Pioneering British graduate designs triumph at New Designers: from a life-changing potassium device and smart hearing innovation to sourdough baking and food waste solutions 

^{Above (from left): Sophia Kambouris from Brunel University, winner of the New Designer of the Year Award, with her remote potassium monitoring device; runner-up Josephine Drew from Edinburgh College of Art, with her Coop bowl made from eggshells (Image: Gary Morrisroe)} 

[Thursday, 4 July 2024] New Designers returned to the Business Design Centre in London yesterday with its Week Two showcase, running until 6 July 2024. Now in its 39th year, the event celebrates the best emerging talent in the UK, featuring over 3,000 design graduates from more than 100 university courses. Get tickets now. Week Two focuses on disciplines including Furniture, Product Design, Industrial and Spatial Design, Graphic Design, Illustration and Animation, Motion Art, Digital Art and Game Design. ​ 

The Week Two award ceremony, opened by leading London-based interior designers 2LG Studio, honoured a group of exciting graduates with 19 accolades supported by international brands and businesses, as part of the show’s ND Awards programme. ​ 

The winner of the New Designer of the Year Award is Sophia Kambouris, a BA (Hons) Industrial Design and Technology student from Brunel University. Her award-winning final-year project, a remote potassium monitoring system named Kali, aims to assist patients suffering from chronic diseases and rare genetic disorders, inspired by her personal experience. This project was developed in collaboration with Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital and Kalium Health, a Cambridge-based medical technology company. The industry panel of judges praised Kambouris's initiative in collaborating with medical professionals and described her project as "a compelling story and journey." 

The Runner-Up prize was awarded to Josephine Drew from Edinburgh College of Art for her 'Coop' bowl. Drew, a BA (Hons) Product Design student, repurposed eggshells – 11.7 billion of which are discarded annually in the UK – by mixing them with algae and water to create a paste that hardens like ceramics. She painted the inside of the bowls using egg yolk and kaolin paint. Drew's bowls are intended as centrepieces on dining tables to spark discussions about sustainability and food waste. Judges described her work as "a poetic solution to a massive problem of food waste." 

^{Above (from top left): Greg Durden from Sheffield Hallam University, winner of the The Joseph Joseph Brilliantly Useful Design Award, with his Urban Nomad backpack; Sambi cordless drill by Jonah Pollard from Loughborough University, winner of the DCA Futures Award; Sam Russell from Nottingham Trent University, winner of the Seymourpowell Shape The Future Award, with his inclusive Janus smart assistant (Image: Gary Morrisroe)} 

Other forward-thinking designs winning top prizes at New Designers include a cordless drill for DIY novices, an inclusive smart home assistant, a compact cooking kit for outdoor enthusiasts, a simplified sourdough baking kit and an exfoliating soap bar made from native sheep wool. Additionally, there were beautifully crafted furniture pieces from a talented group of graduates, alongside the ND Selects winner, London-based artist and designer Masao Rong. 

The Week Two award sponsors include: Disney Home, Habitat, Hallmark, PriestmanGoode, Business Design Centre, Affinity, DCA, Joseph Joseph, Kenwood, Landor, Made, Seymourpowell, Stannah, Tom Faulkner and Unilever. 

^{Above (from top left): Millie Whitrow from Staffordshire University, winner of the Tom Faulkner Award For Distinctive Furniture Design, with her Family Tree chair; The Tree collection by designer Masao Rong, winner of the ND Selects Award; George Almond from Nottingham Trent University, winner of the Habitat Future Design Award, with his Dondo rocking stool and Lever floor lamp (Image: Gary Morrisroe)} 

^{Above (from top): Flynn Mayan Gaisie from Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts, winner of the Disney Home Storyteller Award, with her Maraaia Prima Donna picture book; Riso printed paper lights by Oscar Parkinson from Kingston University, winner of the Made.com Stand Out Designer Award (Image: Gary Morrisroe)} 

Offering different prizes and invaluable industry opportunities, the ND Awards celebrate the creative and forward-thinking work of the rising stars of tomorrow, while providing them with vital support as they embark on their creative careers. This year’s awards respond to current trending topics, from sustainability and mental wellbeing to diversity and inclusivity in the design world. ​ 

The final week of New Designers (newdesigners.com) runs until 6 July at the Business Design Centre, London, N1 0QH. Click here to register for tickets and here for opening times. 

For the latest news, follow New Designers on: Instagram @NewDesigners; X @NewDesigners; Facebook @NewDesignersEvent 

PRESS CONTACT 

For press information and images, or to request interviews, please contact Belinda Fisher and Jeffrey Cheung at Friends & Co. 

E: belinda@friendsandco.co.uk | jeffrey@friendsandco.co.uk ​ ​ 

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Click here to register for press passes. 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

Ticket prices: 

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Week 1 (26 – 29 June 2024) : Fashion and Costume; Contemporary Design Crafts; Textiles; Ceramics; Glass; Jewellery and Precious Metalwork 

Week 2 (3 – 6 July 2024): Furniture; Product Design; Industrial and Spatial Design; Graphic Design; Illustration and Animation; Motion Art; Digital Art; Game Design 

The winners of Week Two ND Awards are as follows: 

The New Designer of the Year Award 

Winner: Sophia Kambouris, BA (Hons) Industrial Design and Technology, Brunel University 

Title of work: Kali 

Description of work: Kali represents the pioneering remote potassium monitoring system designed for patient use, developed in collaboration with Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital. Created with Kalium Health, a medical technology company based in Cambridge, it addresses the needs of millions affected by chronic diseases such as heart disease and rare genetic disorders, including the designer, who has Gitelman syndrome. Recognising a lack of user-centred research and design in existing solutions, the designer conducted extensive patient interviews. Currently, potassium levels are monitored in person through tedious blood tests that often provide outdated results. Kali aims to revolutionise this process by allowing patients to test their potassium levels remotely and receive tailored advice via an app. This approach empowers patients to manage their health proactively while ensuring clinicians remain informed, potentially reducing fatalities and hospital admissions. 

Judge’s comment: Very impressed by Sophia's initiative working in collaboration with medical professionals; a very compelling story and journey. ​ 

Prize: £1,250 cash prize 

The New Designer of the Year Award Runner-Up 

Winner: Josephine Drew, BA (Hons) Product Design, Edinburgh College of Art 

Title of work: Coop 

Description of work: Since last September, the designer has been exploring sustainability and developing better habits, focusing on educating others about these concepts. One project involves repurposing eggshells, as the UK annually discards 11.7 billion of them last year, which is costly and unsustainable. By mixing eggshells with algae and water to create a paste that hardens like ceramics, she created bowls with the inside painted using egg yolk and kaolin paint. These bowls aim to stimulate dialogue around the dinner table by showcasing their beauty and functionality. 

Judge’s comment: Very poetic solution to a massive problem of food waste. If all designers thought like this, we would be on track to solve the problem. 

Prize: £750 cash prize 

Disney Home Storyteller Award 

Winner: Flynn Mayan Gaisie, BA (Hons) Graphics and Illustrations, Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts 

Title of work: Maraaia Prima Donna 

Description of work: This picture book tells the story of Maraaia, a street cat in Bo Kaap, Cape Town, proud of her life on the streets. The narrative follows her through adventures, including a dramatic chase by dogs in her neighbourhood. During this event, she encounters an old man returning home, leading to a heartwarming connection and the beginning of a new life together. This personal project draws inspiration from the illustrator and author’s great aunt, a beloved children’s book author whose works are now out of print. Collaborating with their mother, they combined original drawings, monoprints and curated textures, blending analog and digital techniques to bring the story to life. 

Judge’s comment: Depth of storytelling. Grounded in strong South African narratives. Innovation in use of multimedia techniques. Great characters. 

Prize: A mentorship programme of up to 10 sessions with a Creative Leader at Disney, over a 6-month period 

The Habitat Future Design Award 

Winner: George Almond, BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design, Nottingham Trent University 

Title of work: Dondo rocking stool and Lever floor lamp 

Description of work: The Dondo rocking stool offers a playful twist on traditional rocking furniture, focusing on tipping between two relaxed seating positions rather than continuous rocking. Designed to engage core muscles and promote better seating posture, it is ideal for children who tend to lean back in chairs. Crafted from European ash, it combines aesthetic appeal with ergonomic functionality. Similarly, the Lever floor lamp – also crafted from European ash – explores steam bending as a design process, emphasising its physical benefits over conventional uses. The lamp’s adjustability is facilitated through a clamp-like mechanism, strategically designed to utilise opposing forces, creating a lever which prevents the arm from sliding when angled. Its tension-based construction allows for effortless adjustments without the need for disassembly or removal of components. 

Judge’s comment: Enjoyed George's storytelling and lateral thinking. His ​ 

sensitivity to materials and refined beauty highlights his passion and playfulness of product. 

Prize: Six-month paid placement at the Habitat design studio 

Hallmark Connection Award 

Winner: Olivia Gonsalves, BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design, London Metropolitan University 

Title of work: Metamorphosis 

Description of work: Struck by society's obsession with immediate consumption and production, this collection of work challenges our perception of value and what is important. It addresses the disconnect we have with everyday materials, transforming them into beautiful objects. Fascinated by coal, a unique material formed 300 million years ago before decomposition processes existed, the designer highlights its preciousness. The collection explores expressing the essence of wood over long periods through both natural and man-made processes. 

Judge’s comment: We loved the narrative exploration of organic matter in Olivia's work. 300 million years worth of material evolution edited and beautifully crafted into a series of witty and profound pieces. 

Prize: Paid internship in the Hallmark creative studio 

The PriestmanGoode New Designers Award 

Winner: Amelia Cook, BA (Hons) Design for Industry, Northumbria University 

Title of work: Savour 

Description of work: A trail side tableware collection and food dehydrator designed to elevate the outdoor dining experience; designed with the emerging hobbyist outdoor enthusiasts in mind, offering a unique experience that combined the pleasure of a delicious meal with the scenery of a hike. 

Judge’s comment: A thoughtful, human-centred design that demonstrates skills in both industrial design and colour, material and finish. 

Prize: Up to one-year internship 

The Affinity Digital Design Award 

Winner: Migle Linkeviciute, BA (Hons) Graphic Communication Design, University of Westminster 

Title of work: Pagan Book – Suns, Serpents and Symbols 

Description of work: In Lithuania, paganism thrives despite the absence of written texts, relying instead on folklore and tales. This newly created book delves into Lithuanian paganism, exploring its symbols, ornaments, festivals, holidays, gods and the ongoing efforts of people to revive it as a religion. The book has been designed by Migle, incorporating text as well as embroidery and textile inserts, enriching its portrayal of this ancient belief system still practiced to this day. 

Judge’s comment: Great example of graphic design combined with hand printed, crafted elements, and huge level of research involved. 

Prize: MacBook Air and Affinity software or £1,000 cash prize 

The DCA Futures Award 

Winner: Jonah Pollard, BA (Hons) Industrial Design, Loughborough University 

Title of work: Sambi 

Description of work: Aiming to empower first-time home buyers who lack DIY confidence, this improved cordless drill strengthens their ability to tackle tasks independently without relying on others. Offered as a rental service to alleviate the cost of living pressures, the product is designed for easy repair and longevity, featuring assisted aids that simplify use. Constructed from glass-reinforced nylon with TPU over-moulding grips and stainless protective guards, it ensures durability. 

Judge’s comment: The Sambi drill incorporates some clever design details that not only aid usability for DIY novices, the rental and repair principles are a shining example of how we should be approaching sustainability through product longevity. 

Prize: £1,000 cash prize 

The Joseph Joseph Brilliantly Useful Design Award 

Winner: Greg Durden, BA (Hons) Product Design, Sheffield Hallam University 

Title of work: Urban Nomad 

Description of work: This backpack is designed to double as an attachment for the back of a motorbike, combining functionality and aesthetic appeal for riders. Featuring a rear panel rack, it serves as an alternative product to enrich a rider's gear collection, acting as a stylish and practical day pack for urban riders. The design reflects a deep appreciation for bikes and motorbike culture, ensuring the bag looks great on a bike while meeting the needs of the rider. 

Judge’s comment: An exceptionally thorough project which demonstrates commercial thinking, attention to detail and outstanding aesthetics. 

Prize: Three-month internship at Joseph Joseph’s Head Office and £500 Joseph Joseph voucher 

The Kenwood Appliances Award 

Winner: Cosima Fawcett, BA (Hons) Design for Industry, Northumbria University 

Title of work: Sourpro 

Description of work: A collection of products designed to simplify baking sourdough bread at home. The Sourpro kit consists of two unique baking devices, a wireless charging base, two baking accessories and an app. Designed to educate and encourage beginner home bakers, the Sourpro collection takes out the guesswork involved in making sourdough. ​ 

Judge’s comment: Nice tidy package. Relevant to Kenwood's industry. Would accompany our product range well. 

Prize: A Kenwood stand mixer and a day with the Kenwood Design Team in Havant 

The Landor Futurist Award 

Winner: Stewart Marshall, BA (Hons) Interaction Design, Glasgow School of Art 

Title of work: Echoes and Bonds 

Description of work: The work originates from the designer’s reflection on a traumatic event, utilising various forms and shapes to symbolise different traumas and their manifestations in the real world. The sculptures are crafted from three materials: plaster, wax and jesmonite, each contributing to the physical representation of these abstract concepts. 

Judge’s comment: Emotive use of tech that manifested itself in beautifully poetic, physical expression. 

Prize: Three-month paid internship in the Landor London Studio 

The Made.com Stand Out Designer Award 

Winner: Oscar Parkinson, BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design, Kingston University 

Title of work: Riso printed paper lights 

Description of work: This project celebrates riso printing on cartridge paper, using a risograph machine with soy-based ink to print one colour layer at a time, creating unique light effects. The print is hidden inside the light fixture, revealed only when the light is turned on, and remains blank when off. The assembly is handmade, featuring a turned pine base with an interchangeable light. ​ 

Prize: Mentoring from the Habitat design studio and a six-month paid placement 

The Seymourpowell Shape The Future Award 

Winner: Sam Russell, BSc (Hons) Product Design, Nottingham Trent University ​ 

Title of work: Janus Smart Assistant 

Description of work: This personal project addresses two major issues for deaf users: the reliance on voice input by smart assistants and the outdated, expensive design of current products. The solution is an inclusive design aimed at the mass market to reduce costs and enhance accessibility. It features written transcription and a strategic lighting system for user notifications. Made from ABS using injection moulding, this product demonstrates that inclusive design can be achieved for a broad audience. 

Judge’s comment: Successfully demonstrating all aspects of the design process. Identifying a clear need through rigorous research and user interaction. Sam's project design is for better, solving a real problem through an empathetic, commercially viable lens, with beautiful execution. 

Prize: One-month paid internship at Seymourpowell’s London office, plus a £350 cash prize 

The Joseph Stannah Award 

Winner: Grace Portus, BA (Hons) Product Design, Sheffield Hallam University 

Title of work: Thread 

Description of work: Inspired by the British army and designed for elderly users to carry key items, this garment features iconography to guide placement, drawing inspiration from the creator's grandmother. Made from 100% wool felt, it includes a magnetic strap to secure it around the waist. The design aims to benefit others by providing a practical and user-friendly solution for everyday carry needs. 

Judge’s comment: Great final product and an impressive journey to get to the solution. 

Prize: £1,000 cash prize 

The Tom Faulkner Award For Distinctive Furniture Design 

Winner: Millie Whitrow, BA (Hons) 3-D Designer and Maker, Staffordshire University 

Title of work: Family Tree 

Description of work: This chair embodies the nostalgia of mismatched furniture at family gatherings. One chair, in particular, holds sentimental value, recalling memories of the designer’s great-grandfather's use, with the worn wood telling its history. The design pattern, influenced by the eclectic mix of chairs and tables, reveals intriguing details throughout. The chair's construction includes oak legs and an ash back and base, blending a sense of past and present in its craftsmanship. 

Judge’s comment: Great story, thoughtful design, beautiful detail. 

Prize: £1,000 cash prize and tour of the Tom Faulkner workshop in Wiltshire 

The Unilever Dove Sustainable Beauty Innovation Award 

Winner: Hugo Matthew, BSc (Hons) Product Design, Nottingham Trent University ​ 

Title of work: Yew 

Description of work: Yew is an exfoliating soap bar that uses a variety of high micron (itchy) wool felt from native sheep breeds, to give users a choice of measured and individualised exfoliation that is just right for them. This has been designed in response to a growing demand for the cheap and readily available synthetic fibres that compete directly with wool, resulting in its drastic decline in value. Finding a genuinely viable application and use for native sheep wools that plastics can't compete with is essential to rejuvenating the value of native sheep and was central to this project. 

Judge’s comment: Great concept, well executed right the way through to the graphical delivery. 

Prize: £1,000 cash and visit to the Global Innovation Centre in Port Sunlight 

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New Designers ND Selects Award 

Winner: Masao Rong 

Description of work: Masao takes a hands-on making approach to his practice. He works with materials of storytelling features and traditional crafting techniques. Built on historical studies and ethnography, Masao creates objects that reproduce the culture of a place and communities.​ For instance, 'The Tree' is a set of furniture made from coppiced sweet chestnut wood harvested in Surrey. Each object is made from one single tree trunk, hand-split, and joined by local coppice workers. Finished with layers of lacquer and then sanded to smooth, the natural texture of the wood is preserved whilst splinters are removed. 

Judge’s comment: Masao is a multidisciplinary artist who adopts a tactile approach in his creative practice. He works with storytelling materials and traditional crafting techniques, aiming to weave them into a contemporary context and create new narratives. Inspired by historical studies and experimental processes, he creates sculptural objects that delve into the human-nature relationship, cultural identity, repair and care, and social production. 

Prize: Exhibition space at Future Icons Selects 2025 

New Designers Best Stand Award 

Winner: University of the Creative Arts, VC55 

Judge’s comment: Use of multimedia displays, good use of space 

New Designers Screening Room Prize 

Winner: Bradley Wray, BA (Hons) Animation, Nottingham Trent University ​ 

Title of work: Banditbot 

Judge’s comment: A fun, creative film that wittily uses the animation medium to quickly build strong characters and an engaging narrative. 

Prize: The opportunity to have their film archived as part of the BFI National Archive collection, and to receive a mentorship programme of up to 4 sessions with The Animation Guys, over a one year period. 

About New Designers: 

New Designers is an annual showcase of the UK’s most innovative emerging design talent. Since its inception 39 years ago, New Designers has provided a platform for over 3,000 graduates to present their visionary ideas to industry professionals and the public every year. The event takes place over two weeks, with different disciplines highlighted in Week 1 and Week 2, spanning fashion, textiles, furniture, product design, illustration, and more. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and sustainability, New Designers is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of design. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a student, or a professional in the industry, there’s something for everyone at New Designers. 

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New Designers Sponsors: 

Disney Home  

www.instagram.com/disneyhome  

About Disney Home Disney Home brings the magic of Disney into people’s homes through expansive furnishings, textiles and décor ranges. Influenced by over 100 years of Disney storytelling, the ranges are produced by Disney’s licensees and retailers and complement every room and personal style, including aspirational furniture, as well as bespoke designs and one-off collaborations. Launched in April 2022, Disney Home brings these stories together with lines that are thoughtfully designed, including trend-driven pieces alongside timeless classics, bringing the joy and escapism of Disney into the homes of families and fans across Europe. Disney Home products are available from Disney’s licensees to purchase in the UK & EMEA from select retailers. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ©Disney 

Habitat 

https://www.habitat.co.uk/ ​ 

About Habitat Since its revolutionary beginnings in 1964, Habitat has made outstanding design for the home accessible to all by bringing thoughtful, inventive and affordable furniture and homewares to the UK. This year, Habitat celebrates its 60th anniversary and today customers can find Habitat’s high quality, affordable home products online at Sainsbury’s, Argos and Habitat, as well as in selected Sainsbury’s and Argos stores. Habitat is led by Product Director Hannah Mallett and is proud to fly the flag of British design with a talented in house-design studio comprising over 20 experts in their own fields from ceramicists and illustrators, to upholstery specialists and print designers. 

STOCKISTS Habitat is widely available online at Habitat, Argos and Sainsbury's as well as in selected Argos and Sainsbury’s stores. Habitat's new Digital Showroom in Milton Keynes, features almost 300 top-requested home and furniture products, offers an immersive experience through 'Go In-Store' technology, allowing customers to explore and receive expert advice via video or chat services on Argos and Habitat. 

Hallmark 

https://www.hallmark.co.uk/ ​ 

About Hallmark Hallmark helps you live a caring connected life full of meaningful moments. ​ 

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Our History ​ 

A family owned business, our story began over 100 years ago when 18 year old JC Hall started our company, with nothing but two shoeboxes full of picture postcards and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. ​ 

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His passion lives on today in everything we do and just like the young JC Hall we never forget that we’re here to help people, connect, enhance the special moments in their lives and to put our stamp on the world. ​ 

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Our Creative Collaborators ​ 

We are proud to work with an amazing and varied collective of talented and innovative creators. We collaborate with up-and-coming artists, designers and writers as well as with iconic global brands and exciting independent labels. ​ 

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Our Planet ​ 

As a paper-based company, we couldn’t do what we do without the resources provided by our amazing forests. We recognise our impact on the planet and are committed to leading our industry in environmental excellence. 

PriestmanGoode 

https://www.priestmangoode.com/ 

About PriestmanGoode PriestmanGoode is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary design consultancy. Our purpose lies in designing a better, more sustainable future. People-centric to the core, we have been improving and transforming everyday experiences for people around the world for over thirty years. Known as one of the leading consultancies in transport, product and experience design, our international team of over 70 designers, includes some of the world’s most talented designers in their field. With headquarters in London, an office in China and clients across 30 countries, we use future thinking and our global viewpoint to deliver solutions that place brands on the world stage. 

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