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Design dreams come true for Birmingham City University students

Subscribe to RSS RSSMonday, 17th May, 2010

A decorative metal fire screen and an all-in-one doormat, flower seat and umbrella stand are just two of the innovative designs produced by Birmingham City University students that look set to be manufactured and sold through a leading giftware company later this year.

The success follows a project which involved a group of BA Product Design students working on a project set by gift trade supplier Marvell?s to design and develop a range of potential retail projects for the Marvell?s brand.

And Marvell?s were so impressed with the students designs that 15 have now been taken onto the second stage for manufacturing development. Marvell?s will now use drawings and technical specifications to cost up each piece, including exploring what specific elements would need to be adapted. A decision will then be made on which products will definitely be able to be taken forward this year into production and inclusion on the Marvell?s catalogue product range.

Malcolm Hastings, Course Director on the BA Product Design course, said: "The project with Marvell?s supports the University?s commitment to the long term career aspirations and employability of our students. It has been an invaluable and productive experience for our students. I was determined from the outset to create a ?real? consultancy experience in the students? design studio to prepare them for professional practice. This has meant the students have really excelled themselves in developing a wide range of potentially commercially viable products.?

Managing Director of Marvell?s David Marvell added: ?Marvell?s product design project with Birmingham City University has huge potential for students to take their designs towards the ultimate goal of production for the high street. The University has been exemplarily in their professionalism, with both Marvell?s and the students involved, and a great deal has been achieved from all sides.?