Emma Jane Bloxham, Bucks New University

This was a particularly good year to see some exciting textile design at the New Designers annual showcase of graduate talent. ARTS THREAD rounds up some more of our favourites from 2010.

Eunoia, Thomas Tzortzi, Coventry University

At New Designers part 2, upcoming transport design graduates wowed us with their prototype creations. From boats to planes, to bikes to sports cars, all areas showcased thoughtful and well-researched projects.

Subtle Subtitles, Calum Pringle, Duncan of Jordanstone, Dundee

There was a wealth of graphic and illustration talent at the show, as well as interactive media design.

Calum Pringle from Duncan of Jordanstone, Dundee had on show his project Subtle Subtitles, a prototype of a wearable display (here in a knitted scarf) to help adults with Ataxic Dysphonia (or Dysarthria) communicate.

Sebastian Cox, University of Lincoln

Sebastian Cox’s beautiful pieces hooked us in immediately. We weren’t alone…his work has attracted interest from the top end of the industry this week. A simple chair suspended on a weighing scale drew attention to its lightness, yet the piece is very strong and durable. Sebastian’s MA project utilised traditionally coppiced hazel as his main material – chosen as “It is strong, light, entirely renewable, and grows in abundance in the UK”. He believes that this is a great resource that is “hugely overlooked in this country”.

Terry Stokes, Brunel University

We loved some of the product design concepts on display at New Designers aimed at child development and social interaction.

Terry Stokes, an Industrial Design Graduate from Brunel University had a couple of projects on display. Terry says his littlepal design is aimed at ‘reducing stress during children’s injections through the use of visual, tactile and sonic distraction’. The cleverly disguised needle is accompanied with a moulded plastic tray and educational packaging to encourage child interaction. Also on display was his Sensio design, a solution to a Future Design Concept project for Crayola, using haptic feedback by using pressure sensors within the pens.

Lois Skelton, Winner of the Murray & Willis Associate Prize

ARTS THREAD is pleased to announce that the winner of the Murray & Willis Associate Prize Award went to Lois Skelton from Bournemouth University for her Project: Point innovative design concept. Judges were looking for an innovative environmentally friendly interior design concept. Project: Point explores the possibilities of improving sustainable travel interchange in and around Milton Keynes.

The BDC New Designer of the Year Winner Tortie Hoare, Bucks New University

Last night saw the winners announced for New Designers Part 2. Held at Islington Business Centre, the show celebrates 25 years this edition. Tortie Hoare won this year’s BDC New Designer of the Year award for her spectacular collection of eco-friendly ‘French armour’ inspired leather furniture. Each piece was carefully crafted and a unique exploration of the boiled vegetable tan leather process.

Nicola Louise Reed, University of Dundee

Jewellery is always a strong element of Week 1 of New Designers and this year’s work proved to be of an extremely high standard, with imaginative use of materials, fine craftsmanship and a practical approach to the future.