Dr. Larry Leifer

Professor

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Biography

Larry John Leifer is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Emeritus at Stanford University. His research concentrates on engineering design thinking, particularly in how design teams operate and improve their practices. He has explored several pertinent areas, including design-team research methodology, global collaboration, innovation leadership, and interaction design. His work integrates critical paradigms of neuroscience and analytical design synthesis to advance the emerging field of NeuroDesign. Over a career spanning several decades, he has held various positions, including Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Innovation in Design Research and the Hasso Plattner Design Thinking Research Program. Leifer has won numerous accolades, including honorary fellowships and teaching innovation awards, illustrating his impact on the field of engineering education and research.

Research Interests

Experience

Emeritus Faculty

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Professor of Mechanical Engineering focused on design thinking and engineering design practices.

Patents

Methods for Representing, Diagnosing, and Recommending Interaction Sequences

9710787 2017-07-18

Patent for systems and methods in diagnostic and recommendation interactions.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US9710787B2/en

Television Systems Incorporating Separate A/V Processing Systems

14,557,205 2014-10-15

Patent application for innovative TV systems.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US20140305024A1/en

Synchronized Replay of Voice and Text Sketch Processing

7,458,013 2008-11-25

Patent for concurrent voice and text processing in sketches.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US7458013B2/en

Audio/Video Concurrent Sketch Activity Retrieval System

6,724,918 2004-04-20

Patent on accessing and retrieving audio/video content alongside sketches.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US6724918B2/en

Communication Method Using Sized Icons and Text

5,973,694 1999-11-26

Patent for communication methods utilizing sized icons.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US5973694A/en

Method for Communicating with Language-Deficient Patients

5,169,342 1992-12-08

Patent for a communication method for aiding language-deficient patients.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US5169342A/en

Direct Link Manipulator Glove for Space Suit Applications

4,756,655 1986-07-02

Patent related to manipulator gloves used in space suits.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US4756655A/en

Courses

ME 391 ME 191 ME 392 ME 191H ME 398 ME 199A ME 299A ME 299B

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.