Hywel Rhobet Vaughan, UWE Bristol

We take a look at some of the most innovative product designs on offer in our final installment on New Designers 2011.

Hywel Rhobet Vaughan, an industrial designer from the University of the West of England, showcased his innovative and environmentally conscious design ‘Plot’. From Wales, Hywel’s impetus came from the finding that ‘the Welsh Government is looking to plant 100,000 hectares of trees over 20 years’ and this device encourages the planting of new trees by providing the user with faster, cheaper and easier way to imput all the data required to apply for woodland grants.

Hywel says: ‘To make this process easier, the woodland plotter combines GPS technology and user-entered meta data about what is being recorded; all connecting to the woodland charity MyForest online system. This allows users to record all of the information needed, in situ, then upload it straight into a woodland management system. No tape measures, no graph paper, no fuss.’

Michael Jones, University of Leeds

University of Leeds graduate Michael Jones was showing Joey:) – a device for carrying babies and small children to different units within a hospital for non-urgent treatment that can be installed in a car, so freeing up ambulences and saving the hospital money and resources.

Jennie Morley, Loughborough University; Tim Pryde, Duncan of Jordanstone Collge of Art and Design, University of Dundee

Jennie Morley from Loughborough University came to New Designers with her device Moulu, a domestic coffee roasting and grinding machine. Offering the consumer a weekly/monthy supply of ethically-sourced beans allows Jennie to market Moulu as an upmarket branded product.

Duncan of Jordanstone, Dundee’s Tim Pryde tugged our heartstrings with his adorable coin-operated charity robot DON-8r. Each donation received powers DON-8r for a short time, making it a fun and innovative way for charities to interact and engage with members of the public.

Stuart Baker, Ravensbourne

Stuart Baker from Ravensbourne has designed a clever gadget for around the home. The Mult-Tool is ‘an electrical appliance that lives in the kitchen. It has a number of interchangeable heads that allow it to perform a range of tasks. These include small D.I.Y jobs as well as other rotary based task such as whisking and blending.’

Anoush Mortazavi, Sheffield Hallam University; Anna Milner, Northumbria University

Anoush Mortazavi of Sheffield Hallam University created Innowave, a high quality microwave oven designed for space saving kitchens. The ‘Innowave’ slides effortlessly from a standard drawer slot, freeing up space for other tasks. Northumbria University’s Anna Milner showed us her cordless hair and face drier Feder. Designed for professional men aged 18+, ‘Feder’ uses the latest battery technology to provide the user with five minutes of instant drying.

Darren Lewis, Middlesex University

Middlesex University graduate Darren Lewis brought his Babel Create to the show. Babel Create ‘is a low-cost hardware based tool to allow people to prototype their own ideas (hacks) involving the Microsoft Kinect as a sensor with ease, making it possible to create a functioning project in a very short space of time. It is easy to program the use of a simple sensor such as an infra-red sensor. Babel Create makes it just as easy to use the Kinect in this way. This low-cost prototyping tool brings Kinect hacking to a much wider and more creative audience.

‘Arduino is the market leader in low-cost prototyping platforms and an Arduino shield provides an extra function for the Arduino board. Through further development Babel Create will take the form of an Arduino shield. The target market groups will be artists, designers, students, technology enthusiasts, roboticists, researchers, Arduino users and hobbyists.’

Hywel Rhobet Vaughan
Michael Jones
Jennie Morley: morley.jennie@gmail.com
Tim Pryde
Stuart Baker
Anoush Mortazavi: anoushmortazavi@gmail.com
Anna Milner
Darren Lewis

The Type House Tea Set & Girls Like Type Too, Lucinda Ireland; Time & Time Again, Sophie Garwell

Visual Communication stood out predominately this year at New Designers. The imagination and dedication of the graphic designers presenting their work shines through to the viewer and grabs your attention. Here ARTS THREAD takes a look at a few of the delights on offer.

Graduate of Nottingham Trent University, Lucinda Ireland presents ‘Girls Like Type Too’. Lucinda’s promotional poster, that won her the New  Designers Hallmark Award this year, came from her idea to create something that reflected her obsession with typography as a girl, sparked from a poster that read “when typographers were men and women were grateful”. Her creation flows beautifully, conveying both the feminine side of the designer while still maintaining a cool design edge, reflective of her subject.

From Pot To Plot, Megan Williams, Time & Time Again, Sophie Garwell; Pet Shop, Ian Upcott

Fellow Nottingham Trent University graduate Sophie Garwell has created a feast of old books and maps screenprinted with the letter T. Her work was designed for the in-store display of an independent shop called Time & Time Again that sells reclaimed and recycled books and objects. Simple but effective, Sophie’s work really reflected the nature of the store.

Also showing from Nottingham Trent University was Ian Upcott. Ian, a recent winner of this year’s Best New Blood Awards at D&AD, presented Pet Shop. Using products found in-store at his local pet shop, he has created some imaginative pet-themed illustrations. His series of posters are designed to make you think more about the animals you used to see in a pet shop, compared to the empty cages you’d find in one today.

Dark Horse, Hannah Rossiter

BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate Hannah Rossiter from Plymouth College of Art exhibited an exploration of old English proverbs with a 21st century twist. Combining the old and the new, Hannah has created a series of outcomes for five well known proverbs. ‘Dark Horse’ shows the effect of scratched copper, very dramatic with its outcome demonstrating Hannah’s understanding of the true meaning of the proverb.

From Havering College comes graduate Richard Phillips. Richard’s work aimed to raise awareness and promote debate about various issues surrounding  today’s Capitalist society. His series of images individually represent a number of relevant statements that he found inspiring whilst studying the issue for his thesis. His work is very relevant to our present society and he has conveyed each statement creatively.

Image/Word/Sound, Dawn Gardner; We are the Product, Richard Phillips

Dawn Gardner, also from Havering College, displayed ‘Image/Word/Sound’ a series of visually inspiring images that explore the relationship between the three distinct fields. Dawn examines their ability to stir new multi-faceted narratives, provoking thought and further questioning. Like Richard Phillips, Dawn has drawn her inspiration from her thesis on Gestalt Psychology and her prints are the outcome of her explorations.

From Plot To Pot, Megan Williams

‘From Plot To Pot’ is the work of designer Megan William’s of Nottingham Trent University. Her branding design came from helping her dad market his own allotment goods. But the idea of branding the goods quickly turned into a business idea that would mean that anyone with an allotment could buy merchandising material to sell their goods with, to be a franchisee of ‘From Pot To Plot’. With this is mind, Megan’s design had to stay simple and neutral so that it didn’t clash with any other colours.

Displaying something slightly more unusual was Michail Vanis from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design with his work, ‘Acoustic Poetry’. His conceptual object allows deaf individuals to explore soundscapes in all types of situations. Through the use of the object, an individual can record and send an audio sample of the environment around them to a human interpreter who can listen to the audio recording and write back with a poetic description of the soundscape, which is then displayed on the object’s monitor.

Acoustic Poetry, Michail Vanis; Map Your City, Ruth Tullis

Such a beautifully unique take on improving an experience for a deaf individual and a great example of how technology can also be part of the concept, as well as something that helps towards a final outcome.

Ruth Tullis, a graduate from the same university, was researching New York when she came up with her design ‘Map Your City’. Noticing that a map should be a tool that connects you to a city rather than a way to navigate from A to B, Ruth decided to create a more personal map experience that links its user to a more memorable experience of a city. Her design, which enables the user to choose items of interest in a city then have this individual map printed and posted to them, adds a more personal touch to an object that has always been used as a practical tool rather than a link to an experience.

Each of these students have demonstrated the amazing graphic design talent that is on offer in the UK!

Richard Phillips
Michail Vanis
Ruth Tullis
Dawn Gardner
Megan Williams

Ian Upcott

Inspired by films, music and observing the world around her, Claire Louise Hill has found a passion for creating images and animation through 3D software. A graduate of Bournemouth and Poole College, her ‘A Cuckoo Adventure’ is particularly amusing, demonstrating that good story telling can be portrayed though 3D design. Her other work shows great detail in the consideration of lighting and movement.

The Picture of Dorian Gray from Thomas Beg on Vimeo.

Tom Beg of UCA Rochester showcased his animation, an eight minute adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s ‘Dorian Gray’ novel. He has presented his work as a portrait and each scene and image is just like a painting. Tom’s creation from start to finish is a work of art, retaining the watercolour quality from his initial drawings.



Alexandra Kovacs from South Essex College has displayed her work, titled ‘An Eggstraordinary Story’ about a clock maker who decides to create a musical clock, only to have a confused cuckoo lay an egg in it . A beautifully thought out story, Alexandra has created a imaginative animation that has utilised standard industry equipment and reflect work such from big name animators Pixar. Only a short piece of animation, the project has been a huge task, from concept, to story boards and scripts.



Klaudia Kovacs, twin sister of Alexandra, is also showcasing her work at New Designers this year. Her animation, ‘A Midnight Tale’ is about a lonely mouse who has lost his friend in the woods and through a magical spell get re-united. Her work creates a mystical atmosphere and the details add the the quality of her piece.

Tom Beg

Nathan Oteng-Owusu, University of Herefordshire

Nathan Oteng-Owusu from the University of Hertfordshire has created an array of stylised characters within his illustrations, often using bright cartoon-like colours. However, highlighting his diversity in sepias is ‘Twisted Tales’, a story of a cheeky squirrel and a luckless hunter presented in a pull out story board. Illustrated in two different ways on each side of the book, Nathan uses clean lines and confident digital techniques.

Arran Macphail, Cambridge School of Art

Frankie Brown, University of Portsmouth

Jessica Knight, Glyndwr University

Katie Pascoe, University of Portsmouth

Michael Julings, University of Falmouth

Nathan Oteng-Owusu
Arran Macphail
Frankie Brown
Jessica Knight
Katie Pascoe
Michael Julings

Alasdair Chapman, Plymouth University

ARTS THREAD looks at highlights from spatial design graduates exhibiting at New Designers 2011.

Showcasing from Plymouth University, graduate Alasdair Chapman reveals his final project ‘Changing Tides’. The project was designed to provide a refuge for people from the “chaos of urban living”. His designs aim to improve the existing environment whilst not destroying the landscape that they are situated in.

The design reflects the need for humans to identify global issues and react to them positively. It comprises of an urban beachscape which encourages relaxation and a sense of community within a city environment. This reflects his ethos of “enhancing people’s perceptions and understanding of their surroundings”.

Joanna Severin, American InterContinental University

Joanna Severin’s project began with the question “How would you create an interior that helps released prisoners not re-offend?”

The project ‘Square 1’ resolves this issue by presenting a support network that aids the rehabilitation of people back into the community. The space offers temporary housing, education and job opportunities and aims to achieve this objective within the timeframe of 6-9 months. This proposal would decrease the cycle of re-offenders, therefore leading to releasing pressure from prison resources.

Jessica Letourneau and Monica Islas, London Metropolitan University

London Metropolitan University students Monica Islas and Jessica Letourneau’s project ‘Gold with the power to change lives’, involved designing the interior for the Essence pavilion for London Jewellery Week 2011. The aim of their venture was to promote ethically produced jewellery by explaining the journey of gold. They feel that people should be aware of the origins of gold and the importance of buying ethical pieces.

The installation features images of the mining process that takes place to obtain gold. This aims to “increase knowledge through conversation” by encouraging visitors to reflect on the lives of the people involved in mining gold.

Boyeon Park, London Metropolitan University

Boyeon Park from London Metropolitan University has an interest in pushing experimental style through “simple yet clever” design.  Bold colours and eye catching geometric forms immediately catch the eye of visitors to explore Boyeon’s stand.

‘Dazed and Confused’ accurately reflects the visual style of the magazine around which the bar and lounge is based. The magazine’s core market are creative young people with a keen interest in fashion, music and art, so the space reflects this by promoting new artists and encouraging entertainment.

Jennifer West, De Montfort University

Jennifer West’s unique style is definitely unmistakable due to her exploration of artistic methods. The De Montfort University graduate aims to bring generations together by breaking down the barriers of designing for certain age groups.

Her ideal for inclusive design consists of the proposed ‘Arc community centre hq’ featuring organic shapes, alongside warm inviting colours. The space aspires to offer a flexible, modern and comfortable facility for all generations.

Yasmin Zielinski, London Metropolitan University

London Metropolitan’s Yasmin Zielinski aims to design with the user in mind through putting herself ‘in the shoes of others’. The design portrays an alternative fashion store for the company Acne Studios, as well as offering an art gallery.

The intention of the space is for individuals to experience a connection between both elements of art work and the retail function of the space, whilst maintaining the heritage of the brand. The concept was inspired by the traditional library-style ladder, which is a symbol of Acne current retail design.

Ola Rajska, University of Glamorgan

Bikes can now truly become a social and retail experience for all with Ola’s new concept for a ‘bicycle world’. Ola Rajska from the University of Glamorgan proposes the idea of a unique bicycle workshop where individuals can build, modify, design and store their bikes whilst socialising.

It is a way of bringing all cyclists together in one place in Cardiff, creating a new culture. The visual concept is based upon the movement of speed; this is evident in the circulation and feeling of space within the design.

Danielle Ferguson, London Metropolitan University

Danielle Ferguson has been influenced by elements in the environment that shape us as people. Graduating from London Metropolitan University with her project ‘Living Bridge’ she has explored the opportunities that living bridges present to urban communities.

The bridge offers a unique expression of “both physiological and physical connection to the built environment” reconnecting people and allowing them to explore nature within an urban environment. The structure comprises of interlocking platforms that providing areas to enjoy the scenery. A glass shelter rises from the platforms to offer an interior space.

Maria Palmer, Bournemouth University

Marias project is inspired by her love of horses, and so she has developed an interior scheme that educates people about the historical importance of horses.

Maria Palmer from Bournemouth University has chosen to convert a church into a museum. The space will be primarily targeted at tourists and aims to both educate and entertain. The space is divided into zones based on famous horses throughout history. It has a range of technology stations including Pods, STS Stations and group activity stations.

Rebecca Groves, University of Glamorgan

Rebecca Groves from the University of Glamorgan has taken a new and fresh look at the public farm. Rebecca, 1st prize winner of the Satellite Browns Challenge, has chosen a former colliery in Wales as the site for her farm; it is open to the public and offers a series of facilities. The main emphasis of the site is to educate as well as providing a space for the community to come together.

Nathan Stubbs, Derby University

Splash Factor-E is the thrilling new extreme sports centre proposal from Nathan Stubbs of the University of Derby. The space would be the first indoor extreme water sports centre in the world, offering the potential for water skiing, wakeboarding, surfing and deep sea diving. The form for the building has been developed through the exploration of the physical properties of water and its changing state from a solid to a liquid.

Victoria Coshever, South Essex College

For her final major project Victoria Coshever from South Essex College has chosen to renovate a secret nuclear bunker into an underground wine bar. The design is sensitive to the original building so that both old and new fit comfortably alongside each other.

One of the most interesting spaces within the design is the ‘on the side bar’, so called because the room has been literally turned on its side, playing with the user’s perceptions. Every aspect of the design can be linked back to a wine bottle, especially the materials, as they are predominately organic.

Kazimieras Tiknius, Cambridge School of Art

His aim is to provide a healthy environment for children by flooding the space with natural light; this is achieved through the use of skylights. The proposal seeks to be sustainable, using materials that complement this theme. An important aspect of the design is the ‘green roof’ which saves energy and provides thermal insulation.

Joanna Severin
Jessica Letourneau
Jennifer West
Yasmin Zielinski
Ola Rajska
Alasdair Chapman

Trolli, Adam Jenkins, Northumbria University

Following on from auto design we look at how transport design encompasses a wider range of products, from everyday items to the recreational. The following students demonstrate a good understanding of what the future buyer will want and need in order to live in a safer, more environmentally aware society.

Taking a more personal approach to design is Adam Jenkins, a graduate of Northumbria University. Adam has created ‘Trolli’ a multifunctional garden organiser that combines traditional garden tools and materials with a sleek 21st century design. Adam came up with this design after identifying a problem with security over tools at his local allotment. His practical design doubles as a trolley for any gardener’s tools and seeds, with a quirky feature of the handles being the fork and spade, as well as a work station. Trolli allows its user space to work, space to store and it also allows easy transportation of produce and equipment.

Trolli, Adam Jenkins, Northumbria University; Cadapt, Lewis Wilson, University of Salford; Harvester, Michael Davies, London South Bank University

Using the wind energy from cars driving by, Michael Davies from London South Bank University has created ‘Harvester’, a wind turbine that stores energy to run street lamps. The design idea came from finding a viable resource to power street lamps instead of using power from the grid. A simple design, it would work well as a future resource of power, allowing car users to ‘give back’ with renewable energy.

Both Lewis Wilson and Frankie Chan from the University of Salford have also taken into consideration the users’ needs in their designs. Lewis Wilson’s ‘Cadapt’ is a visually creative take on the golf bag that allows the user freedom of ease when choosing a club. His original concept was to design a golf bag for the more elderly player but has since realised that his design would benefit all ages of golfers. This high quality product not only means no longer having to reach far into a golfing bag to find what you need, but also presents the golf kit in a state-of-the art way.

Scuba set, Charles Creed, University of Derby; Apocrita, Ben Carter, Northumbria University; SMIDSY, Frankie Chan, University of Salford

Frankie Chan’s ‘SMIDSY’ (Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You) is a unique lighting device for your bike. With increasing numbers of people switching to cycling for their everyday transport, ‘SMIDSY’ attaches to your bike and increases cyclist visibility. Less hassle than current lighting systems from bike users, this light weight design will definitely not go un-noticed by other road users!

However, useful design is not just created for the benefit of the environment as Ben Carter, a graduate from Northumbria University has demonstrated. Designed through his love of skateboarding, his design, Apocrita, is lightweight and shows no visible sign of the motor that is carefully hidden away within the skateboard itself. Unlike many other motorised skateboards, Ben has designed with the skater in mind.

Another designer for extreme sports is Charles Creed from the University of Derby. Although originally designed to help paraplegics returning from war Charles has designed scuba diving equipment that allows the user dive further into the water with the aid of a motor. Lightweight and small, it doesn’t restrict its user.

Images courtesy of Stacey Rivers

Parajet by Archibald Colvin, Northumbria University

Utilising design is the way that auto industry always moves forward. Many of the universities showcasing auto design at this year’s New Designers demonstrate an understanding of how we need to utilise our travel needs in an ever changing world. From streamlined ideas to fuel efficient technology these students have given their designs real thought and consideration as to the effects they will have on the user and the environment.

Archibald Colvin has also considered the users of his design the Parajet. Unlike many other para motoring vehicles, Archie’s design in not restrictive to the user during flight, something that he himself found as a para glider. The Parajet is easy to assemble and being lightweight it is more fuel efficient which allows the rider to stay in the air for longer, as well as taking only 45 mins to assemble.

Dyson Electric Scooter, Matthew Haigh; Type One, Bujar Muharremi

Transport design student Matthew Haigh from Huddersfield University, has designed and created the Dyson Electric Scooter concept as a solution to congested roads and increased fuel prices. The two wheeled vehicle platform is designed to create more of a sense of security for the user with the inclusion of a back wheel. The removable batteries allow the user to travel as far as 14 miles on a single charge which makes the design perfect for use in airports or even short trips to the supermarket.

Some designers are more auto based and have a more futuristic appeal to their designs, showcasing something we could possible see being used for future scientific studies, two that really stood out were Bujar Muharremi’s ‘Type One’ and Simon Laurmet’s ‘Ingen’.

Bujar’s has designed a vehicle for use in Antarctica. The wind-powered design is light on the snow much in the same way as husky dogs and sleighs. Its design is inspired by the formation of rocks swell as other natural materials such as bamboo. This two-man auto design could easily be used to transport scientist to and from bases in Antarctica.

Ingen by Simon Laurmet's

Similarly, Simon has created a sand yacht that offers spacious luxury and the cultural relevance of a yacht. With adjustable suspension and a 10kw photovoltaic roof panel, this design would easily with stand anything that the desert can through at them.

3CT Sheldon King, Northumbria University

Showcasing at Northumbria University, graduate Sheldon King’s presents his urban vehicle 3CT. Sheldon’s project was about rationalising maintenance vehicles down into one that can be adapted to all conditions for all jobs. The 3CT is a multi-tasking piece of equipment designed with the city of Newcastle in mind.

Within the city walls, Newcastle has seventeen maintenance vehicles that they use for a variety of different jobs including grass cutting and road cleaning. Sheldon’s design incorporates all these different areas into one maintenance vehicle that can adapt to different weather conditions and job roles, as well as a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts as long as the average 8 hour shift.

Video Game Addiction from Reiss Cleal on Vimeo.

The Visual Communication department stood out with amazing and very inspiring project ideas. We were pleased to see how projects were the result of combining multiple aspects of digital design. The vast majority of the digital animation projects showed a clear understanding of the current issues and the amount of research and initial development was outstanding.

Reiss Cleal from Graphic Design at Havering College had a very well thought-through project: from the initial idea until the final solution. He was interested in 2D animation, so for his major project he decided to take this a step further and to combine elements of 3D animation with what he already knew. Reiss is also up-to-date with the current social issues, so the theme of his project was game addiction. All of this combined with his dedication ended up producing a fantastic animation - the music perfectly matched the theme and the script was precisely timed.

Reiss Cleal, Havering College - Graphic Design

Looking back, he states that there are ‘bits that he would like to change’, but overall he is very pleased with the final result. In the future, he would like to continue developing his 3D animation skills and to produce more refined movies.

Below from Laurence Dawes on Vimeo.

The Brunel University showcased excellent projects, one of them being Laurence Dawes’ animation. Laurence is a student passionate about 3D arts and wanted his major project to relate to current news, so his animation theme was newspaper sensationalism.

His video is based on alienation from society, having a single character obsessed with the news. ‘Upon hearing of swine flu he is convinced it will finally wipe out the human race and so descends into a bunker beneath his house where he stays for years, isolated and cut off from the world.’ The animation sends a very powerful message and makes us wonder: Is news actually keeping us away from reality?

Laurence Dawes, Brunel University London - Multimedia Design and Technology

Laurence impressed with the complexity of his project and the attention to detail. He wanted to make everything seem realistic, so he combined software packages, such as 3D Studio MAX, Photoshop, Zbrush and After Effects. Laurence is very passionate about his work and now is looking forward to get involved in this industry.

Reiss Cleal

Laurence Dawes

Patrick Stephenson-Keating, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art - Designersblock Associate Prize

Patrick Stevenson-Keating, a product designer from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, has won the New Designers Designersblock Associate Prize for his innovative ‘Quantum Parallelograph’ which is an exploratory public engagement project that explores the scientific and philosophical ideas of Professor David Deutsch of Oxford University, surrounding the theory of quantum physics and multiple universes. Patrick produced a device that simulates a glimpse into ‘parallel lives’ to observe our alternate realities.

Also rooted in the earlier work of Professor Hugh Everett, Patrick’s ‘Quantum Parallelograph’ helps argue for Everett’s theory of infinite copies of ourselves existing within multiple universes and seeks to reveal to the user how such ideas of alternative realities may be envisaged.

‘A genuine creative idea to present a complex physics theory in a very poetic way’ – Bud Moore, Designerblock.

Patrick Stevenson-Keating

Jo-Yun Wang, Edinburgh College of Art

James Pettinger, Bucks New University

Raw, natural materials are a running theme in this year’s furniture design and James Pettinger from Bucks New University celebrates the material cane with his table and chair set Jeremy. Using no glue, screws or typical joints, James wanted to show how practical and aesthetically pleasing raw cane can be if used correctly, in this case, he has laced the wood pieces together. Acid stained copper is used for the table top which has been lacquered for its final finish. Alongside the table is a dodecagon 12-sided stool that uses stretched cane to create the seat itself. Together they provide a raw yet decorative set of furniture.

Jennifer McDowell, Nottingham Trent University

Exploiting the natural qualities of green timber Jennifer has not used any adhesives, instead, simple slot joints that allow the product to expand, lock and strengthen itself with age. To fit in with the theme of longevity, Jennifer has cleverly incorporated two silhouettes between the spindles which, ‘reflect the meeting and sharing of Bow’s owners through its lifetime.’

Sophia Nicolson, Edinburgh College of Art

Shih Wen Wang, Edinburgh College of Art

Zizhao Shi (Francis), Edinburgh College of Art

Josie Baker, Plymouth University

Josh Cosh Hall, London Metropolitan University

Designed for a couple sharing a small city apartment this piece allows the owner to make use of the space available, whilst being able to accommodate guests or a dinner party by it collapsible structure. Made by combining both machine and hand craftsmanship, the table has been produced in American White Oak with Brass fittings, sealed in Shellac and finished in clear wax.