13 final year Graphic Design and Illustration students are shortlisted for prizes at this year’s Brief Cases awards which recognise top design talent from universities across the country.
The competition challenges undergraduates to respond to a business design brief and is judged by industry experts. Through these applied projects, students gain valuable entrepreneurial and employability skills, as well as industry awareness.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design student Staci Yoxall, 22 from Crewe, has designed e-shop platform ‘Sensit’, a web-to-print service for people with visual impairments and their loved ones. It is designed to aid people in learning braille through gifts.
She said: “I am very happy to be nominated for this award, it's very rewarding for all the hard work and love I put into this project to be paying off. The topics I researched in this project have inspired my future work and have influenced the direction I want my career to go in.”
Lucy Clayton, studying BA (Hons) Illustration, responded to a brief to develop a customisable brand by creating ‘Pawfect Pets’ high-end personalised pet accessories.
The 22-year-old from Leicester explained: “People can access the website and upload their own pattern design to a plethora of different pet accessories, or use a pattern I have designed myself. They can use this function to match their home interior and even purchase matching friendship bracelets with their pets.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this project so it feels great to even be recognised.”
Other nominated projects include ‘TACTile’ by Illustration student Dani McMaster, a website where adults who struggle with sensory processing issues or neurological divergencies can create custom printed sensory items to help keep them calm in stressful situations. Graphic Design student James Gibson has also created ‘Florever’, an e-shop selling customisable and environmentally friendly paper, metal, ceramic and 3D printed flowers.
John Hudson, Course Director for Visual Communication, said: “To have so many students shortlisted is a fantastic achievement and reflects the high standard of work being produced here at Staffs.
“These nominations are testament to the students’ hard work and the excellent teaching and learning experience delivered by the Visual Communication team on Graphics and Illustration. We are extremely proud of them all.”
Winners will be announced in an online awards ceremony on 17 November. Discover more about studying at Staffordshire University at a Virtual Open Day – find more details and book a place here.