Black+Blum Design Challenge Winners

After their recent visit to Black+Blum in London, Form 6 DT students have been inspired to create their own product designs in a competition organised by the DT Department.

Students were challenged to design a product that would make a picnic experience more enjoyable. Drawing inspiration from Black+Blum’s innovative designs, students focused on user needs, sustainability, and environment of use in their designs. The resulting products included new methods of food storage, cooler boxes, and collapsible furniture.

Dan Black, co-founder of Black+Blum who judged the competition entries, said: “It was so inspiring to work with the Form 6 pupils at Oakham School on a new picnic range project. The concepts were presented to a very high standard, full of creativity and original thinking. I hope the pupils were inspired by the project and some may even go on to study design at university or pursue it as a career path.”

Tim Weston, Head of DT, who awarded pupils with Black+Blum prizes for their efforts and original ideas said, “The visit to Black+Blum and design challenge provided pupils with the opportunity to consider how concept ideas are taken to market, as well as providing them with an invaluable insight of a career in product design.”

Harry being awarded First Prize

Congratulations to Harry, who won first prize for this picnic hamper design, with Sebastian and Robert as runners-up and Molly receiving a Highly Commended award. Harry reflected: “I really enjoyed working on the project, as well as the visit to the Black+Blum design office in London. I was able to learn plenty about the real world design industry and the various stages of development that go towards a final outcome.”