Students enjoyed two inspirational days out exploring design processes and creative thinking as part of Enhancement Week activities.
Organised by ASPIRE with funding from Santander Universities, students from Kent Business School and across the University of Kent visited London’s Design Museum on Monday 4 November for a workshop titled Unpacking the Design Process.
Given various objects from the museum’s handling collection, the students gained insight into the thought processes and decision making behind designing certain products and were given an understanding of how to respond to a design brief, keeping users firmly at the heart.
Set the challenge of designing and prototyping their own products on a theme of sustainability, the students explored the museum’s Designer Maker User exhibition to find inspiration from the huge array of resources. Working to tight deadlines, each group delivered innovative solutions to the challenges set including an expandable baby-grow, which grows as the baby does.
After lunch, students took the opportunity to explore in London, with some visiting Japan House to be inspired by the products on show, while others visited Samsung KX to see the future of tech and shopping.
On Tuesday 5 November, students went to the seaside town of Margate for a workshop with artist, activist and entrepreneur, Dan Thompson. Through a series of engaging activities, the students explored the creative thought process and developed start-up ideas in response to Margate’s heritage and its current economic position.
Following a tour of Margate Old Town, the students worked on their propositions and pitched them to a panel of creative businesspeople at Marine Studios. Ideas included a recycled fashion brand referencing Margate’s past, sea activities and centre for young people and a seaside spa using the resorts natural resources. After the workshop, the students visited the nearby international art gallery, Turner Contemporary, to view the current exhibition – the renowned contemporary art competition, the Turner Prize.
The trips were part of a package of activities designed to inspire students in the ideation stage of their start-up business, giving them an understanding of the processes of innovation and critical thinking. The trips tie into the Business Start-Up Journey, the University’s flagship student start-up business support programme which is run through ASPIRE.
Further Experience Days are planned for later in the academic year including a visit to the London Sky Garden.
Be inspired with ASPIRE and transform your idea into a business on the Business Start-up Journey