I am constantly learning from my peers, their work is extraordinary. I would like to dedicate this blog post to some of the designs I have seen in my class this academic year which have truly stuck out to me as great.
Grace Scullion - Phase
"Phase aims to provide nutrition for young people who menstruate while educating on the link between nutrition and hormones."
The neglect of women's health education has been a persistent issue in many societies. Despite the significant progress that has been made in healthcare, women's health concerns often go unaddressed due to a lack of awareness and education. Grace's product allows women and people who menstruate to gain the most out of their cycle, creating a more inclusive society where we feel empowered about our periods. This issue hits home with me as menstrual complications are something I am aware of and have experienced but have had to educate myself on what was actually going on in my body. Grace has reminded me that as designers, we should aim to use our expertise into making this world more inclusive, we as women deserve to be educated on our own bodies and how we can better ourselves within the crazy monthly cycles we experience. Thank you, Grace!
Kim Denton - Rapida
"I wanted to create an espresso set that encourages you to slow down and actually appreciate the coffee. The idea is that you take a sip of water between each sip or espresso allowing you to enjoy the full flavour of the coffee."
As a proud owner of Kim's product, I can say that it really adds a beautiful niche to my kitchen. When I am making visitors a hot beverage, it always seems to become a topic of conversation! The thing I find great about Rapida is how a 3D printing fault turned out to create a unique feature within her cups. I am inspired by how she persevered and did not see the printing error as a downfall but as an opportunity to see her product in a new light. The extruded lip on the cup makes it feel natural to tilt into the mouth. It adds a satisfying, and therefore, special moment in my mornings.
Robbie Graham - Ceramics Made from Waste Oyster Shells
"Exploring circular economies within the hospitality industry through ceramics made from waste oyster shells"
Robbie's idea to create ceramics which end where they began is truly a great design. Not only experimenting with new materials but also firing them in an authentic method adds a luxurious outcome to his product. Robbie has always presented an inclusive viewpoint within his products, ideas which are full of consideration for cultures around the world. His design style has influenced me to become a more open-minded designer, hitting the problem at the root. I can see this being used in very exclusive restaurants.. the world is your oyster, Robbie!
Zahra Hafani - Ikebana
"Ikebana takes pride in asymmetry; using a fresh approach combining balance and movement to create harmony. Each component in this piece ties everything back to nature, where the ceramic base mimics a stone and the mirror imitates a body of water which echoes the arrangement on top, hence the name."
Zahra's product is a beautiful sentiment to nature. I have never seen anything like this, deciding to reflect the base of the flower onto the pot displays the parts that we may not see at first glance. It is a mesmerizing product which gives me a feeling of calm, something which we all need a little of in our lives!
Gregor Harley - Kiridashi
"The Kiridashi is a traditional Japanese style of knife, used across many crafts. The single bevel on this tool allows it to be run flush against a ruler for precise marking and cutting, while the fine point enables detailed carving. Blade made of D2 tool steel hardened to 60HRC, Sheath leather w/ nylon stitching."
I have always been impressed at Gregor's manufacturing skillsets, nothing seems impossible to him! The sole fact that when handled, and even in photographs, it looks like a fully professional product that could be found on authentic websites, is absolutely extraordinary. Metalwork is something I would love to get better at, Gregor's product and development has really encouraged me to pursue the skillset. A great quality from Gregor's designs is how he always manages to find a way in which to not only pursue the skills he knows and loves but also challenges himself along the way. A final point I would like to add is how Gregor's product has shown me the real value of the price of a product. After seeing the efforts that went into the development and production of this product, as well as fine material, I can truly understand the real value behind paying more for great quality.
Jamie Sach & Louis Smith - Mealy
"So Mealy was really all about encouraging people to give insects a try and little by little add them as a staple in your diet. By doing this the consumer is helping to move away from current unsustainable farming practices and consume nutrient-rich that impacts the environment less than current options."
I was so surprised to learn that mealworms contain enough protein to sustain my ongoing anaemia... but they're so bleugh! Since Louis and Jamie started their project and made me hold a couple, I was so intrigued to see how on earth they would make me want to eat them! Changing our preconceived views on food is a very difficult task.. especially with someone a little stubborn like me! Initially introducing mealworms as small snacks in a 'Bean Boozled' style game, gives them the potential to become a trend within a younger audience on platforms such as Tik Tok. Throughout their project, they brought in different snacks, like banana bread, with one with meal worms and the other without. Honestly, I couldn't really taste the difference, when I guessed wrong at first I realised it was actually just my preconceived ideas of these worms that were deciding for my tastebuds. I think their product was truly a great design as creating a project which is made to change our solid views on certain things, is very difficult. It is difficult to make into a fun activity that people would actually engage with, with their marketing strategies and final presentation I really think they have something great here to expand on in the future.
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