed)
Third International Conference on Design and Emotion, Design and Emotion: The Experience of Everyday Things, Loughborough, UK, pp.308-313, ISBN: 0415 30363 X.
Gibb, AG, Haslam, RA, Gyi, DE,
Torrens, GE (2002) APaCHE - A Partnership for Construction Health. In Rowlinson, SE (ed)
Triennial Conference CIB WO99 Implementation of Safety and Health on Construction Sites, One Country Two Systems, Hong Kong, pp.55-60, ISBN: 9627757047.
Woodcock, AJ,
Torrens, GE, McDonagh, DC (2002)
Packaging for all: does it help or hinder the elderly user?. In
International Conference for Universal Design in Japan 2002, For all, for everybody. Toward a better life of tomorrow - products, environments, and information for ourselves, Yokohama, Japan, pp.597-605.
Burton, M, Campbell, RI,
Torrens, GE (2002) Computer Aided Design and Development of an Innovative Healthcare Product. In
3rd Annual RAPDASA Conference, Bloemfontein, South Africa, pp.1107-119.
Torrens, G, Williams, GL, Huxley, R (2001)
" Could you open this jar for me please": a pilot study of the physical nature of jar opening. In
, Royal Agricultural College, pp.83-89, ISBN: 9780415250733.
Torrens, GE, Mansfield, NJ, Newman, A, Gyi, DE, Gibb, AG (2000) Task and Product Analysis of an Electric Breaker Tool. In
Musculoskeletal Disorders 2000, Dublin Castle, pp.121-131.
Torrens, GE, Bruseberg, A, McDonagh Philp, DC (2000)
Reducing the Risk: A Partnership between Academia and a Small to Medium Enterprise. In Childs, PRN and Brodhurst, EKE (ed)
Integrating Design Education Beyond 2000, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK, pp.193-198, ISBN: 1 860 58265 6.
McDonagh Philp, DC and
Torrens, GE (2000) What do soldiers want from their gloves?. In McCabe, PT, Hanson, MA, Robertson, SA (ed)
Ergonomics Society Annual Conference, Contemporary Ergonomics 2000, Grantham, UK, pp.349-353, ISBN: 0-7484-0958-0.
Torrens, G, Mansfield, NJ, Newman, A, Gyi, D, Gibb, A (2000)
Task and product analysis of an electric powered hammertool. In
, Dublin, pp.121-131.
Torrens, GE and Newman, A (2000) The measurement of range of movement of the wrist: man or machine?. In McCabe, T, P, Hanson, A, M, Robertson, Eds, SA (ed)
Proceedings of the annual conference of the Ergonomics Society, Contemporary Ergonomics 2000, Grantham, UK, pp.276-280, ISBN: 0-7484-0958-0.
Torrens, GE and Newman, A (2000) The evaluation of gloved and ungloved hands. In McCabe, T, P, Hanson, A, M, Robertson, Eds, SA (ed)
Proceedings of the annual conference of the Ergonomics Society, Contemporary Ergonomics 2000, Grantham, UK, pp.301-305, ISBN: 0-7484-0958-0.
Gyi, DE and
Torrens, GE (1999) A user centred methodology for the design of cutlery for people with weak grip and limited dexterity. In
Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Product Safety Research, Washington, USA, pp.246-252, ISBN: 90-6788-251-8.
Torrens, GE and Gyi, DE (1999)
Towards the integrated measurement of hand and object interation. In
Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Product Safety Research, Washington, USA, pp.217-226, ISBN: 90-6788-251-8.
McDonagh Philp, DC, Lebbon, C,
Torrens, GE (1999) An evidence based design method within a user-centred design approach. In Committee, TP (ed)
Proceedings of the 4th Asian Design Conference International Symposium on Design Science, Nagaoka, Japan,ISBN: 4-9980 776-0-0.
Mockford, CD and
Torrens, GE (1997)
Student use of internet resources in the context of design and technology project work. In Smith, JSE (ed)
Proceedings of international conference on Design and Technology Educational Research and Curriculum Development, Loughborough University, pp.161-193, ISBN: 1 899291 20 2.
Torrens, GE (1997) Developing a robust product specification: curriculum development in the field of designing for elderly and disabled people. In Smith, JS (ed)
IDATER 97, Loughborough, UK, p.266.
Torrens, GE (1997)
What is the optimum surface feature? A comparison of five surface features when measuring the digit coefficient of friction of ten subjects. In Robertson, SA (ed)
Annual Conference of the Ergonomics-Society, CONTEMPORARY ERGONOMICS 1997, STOKE ROCHFORD HALL, LINCOLNSHIRE, ENGLAND, pp.314-319, ISBN: 0-7484-0677-8.
Torrens, GE, Marshall, R, Burkitt, J, Kay, G (1996)
Using modularity to produce more competitive assistive technology products. In
Proceedings of the 13th Irish Manufacturing Committee, Limerick, Ireland, pp.797-804.
Torrens, GE (1996) Inclusive design resources: curriculum development in the field of designing for disabled and elderly people. In Smith, JSE (ed)
IDATER 96, Loughborough, UK, p.60, ISBN: 1 899291 10 5.
Torrens, GE (1996) The early exploitation of prototyping to enhance design problem analysis and product development in the field of assistive technology. In Smith, JSE (ed)
IDATER 96, Loughborough, p.59, ISBN: 1 899291 10 5.
Torrens, GE (1996)
A contribution to the understanding of the role of digital pulp in hand grip performance. In Robertson, SA (ed)
Annual Conference of the Ergonomics-Society, CONTEMPORARY ERGONOMICS 1996, UNIV LEICESTER, LEICESTER, ENGLAND, pp.75-80, ISBN: 0-7484-0549-6.
Torrens, GE (1995) Designing for Physical Disability: A Discussion of Research and Development Methods Through to a Commercial Conclusion. In Cooper, RE (ed)
Designing Interfaces: Inaugural Conference of the European Academy of Design, University College, Salford, pp.4-5, ISBN: 0 952 5666 1 3.
Brown, FR,
Torrens, GE, Wright, DK (1992) Research into optimising hand and body function for tasks in everyday living: the development of a range of 'easy use' saucepan handles. In
Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering, 5-10 July, VI Mediterranean Proceedings, Capri, Italy, pp.549-553.
Brown, FR,
Torrens, GE, Wright, DK (1992) The role of Product Design in the development of new products for the disabled and elderly. In
4th European Congress on Research in Rehabilitation, 20-22 July 1992, held at The Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne University, 4th European Congress, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, p.7.
