INpress, a market leader in the field of pressed panels for furniture, decorative panels and other uses, has challenged design students from De Montfort University to utilise the innovative technology used by INpress to design a totally new, commercially viable product.
A group of 15 Furniture Design and Product Design students, who are currently studying their second year of Honours degree courses, toured the factory to understand more about how the membrane-pressing process can be applied to the production of domestic furniture and other commercial products.
The students will then use a combination of drawing and modelling to develop their design concepts. These ideas will be judged and a shortlist of finalists will be asked to develop their designs further using a CAD package. A winning design will be selected and the student will be invited to undertake a work placement with INpress to develop the design concept into a production ready idea.
Graham Case, INpress technical/sales manager explains: ÒThis is a very exciting project for both us and the students. It will help the undergraduates understand the commercial realities of design and we will benefit from their original ideas and a new look at the market place we operate in.Ó
ÒInnovation has led the growth of the INpress business and we constantly push the boundaries of new technology in order to provide unique solutions for our clients. We are sure that the students will provide some new solutions and are anticipating some great submissions.Ó
Initial design concepts are to be submitted by the end of March from which three final designs will be selected. A winner will be announced in April and their design will go into production by INpress by the end of the year, following a work placement in the summer.
INpress offers tailored services to a small number of bespoke customers; selling door fronts and furniture panels to a selection of manufacturers including bedroom furniture, house builders, caravan furniture, longboats and shop fitters.
Picture shows: Mark Wilson and Sian Ellison of De MontfordÕs Product & Furniture BA Honours course during their visit to the INpress factory.