The development of modern engineering design in Bulgaria has its roots in 1968, when it was established at the Higher Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering "V. I. Lenin" (HIME) Laboratory of Ergonomics, Engineering Psychology and Industrial AestheticsIt marks the beginning of interdisciplinary research aimed at optimizing the interaction between humans and technology.
Just six years later, in 1974, the laboratory was transformed into "Central Research Laboratory for Ergonomics, Engineering Psychology and Industrial Aesthetics" (Central Research Laboratory for Ergonomics, Engineering Psychology and Industrial Aesthetics), which testifies to the significance of her activity and the expansion of its scope.
In 1982, the "Center for Training and Advanced Training of Engineering-Pedagogical Staff", whose structure included the Central Research Laboratory for Engineering Psychology and Pedagogical Engineering (CNIL for EIPPE) was established. This decision strengthened the link between scientific research and the practical training of specialists.
A year later, in 1983, the second specialty "Engineering Ergonomics and Industrial Design" (EIPD)was founded, and in the 1985/86 academic year, the first cohort of students specializing in "Engineering Ergonomics and Design"was admitted. Thus, the beginning of systematic training of engineers capable of combining technical knowledge with the principles of ergonomics and design was laid.
In 1985, the Central Research Laboratory for Ergonomics (CRL-E) became the Department of "Engineering Ergonomics and Industrial Design," and in 1989, by order of the Rector, the department was renamed the Department of "Ergonomics and Design" (ED).
Following the changes, in 1991, the Faculty of Economics was established, which included the Department of "Ergonomics and Design." During the 1993/94 academic year, the specialty was renamed "Engineering Ergonomics and Design."
The following year (1995), the Department of "Engineering Ergonomics and Design" merged with the Departments of "Economics," "Patent and Licensing Activities and Humanities Disciplines" to form the Department of "Humanities and Design."
In 1997, the specialty "Engineering Design" was established for full-time study, and the first graduating class of bachelors was admitted.
From the 2008/09 academic year, by a decision of the Academic Council of TU-Sofia, the department and the specialty became part of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, retaining the same name: "Engineering Design."
During this long period of the department's development, many distinguished specialists in various fields of science and practice have participated in the educational process at the university as full-time and honorary professors. Over 50 instructors have worked here, including about 10 professors, over 20 associate professors, senior assistants, and scientific and technical staff. Thousands of engineers have acquired their knowledge here.
Over the years, students in the specialty "Engineering Ergonomics and Design" have had the privilege of receiving knowledge and skills from leading nationally recognized specialists and teachers with rich practical experience. Among them, special mention goes to:
* Prof. Georgi Georgiev (Technical University), the first head of the department until 2000, with significant contributions in the field of ergonomics;
* Assoc. Prof. Georgi Uzunski (Technical University) and Assoc. Prof. Atanas Arabadzhiev (Technical University), established experts in the field of ergonomics;
* Prof. Kiril Boichev (Higher Institute of Architecture and Construction / University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy), as well as Assoc. Prof. Stoyan Delchev (HIAC/UACG), who have made significant contributions to the development of spatial design;
* Prof. Doncho Valchev (National Academy of Arts), Prof. Georgi Petrov (NAA), Prof. Dimitar Ermenkov (NAA), * Prof. Dimitar Trendafilov (NAA) – instructors who shaped the artistic training of students through courses in drawing, spatial design, modeling, and calligraphy;
* Prof. Georgi Kyuchukov (University of Forestry), a specialist in the field of furniture design;
* Prof. Kiril Trifonov (South-West University "Neofit Rilski") and Assoc. Prof. Tsenyo Ivanov (SWU "Neofit Rilski"), who developed the training in clothing and textile technology, as well as graphic design;
* Assoc. Prof. Lyubomir Gurinov (University of Forestry), who dedicated himself to teaching design;
* Stefan Chernayev (Technical University – Sliven Branch), with contributions in the field of drawing and graphic design;
* Lyubomir Delchev (Technical University), Delyan Topuzliev** and Eng. Petko Mishev (Ruse University "Angel Kanchev"), who established themselves as specialists in the field of design.
Thanks to their professionalism and dedication, the department has managed to prepare generations of engineers who combine technical competence with a creative approach and a sense of aesthetics.
Only in the last ten years of the development of the Department of Engineering Design, the following achievements can be noted:
- Graduated students – over 800;
- Publications by department members – over 50;
- Patents and author's certificates by department members – 5;
- Developed scientific research and artistic-creative topics – over 30;
- Held plenaries and creative workshops – over 5;
- Published textbooks and guides in the department – over 5;
- Doctoral candidates defended in the department – 10.
