The “Product Design Practice Module” requires students to plan and implement a design strategy from a brief, in this instance set by aluminium industry professionals.
The instruction started with an introductory seminar covering a wide range of subjects: from the production of aluminium, aluminium properties and uses, the extrusion process and design and application. Case studies also helped the students explore some of the principles discussed during the lecture.
The content was put together specifically to give the students a broad base of knowledge in order to assist in their product design.
This was followed by a plant visit to Hydro’s plant in Birtley and subsequent monthly mentoring sessions at the University. This gave the students the opportunity to discuss any challenges faced during their projects with Hydro’s technical personnel.
“We were pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside Northumbria University,” says Neil James, Sales Director for Hydro. “As a company we recognise the importance of supporting our product designers and engineers of the future.”
“We were delighted to have the opportunity to introduce the students to the benefits of using aluminium and aluminium extrusions,” adds Neil.
“The Product Design competition was Hydro’s way of recognising the hard work and effort of the students over the last year,” explains Glenn McCrickerd, Business Development Manager at Hydro.
The four main criteria in the assessment of entries to the competition were: Novel design based on use of extrusion, elegance or simplicity in re-designing a product by incorporating extrusions, technical viability and commercial viability
Simon Hughes won the £500 first prize for “Bike Storage Solution” designed to improve bike security without requiring lots of space. Due to its compact low profile, when not in use, pedestrians can continue to use the pavement. Focus was put on a concept that was suitable for different size bikes and wheels.
The robust storage system comprises aluminium extrusion casing, frame hitching post, adjustable wheel clamps and a stainless steel locking component. Extrusion also gave the opportunity to add the extra functionality of a hinged mechanism to enable the clamping of the wheels to the base. The overall use of extrusions in many aspects of the product was very impressive.
The £350 second prize winner was Joe Burnie for his “Coffee Capsule Storage System” which recognises the growing popularity of coffee dispensing machines.
The third prize of £150 went to Craig Morrison and his “Guitar Head Amplifier” whose enclosure assembly was eye catching and very well packaged.
Judging was carried out by Neil who said “I was very impressed with the high standard of all the entries. The students demonstrated a good understanding of the use of extrusion in product design and the benefits that it can bring. It was a difficult decision picking one overall winner.”
Senior lecturer Dr Chris Connor at Northumbria University added "The experience that the students will have gained during this project will equip them with the knowledge and skills that they will need in their future careers."
