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About the Course

The first part of this course will be an introduction to product design and how to build a successful portfolio if you are thinking of full-time studies in this dynamic area. Working on a series of short, intensive briefs you will research form, function and materials to produce informed design solutions. You will improve your drawing and presentation skills whilst developing your analytic eye and investigating where good ideas are generated. You will learn the importance of keeping a sketchbook to continually record your ideas and inspirations, and how to document and store ideas through photography. The course will be based in the studio with no access to computers, hand drawing, making mistakes and making a mess will be encouraged. Studio sessions will be accompanied by visits to places of interest and sessions exploring materials. By the end of the London sessions you will have the beginnings of a sketchbook and a pile of designs, drawings and 3D models that will be central to your future design education. Whilst in Milan the course will develop into a short project geared towards creative thinking and exploring ideas. The project will be developed in groups in the studio under the supervision of an established designer. It will be open and informal to help you understand which design processes you need to employ to take the product to final presentation. Design skills, stimulated in the studio, will be backed by visits to places of interest in Milan such as studios, showrooms or factories. Guest lecturers will provide inspiration and knowledge to support the idea generation process. Specific workshops focusing on materials, history of design and the biography of an object will expose you to different approaches. Your group will act as a small studio team in a constant open discussion using research, analysis, development and communication techniques. The final result will be presented with a model and a short story in digital format. This course will help you explore and understand the main aspects of product design and present your project in a public debate. The digital presentation at the end of your time in Milan will integrate the paper based work produced during the earlier phases of your research. For this course you will need to be motivated and curious, ready to work both as individuals and in groups. Active participation in the seminars and studios will be essential. Drawing and model making skills are beneficial though not essential. A laptop is useful but not essential, though a digital camera will be important for recording research and presenting your work.

Course Leader

Ben Panayi is a product designer who teaches on the Foundation Diploma and BA Product Design courses at Central Saint Martins. Alessandro Confalonieri has a diploma in industrial design from the Istituto Europeo di Design, Milan and an MA in industrial design at the Royal College of Art, London. He has worked on projects for Guzzini, Driade, Luceplan and concepts for TagHeurer, Herman Miller and Airbus. In 2004 he started a company called Quinine Design, a creative consultancy whose clients included Orange UK.

Topics Covered

Research skills, creative thinking and design skills, working in groups, drawing, model-making, presentation skills, including verbal and digital communication.

Who Should Attend?

The course is aimed at the beginner with passion for design and process or for the individual looking for a change of career. The topics covered will form the foundation and core skills for projects on future design courses.

Tutors

Ben Panayi (London), Alessandro Confalonieri