Dezeen School Shows: a modular lighting system featuring a customisable lamp is included in Dezeen's latest school show by students at University of Brighton.

Also featured is a project which examines biodiversity within built environments and another focusing on improving menstrual health and education surrounding it.

University of Brighton

Institution: University of Brighton
School: School of Architecture Technology and Engineering
Course: Product Design BSc (Hons) and Design Engineering BEng (Hons)
Tutors: James Tooze, Dr Derek Covill, Dr Catherine Grundy, Dr Pablo Prieto Cabrera and Gareth Owen Lloyd

School statement:

"Product Design BSc (Hons) and Design Engineering BEng (Hons) share the Industrial Design studio, a multi-disciplinary co-working environment that mirrors industry and encourages students to learn from each other preparing them for their careers.

"The two courses guide students to use creativity and problem-solving to develop innovative solutions that enhance people's lives.

"They can work on projects across different industries collaborating with professionals from various backgrounds.

"Industrial Design Brighton integrates practical experience and theoretical knowledge in a supportive environment as students develop the skills to become well rounded professionals.

"They learn to navigate every stage of the product development process with the ability to design sustainable, socially conscious, commercially viable and technically sound solutions.

"The projects shown below are by graduating students from the course."

Stratigen by Jamie Marriott

"Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe complication of diabetes, which can lead to amputation, infection, sepsis and death, and with the global increase in diabetes, DFUs present an escalating challenge for clinicians.

"OSTEOmycin micro, an antibiotic-impregnated bone allograft, has been successful in limb salvage surgery (LSS) for DFUs, aiding infection eradication and bone regeneration – however, its small particle size complicates handling and implantation.

"To address this, I designed Stratigen, a specialised device developed for the precise and efficient implantation of OSTEOmycin micro in diabetic LSS.

"Stratigen features a thin tip for accessing small bone voids and pre-filled cartridges for contamination-free delivery – its spring actuator mechanism delivers the graft directly into the surgical site and then tamps it to form a stable, weight-bearing structure suitable for bone remodelling and revascularisation.

"I hope Stratigen will improve clinical outcomes in diabetic LSS, reducing the need for amputation."

Student: Jamie Marriott
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: Dr Derrick Covill

Evolva, personalised menstrual cycle care by Mia Edbrooke

"Menstrual cycles affect various bodily functions throughout the month, including cognition, strength, sleep, digestion, brain function and emotional sensitivity – hormone receptors (particularly oestrogen) are widespread in the brain and levels fluctuate during the cycle, directly affecting brain function.

"Education on menstrual cycles is lacking – Endometriosis UK reports that nearly 30 per cent of people didn't understand periods before their first one – research is limited, leaving even experts without sufficient answers.

"Millions suffer from PMS, PMDD and menstrual pain, yet the pathophysiology remains unclear, leading to few effective treatments; hormonal contraceptives (suppressants) are commonly prescribed, but come with their own issues, and do not meet the desire for natural options.

"Evolva aims to empower those who menstruate by providing personalised care based on continuous hormone readings, core body temperature and vaginal ph monitoring, whilst offering tailored cycle tracking and care suggestions using AI.

"This approach also contributes to broader research and understanding of menstrual health, ultimately enhancing women's health options."

Student: Mia Edbrooke
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: Gareth Owen Lloyd

ReUSed by Angus Clifford

"ReUSed is a critical design project transforming waste into awareness.

"90 per cent of the 33 million uniforms handed out each year in the UK end up in landfill – focused on courier uniforms as a particularly wasteful cycle that demands change, this project sought ways of re-breathing life into these waste textiles.

"Investigating the industry of takeaway couriers uncovered a shocking system full of exploitation hidden behind the glossy apps of the online food ordering giants: Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat.

"The project outcomes seek to raise awareness of the social and environmental issues these companies continue to cause.

"Next time you order a takeaway think about the face behind the delivery."

Student: Angus Clifford
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: Gareth Owen Lloyd

Recover Quest by Hanna Harings-Mahendra

"Over 65 per cent of people who are prescribed physiotherapy fail to complete their at-home injury recovery program, with lack of ongoing motivation being a primary driver.

"Recover Quest uses game mechanics to help make recovery programs fun and engaging, encouraging patients to stay motivated for the whole course of their treatment.

"The prototype developed uses a video game experience and real-time hand tracking technology, to turn hand and wrist recovery into a captivating adventure-based game.

"Personalised for each user, it will offer real-time feedback and progress updates for physiotherapists.

"It aims to revolutionise the rehabilitation industry and help more people enjoy completing their recovery."

Student: Hanna Harings-Mahendra
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: Dr Catherine Grundy

MakR Blocks by Matt Read

"Every day Amazon ships over 1.5 million packages in the US alone, the majority of which will be in cardboard boxes.

"This equates to nearly 4000 trees a day, or 1.5 million trees' worth of materials a year.

"This project explores how the cardboard from these deliveries could be utilised to promote construction play and the reuse of 'rubbish' resources.

"Inspired by LEGO, MakR Blocks encourages curiosity in everyone through play and educates children about the need and possibilities of reusing materials for new purposes."

Student: Matt Read
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: Gareth Owen Lloyd

TAGD by Alfie Hau

"A recent Amazon consumer sentiment study (the rise of gaming), states that 'escapism and entertainment' are primary drivers for more people playing video games.

"Within this context, there is a growing demand and market for immersive and novel gaming experiences and products.

"TAGD is a gaming device, situated in a speculative atomPunk, fallout-esque universe, which tugs on nostalgic heartstrings and immerses its user like a good book.

"The device aims to captivate its users through an offline, standalone, armchair gaming experience, while also paying homage to the text games of the 70s and 80s."

Student: Alfie Hau
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: James Tooze

Raspberry Racing by Charlie Martin

"Raspberry Racing is an entry-level, accessible sim racing wheel developed to address the limitations of traditional sim racing setups.

"Designed to be plug-and-play, it uses the player's existing controller for most functions and features a lightweight base that easily connects to any flat surface.

"The project aims to make sim racing more affordable and convenient, allowing enthusiasts to simply secure the base, snap in the quick release, connect the cables and start racing."

Student: Charlie Martin
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: James Tooze

Moth Tile by Alex Moulds

"As of 2024, it is a requirement of UK planning permission to provide a minimum of 10 per cent biodiversity net gain.

"This will be achieved by considering regenerative design at all levels of the built environment.

"Moth Tile zooms in on the roof tile as a site for improvements – moths are often seen as pests but this is not the case, moth populations are an indication of a healthy biome.

"They are crucial nocturnal pollinators and often neglected in favour of more popular pollinators.

"This innovative solution caters to the physiological needs of moths – it aims to attract, feed and provide shelter, facilitating their reproduction and emphasising their crucial environmental role."

Student: Alex Moulds
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutors: Gareth Owen Lloyd

Versa Light by Kay Lucas

"Versa Light is a modular lighting system designed for the home, providing convenience, flexibility and personalised ambience.

"Offering versatile living options, this lighting system allows people to have separate set-ups in multiple rooms with a single light, bypassing ceiling lights and cabled lighting for ease of movement.

"This light allows users the choice to have multiple attachments to fit a light on the wall, ceiling or desk.

"Versa offers an adjustable light ranging from warm to cool white, allowing light temperature differences to boost productivity or create a relaxing environment.

"Adjusting the light is simple and intuitive, by twisting the shade in either direction or by using a custom app to create the perfect mood."

Student: Kay Lucas
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: James Tooze

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and University of Brighton. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.