Circular Thinking
Now in its fifth successive year, our mentoring and work experience initiave with Coventry University saw us set a live brief for second-year students, inviting them to explore one of our favourite topics; the future of the workspace. It’s always fascinating to see how each student approaches the challenge from their own perspective, bringing fresh ideas and unique interpretations to the evolving design of the office.
To compliment this collaboration, we make our annual visit to New Designers at the Business Design Centre in London – the UK’s largest graduate design exhibition. It’s an event we look forward to every year, relishing the chance to meet emerging designers, hear the stories behind their projects and gain insight into the next generation of creative thinking.
This year, we were particularly impressed by the confidence and enthusiasm of the graduates. So many students were eager to talk us through their work, explain their design process and share the thinking behind their projects. Their passion for design and willingness to engage made the experience even more inspiring.
A clear theme throughout the exhibition was sustainability and circular design. While this has been a strong focus for several years now, it’s encouraging to see it becoming increasingly sophisticated and deeply embedded within the design process. Many projects addressed the environmental impact of consumerism through thoughtful material choices and innovative manufacturing techniques. From chairs upholstered using reclaimed clothing to products crafted from hardwood offcuts and creative alternatives to traditional foam, every piece demonstrated genuine consideration for a product’s entire lifecycle.
Beyond sustainability, the overall quality of work was exceptional. We were delighted by the number of refined, commercially viable products that felt ready for market, all showcasing an impressive level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Nottingham Trent University, Northumbria University and Kingston University particularly stood out, producing work that balanced practical, hands-on making with bold experimentation and originality.
Walking away from New Designers this year, we felt genuinely optimistic about the future of the design industry. The talent, creativity and ambition on display were remarkable. Supporting and nurturing the next generation of designers has never been more important and, after seeing what these graduates are capable of, we’re confident the future of British design is in very capable hands.
Boss Design | July 26
