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UEL students produce the goods at prestigious New Designers exhibition

Wednesday 23 July 2008

Innovative and environmentally friendly designs by graduating students from the University of East London (UEL) were on show at the prestigious New Designers Exhibition, held at the Business Design Centre in Angel from 3 – 13 July.

New Designers is the foremost event in graduate design, showcasing the work, energy and talent of hundreds of young designers from across the UK. Students from UEL’s degrees in product and textile design displayed their final-year projects at the exhibition, and met agents and representatives of design companies from all over the world. 

Fanny Chevet (25), originally from France but now living in Plaistow, took second prize in the Unilever Product Design Award for her creation of a discreet deodorant case for professional women.

Fanny, who has already found work as a design researcher for Nestlé, said: “I really wasn’t expecting to win a prize – I was just happy to be nominated. My designs are for a small and stylish refillable deodorant case that women can carry around with them.

“I’m particularly interested in sustainable packaging and finding ways of engaging consumers with re-using products and packaging. Another of my designs is for a tray made of starch-strengthened straw, which can be used to package tableware and ceramics. The twist is that the tray is biodegradable and comes with a free pack of plant seeds, so you can plant the whole thing in your garden!”

UEL’s BA and BSc (Hons) degrees in Product Design offer students the opportunity to understand and develop innovative design solutions, benefit from excellent links to industry, and enjoy foreign exchange programmes. Purpose-built studios and workshops are based in the new Knowledge Dock Centre at UEL’s Docklands Campus. 

UEL also has excellent links in the fashion industry and is renowned as a leading university for Fashion and Textiles. For further information, visit www.uel.ac.uk.

UEL students displaying their work at New Designers included:

Henry Ezegbe (22), of Hackney, successfully completed his BA (Hons) degree in Product Design. Henry’s final project was an indication light for cyclists, meaning they no longer have to rely on the basic means of sticking out their arms to show which direction they’re turning.

Henry said: “The system works via a wireless connection that sends a signal from the handlebars to the indication lights at the back of the bike. I came up with the idea after being knocked off my own bike by a car that hit my arm when I was indicating. I cycle all the time and wanted to design a system that would make indicating easier and safer. 

“My degree at UEL has given me a comprehensive understanding of the design process, as well as opening my eyes to the world of marketing and business. I’m now planning to develop my interest in that area by moving on to an MBA.”

Kiran Li (22) lived on campus at Docklands while completing his BA (Hons) degree in Product Design.

Kiran said: “The brief for my final year project was to design memorabilia for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. The organisers are aiming to create the greenest Games ever, which inspired me to work on a unique ticket holder that doubles up as a planner.”

Andy Tobin (21) created a folding garden storage unit as the final project on his BSc (Hons) degree in Product Design. Andy explained: “It’s a fold-up, flat-pack unit, which doesn’t need to be assembled at home. It’s made from recycled bottles and has been designed to encourage good organisation of garden equipment.

“It’s been a really good degree and I’ve learnt loads of new skills. I’m now looking forward to starting my career in the world of design, and am still hoping to market my storage unit.”

Neil Raja (22), a graduating student from UEL’s BSc (Hons) degree in Product Design, has already started up his own design agency with support form Knowledge Dock, UEL’s enterprise development service.

Neil said: “My final year project is called ‘Curvicle’ and aims to provide an alternative to standard office cubicles. I’ve designed curved desks that can be easily connected together and that offer a more open and visually stimulating approach.

“The degree’s been really good. There have been a lot of practical projects and we’ve learnt a lot about commercial viability. We’ve definitely been encouraged to work on designs for very useable and marketable products.”

Andrew Bailey (42), of Barking, has successfully completed his BA (Hons) degree in Product Design Futures. 

Andrew said: “Though my studies at UEL, I became very interested in environmental issues, focusing in particular on the use of plastic bottles on campus. I initially worked on large-scale sculptures, using striking visuals to increase environmental awareness. This led to my development of graphic designs that promote the idea of reducing waste.”

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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