This is not just a design challenge... this is an M&S design challenge!
STAFFORDSHIRE University students have impressed design experts at Marks & Spencer in a competition set by the multinational retailer.
As part of a six-week live brief, BA (Hons) surface pattern and textile design students had the opportunity to work on a typical M&S homeware project and build their industry connections.
M&S tasked the students with designing a print-focused outdoor dining range for summer 2021. The M&S homeware design team worked closely with the students, offering feedback and support as they developed their ideas.
Last week, second year students Brioni Allen and Molly Harvey were announced as winners of the competition, and could see their final designs produced by M&S. The pair impressed the judges with their inventive projects and stood out for their use of colour and print handwriting. Brioni, aged 21, from Basford, said: “I have really enjoyed working with the homeware design team at M&S as it has helped me in many ways.
“One way it’s helped me is by bettering my skills as a designer through the helpful feedback provided by professionals in the business.
“Knowing there is a chance my designs could end up being produced by M&S and on their shelves is unbelievable, and has allowed me to gain so much confidence in my approach to product design work. The best way to describe how I feel is just, wow!”
Molly Harvey, aged 19, from Northamptonshire, added: “It’s very exciting to be chosen as a winner and it is a really rewarding feeling that my designs could end up being produced.
“I hope one day to work for a company such as M&S as a commercial in-house designer, so this opportunity will help boost my skills and CV to enable that to try and make that happen.
“The brief was so exciting and so fun to work on. It was very clear and a great taster to see how a commercial project would progress and develop and what is expected.
“I’ve learned so many new skills and it has been such a great experience working with the M&S design team. I am so appreciative of their time and the feedback they have given was so in depth, relevant and helpful.”
Karen Thomas, head of design – home, said: “At M&S we are passionate about supporting the talent pipeline through our connections with some of the many fantastic design courses that our universities and colleges have to offer. We believe in sharing our industry expertise and setting students up for success!” Work from all of the students involved in the competition can be seen on Instagram using the hashtag #spstaffslivebrief. The BA (Hons) surface pattern and textile design course has strong industry links and provides a range of opportunities for work placements, ‘live’ industry projects, competitions and freelance work with companies such as Hallmark Cards, Next and Johnsons Tiles.
Book your place on the virtual open day at www.staffs.ac.uk/visit/undergraduateopen-day