The most fun and the biggest challenge I had as a Senior Lecturer was leading the live studio projects where teams of graduating students worked as design consultants on real “live” briefs with external clients.
As the joint module leader, my role included:
- Finding industrial partners, making the deal and creating the brief.
- Project management and timetabling for 60 students and 5 tutors
- Mentoring and coaching students with their design, team work and project management.
- Pastoral support for students.
Some of the live projects have their own pages – Motivation Wheelchairs, Bloodhound SSC and Formula 1 Wheel Gun.
Herman Miller Furniture
In 2018, I jointly led a live studio project with Herman Miller. Our students developed concepts for innovative products and services for educational furniture for Herman Miller is one of the premier office and education furniture brands worldwide. It provides insight and Ergonomics into the creation of workstations and working environments.
Dremel Bosch Tools
In 2013, I co-led a fast-paced 2-week project where 10 teams of final year students developed innovative new concepts for the next generation of Dremel creative art and craft tools.
Robot Bike Company Bicycles and Wheelchairs
Robot Bike Company makes metal 3D-printed lugs for bespoke bicycles. This project was to use their technology to create innovative sports wheelchairs. A fully working proof-of-concept innovative tilt-steer wheelchair was created by Ben and the team.
Wilko Homewares
We had 2 live projects to create products and services for the homewares brand Wilko. Including one that was done completely remotely during the darkest days of the UK 2020 Covid lockdown.
I have also led similar live projects with Jaguar Landrover, Designability / Bath Institute of Medical Engineering and Omlet.
