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Matt Smith, another Year 13 student from the College, developed a
biodegradable urn concept for human ashes. The urn form itself would be
inserted into the soil and a small sapling inserted. The subterranean elements
of the urn would then biodegrade but the urn rim, which would be treated in a
preservative, would protect
the growing plant from
weeds, acting as a collar.
The design Matt developed
required him to develop a
design to break at the collar
point; focusing on planned
breaking and not extended
performance. During the
completion of this very
sensitive
and
emotive
topic, Matt developed his
idea sensitively and with
delicacy. This involved
developing websites pages
and branding that was
subtle and appropriate.
Matt, again, is looking
at working with local
companies in the Totnes
area to develop the concept
commercially.
Design & Technology
Larissa Connabeer and Matt Smith, two
Product Design students from the Design
and Technology Department, were recently
awarded four prizes at the South West finals
of the Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics Big Bang Event at Exeter
University. The two students impressed
the judges with the sophistication of their
designs and their eloquent presentations.
They have both been selected to attend the
National Big Bang event at the National
Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in March
next year.
Year 13 student Larissa, as part of her A
level course and, as a keen yachtswoman,
developed a design concept for drying
wetsuits during water sport events or in
the home. Larissa identified the problems
people had drying their wetsuits overnight
and between races. The perforated conical
shape design, which comes in a series of
different scales that relate to the openings
of wetsuits, ensures that the arms, neck and
legs of the suit remain open, thus allowing
air to continually circulate. The final models
and marketing materials were recently
tested by yachts people at Weymouth, where
the design received very positive feedback.
Larissa has already registered a web domain
for the brand and is hoping to develop and
patent her 'DryPod' idea in her gap year next
year, utilising the Totnes Fab Lab facilities.
The work of these students typifies the
innovative work produced by students at
the College in the Design & Technology
Department. Should you wish to develop
your own ideas, supported by the staff
at the College, and using its modern
manufacturing and prototyping facilities,
please contact David Irish to find out
more about using FabLab at KEVICC.
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Design & Technology
