Recycled Plastic Product Design Accelerator Course

To wrap up 2023, Future Makers successfully completed an exciting 8-week Product Design Accelerator Course in collaboration with Rory Dickens from Sustainable Design Studio. The course, tailored for local artists, designers, and makers was made possible through the generous funding from Innovate UK and in partnership with Near Now, the majority of sessions were hosted at the vibrant Broadway venue.

Day 1: Introduction Day

Our course kicked off with a dynamic introduction day, building connections among our talented participants and setting the stage for an innovative learning experience. Exploring our perceptions and how we value plastic was an important starting point.

“It’s difficult to think of making things out of plastic. I try to avoid plastic because we all know it’s a problem. My mindset has been to reduce and avoid plastic.” 

“Plastic is a good material to use, if we can keep it in the loop.”

As we explored different types of plastic, their distinctive properties and applications that contribute to the conveniences of modern life, the evolution of these perceptions was fascinating.

Day 2: Case Study Reviews

Diving into real-world examples, participants explored case studies to understand the intricate relationship between design, sustainability, and recycled materials.

This session highlighted the value of creating products that serve a functional purpose and also contribute to larger environmental discussions. Our research showed whilst there are a number of people globally actively experimenting with recycled plastic in product development, there is a need for more research, scalability and innovation to encourage wider adoption of the material

Day 3: Plastics and Machinery Training

Held at our Waste Plastic Studio, participants received hands-on training focussed on  the intricacies of working with recycled plastics. This interactive session provided vital health and safety awareness and gave participants the opportunity to operate cutting-edge machinery, gaining valuable insights into the properties of different types of plastics. 

“It’s like reigniting that connection with your craft, feeling the materials and having a sense of autonomy, making the creative process even more meaningful.”

“Plastic is a stubborn material to work with, it is important to learn the characteristics and melting points of plastic, as part of mastering the craft”.

Day 4: Business Model & Pricing

Understanding the business side of creative ventures, this session delved into developing effective business models and pricing strategies tailored to sustainable practices. Participants explored a diverse range of product concepts and discussed the opportunities and challenges for each. Practical discussions centred around pricing strategies, production costs, mould expenses, and potential retail prices.

Day 5: Fusion 360 Mould Design Demo

Led by Rory, this was the most technical session and primarily focused on introducing participants to Fusion 360, demonstrating its use in creating a coaster design, and emphasising critical considerations for successful mould design.

Having previous experience in 3D software proved to be beneficial during this session. For those individuals, this session provided a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills in mould design, using Fusion 360.  For those without previous 3D software expertise, having access to someone capable of transforming their designs into a 3D mould was essential. The session highlighted the collaborative nature of the design process and the requirement for professionals or experts to bridge the gap in technical skills.

Day 6: Product Concept Pitch & Feedback

Participants had the opportunity to pitch their evolving product concepts, receiving constructive feedback from peers and mentors to refine and elevate their ideas.

“This was a really good supportive group and the feedback really helped to focus my mind”.

Overall, the session emphasised the need for:
- Prototyping for testing sizes, fittings, and aesthetics
- Collaboration for presentations and constructive feedback
- Consideration of unique selling points for market positioning
- A strategic approach to pitching product concepts for early feedback.

Day 7: Group Check-In

This collaborative session gave everyone the opportunity to share progress, discuss challenges, and gain collective insights in a supportive environment.

“I thought the feedback from all of the group was amazing and was really informative.”

Day 8: Public Keynote Talk and Final Pitch Day: The course concluded with a public keynote talk, hosted by Broadway, providing an interactive platform for the public to learn more about the journey so far. We heard valuable insights from Tristan, Director of Future Makers, Rory Dickens, Director of Sustainable Design Studio and Katherina Fitz an accomplished artist, sculptor, biomaterials specialist and participant on the course. 

The culmination was a final pitch day where innovative ideas took centre stage and participants gained valuable feedback from potential customers on their product ideas.

“A ‘Future Maker’ is someone who reduces waste, reuses, repurposes and recycles materials”. A Guest at the pitch day.

Three participants reached the prototype stage, translating concepts into tangible models. They pitched to stakeholders for real-time feedback, gaining external perspectives from potential users and refining designs post-pitch. Now, the focus is on investing in moulds, a crucial step toward production, with Future Makers commissioned for a limited product line.

Value and Impact

The Product Design Accelerator Course at Future Makers isn't just about learning design principles; it's a transformative experience aimed at empowering the next generation of artists, designers, and makers to harness recycled plastic as a creative medium.

 By combining hands-on training, business insights, and exposure to industry experts, we're equipping our participants with the tools to shape a sustainable and innovative future. As we reflect on this experience, we're excited about the impact these talented individuals will have on the intersection of creativity and sustainability.

If you’re a business owner, interested in learning how to use recycled plastic as a creative medium for your business, please get in touch: hello@future-makers.co.uk

Stay tuned for more updates on the incredible projects and initiatives emerging out of this accelerator course!