University News Last updated 10 July 2019
Final year BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design student Joe Deakin is celebrating after winning the W’Innovate & Wilko Award at New Designers 2019 for his ‘Embed’ design.
The annual New Designers exhibition in London provides a unique platform for graduating students from across the UK to exhibit their work and connect with industry and members of the public. The celebration includes a number of high-profile industry awards, including Lego, John Lewis, and Wilko.
The winning product had to demonstrate a creative approach to design, and confident understanding of current consumers and user behaviour. Joe’s ‘Embed’ design is a range of kitchen accessories created to store different kitchen items in new playful ways while utilising unused spaces in the kitchen. The set includes a countertop knife locking device, a pop-up condiment set and flexible and retractable spice storage system.
Speaking after receiving the award, Joe said:
“I felt overwhelmed! It didn’t really settle in until hours after it was announced, but most of all it made me proud of the designs I had created, and made me excited to continue designing.”
The judges commented that Joe’s design was “a simple solution to everyday kitchen safety that also utilised unused space.”
Joe received £1,000 prize money and a two week work placement at W’Innovate with a contribution of up to £500 towards expenses.
Lecturer and Level 6 Coordinator Richard Underhill said:
"It’s great to see Joe rewarded with this prestigious award at New Designers. He’s worked incredibly hard and has shown unwavering enthusiasm, high levels of thinking, creative skills and unrelenting dedication to design, develop and produce such a sophisticated design.”
Joe wasn’t alone in celebrating, with a number of Product and Furniture Design students commended for their work.
Alice Evans was nominated for the ‘Creative Conscience’ Award.
Dan Alarcon was shortlisted for the Conran Shop Design Award plus nominated for a 'Creative Conscience' Award.
Jane Lambert also was nominated for a Creative Conscience Award, and in the running for the Belmond New Design Award
Alexander Ward was commended and in the running for the Belmond ‘Loves’ New Designers Award.
Daniel Kitchen was shortlisted for the 100% Design Award for his ceramic pieces.
Congratulations to all of the students.