Furniture Design & Real-World Skills Webinar

Published 15th November 2024

We were joined by teachers on a free webinar introducing secondary D&T teachers to a new ‘Inspired by Industry’ context made in collaboration with KI on ‘Minimising Parts’ in furniture design. Developed in collaboration with the Furniture Makers' Company and KI, this new educational context introduces students to practical aspects of furniture design, sustainability, and efficient manufacturing through the concept of “minimizing parts.”

Real-World Connections

The webinar featured speakers from the D&T Association, including Curriculum Consultant Paul Woodward who gave further details on the KS3 context and accompanying member-only units. Whilst the supplementary material is for members of the Association, the context itself is available free to all and is easy to implement in the classroom. The curriculum provides students with a full design experience, encompassing everything from concept generation to prototyping and evaluation.

One of the highlights of the ‘Inspired by Industry’ context is its focus on practical challenges in design which is an approach that encourages students to think about sustainability and efficiency. Paul explained how students could apply these principles by creating models of single-piece designs, understanding ergonomics, and exploring rapid prototyping.

The Young Furniture Makers Competition

The webinar also provided an in-depth look at the Young Furniture Makers Competition, a key opportunity for students to showcase their work. Chris Hyde and Taylor Douglas from the Furniture Makers' Company shared valuable insights into the competition, explaining that it allows students to submit designs that incorporate real-world skills. The competition accepts entries from students aged 11-18 and includes categories for both small-scale models and full-size prototypes, catering to a range of skill levels and age groups. Chris highlighted how the competition gives students the chance to exhibit their work at the prestigious Furniture Makers’ Hall in London, where they can network with industry professionals and gain valuable feedback on their designs.

The event emphasized that the competition is not focused on high-cost materials or sophisticated equipment, making it accessible for schools with limited resources. Instead, the judges look for strong design thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, making this an ideal platform for students to demonstrate their grasp of the design process, regardless of the tools available in their school workshops.

 Practical Skills and Future Opportunities

Lee Andrews, Design Manager at KI, discussed how the ‘Inspired by Industry’ resource introduces students to essential practical skills like CAD modelling and finite element analysis (FEA). Andrews shared insights from KI’s work with students in placements, where they learn about CAD processes and industry-standard practices. This exposure not only builds students’ technical skills but also gives them a realistic view of the furniture design and manufacturing industry.

The webinar demonstrated how each 'Inspired by Industry' unit includes editable PowerPoint presentations, videos, and supporting material, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to their specific classroom needs. The resource also comes with teacher support materials, guiding educators through each stage of the curriculum, from investigating design contexts to prototyping. 

Fostering Creativity and Accessibility in D&T Education

In closing, the speakers underscored the importance of introducing students to industry contexts early in their education. As Paul Woodward noted, “Bringing real-world industry into the classroom helps students understand the practical applications of what they’re learning, making the experience far more engaging.” He added that this approach also encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, skills that are increasingly valued by employers.

The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, where teachers expressed interest in the competition and the potential for arranging industry tours to inspire their students further. Organisers confirmed that KI and the Furniture Makers' Company are keen to support schools by providing insights into industry practices, including potential visits to manufacturing facilities to see professional design and production in action.

Teachers interested in bringing industry insights into their classrooms left the session with actionable tools and ideas, along with tips on how to motivate students to enter the competition and develop their skills in preparation for future careers in design and technology.

Members can watch the recording here.