Next generation of designers ‘scouted’ at prestigious London exhibition

York St John University product design students are celebrating a series of successes stemming from their attendance at New Designers 2013 in London.

Students studying BA Design at York St John University were amongst over 18,000 people exhibiting their innovative products at the New Designers show, which gives the next generation of designers a platform to reach design decision makers of major brands.

One of the 17 York St John University designers exhibiting their work was Tom Hutchinson aged 19. Tom recently won the University’s first Martin Downie Award for Product Design – an award established to recognise outstanding design talent, set up in memory of the University’s ex-Dean of Arts who sadly passed away last year. Tom was approached by a leading hardware retailer at the show, which has expressed interest in selling his unique ‘Obtineo’ range of storage containers and stools.

Ryan Baird, who also received a Martin Downie Award, demonstrated his climbing backpack which has been shortlisted for the DEVELOP 3D Magazine for Product Design at the show. In addition, Stuart Featherstone’s innovative tent design also turned the heads of design managers at a leading supermarket who are in talks with Stuart about developing the design exclusively with them. 

Design graduate Alastair Brook’s designed packaging for sustainability caught design company Square Melon’s eye, who is talking with Alastair to jointly pitch the concept to a global beverage company. Graduate student, James Searle, who has designed hybrid swimming goggles, has been working closely with Speedo, and they have approached him to discuss a work internship.

Warren Fearn, Head of Programme for BA Design at York St John University said: 
“We’re extremely proud of all our students who have exhibited some world-class innovative products. New Designers is the show to be seen at for young and emerging designers and we are keen for our students to receive this high level and real world exposure. 

“We have a record of producing highly motivated award winning graduates, many of whom are now employed in key design positions across the world. This year’s New Designers exhibitors are most definitely the next ones to watch.”