£10,000 win for LSBU student’s water heating solution
Product design student, Kristen Tapping, stunned judges at Heatrae Sadia's 2018 Design Awards with her pioneering electric water heating applianceThe competition was designed to encourage more young people into the industry. Entrants were asked to think outside the box and design a problem-solving electric water heating solution. Kristen’s product, a modular approach to the conventional hot water cylinder, saves consumers space and energy, using durable, effective, and sustainable materials.
Winning the Heatrae Sadia prize was, for Kristen, not only an honour, but also a great learning experience:
"When I first entered the competition, I didn't know much about the hot water solutions industry or the machinery used. I approached my project from a space saving angle and came up with various solutions. This design took a lot of investigation, research and collaboration with my LSBU mentors. My lecturers were there from the start, helping to narrow down the best ideas and work out the complex logistics as well as how to present them. LSBU staff are definitely there to help students with outside projects."
After winning, Heatrae Sadia asked Kristen to work with their team members and design agency to see if the concept could be created into a real product. Watch this space; it could well be on the market soon!
The competition is launched again and Kristen encourages all students to try, regardless of their expertise.
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