Abstract:

This paper examines methodologies and strategies used to enhance learning and the Undergraduate experience for BA(Hons) and BSc(Hons) Product Design students. Specifically, it details a number of projects in collaboration with an external designer, (Waldemeyer) Moritz Waldemeyer and how this has led to enhanced student experiences and high profile work opportunities both during studies and upon graduation.

This includes work with Mercedes, Ellie Goulding, Take That, Electrabel, Laikingland and The Olympic Closing Ceremony and Paralympics, 2012.
The paper describes the progression of Waldemeyer from a one-off guest lecturer to becoming a visiting lecturer at Middlesex University facilitating a live Design Project as part of the curriculum along with Laikingland. This led to the placement of students on commercial projects outside of the University and finally, to Waldemeyer becoming a Designer in Residence.

The paper demonstrates how the live projects motivated the partaking students to develop vital skills leading to a high proportion of high level degree outcomes. Their increased confidence and competency on working to live deadlines has led to a number of them setting up or working in successful design studios, launching products on Kickstarter and being taken on as Graduate Teaching Assistants at Middlesex University.
Techniques such as presentation and visualisation skills, thinking on the job, iterative prototyping, physical computing skills and group work contributed to the success of this approach alongside encouragement and facilitation from the participating tutors.

Keywords:

Innovation, creativity, Product Design, shared learning, technology, motivation, student experience, live projects, internships.