UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 18 JANUARY 2011
A collaborative project between MA Product Design students at Birmingham City University and leading motorcycle company Triumph has culminated in a range of alternative lifestyle design concepts with a twist.
The 18 students from Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD) created a series of concepts designed specifically for the Triumph motorcycle owner and based on components from the Triumph Bonneville T100. The range includes a corkscrew that incorporates parts of the Bonneville’s handlebar mechanism, fruit bowls made from the T100 wheels and a jacket and helmet stand designed with the innovative use of mirrors.
The products were unveiled at a recent preview exhibition attended by key senior management and dignitaries from Birmingham City University, supporting Architectural practice, Aedas, and Triumph at Colmore Plaza, Birmingham.
24 year old Nick Orme from Moseley was selected by Triumph as having the most innovative design concept. He said: “The corkscrew idea came about after considering all the information Triumph had given us. I wanted to create something simple that they would be able to produce without too many problems or extra costs. It also seemed like a visually strong idea that motorcycle enthusiasts and particularly Bonneville riders would appreciate.”
Stuart Wood, Chief Engineer at Triumph and one of the three Triumph judges, said: “We were impressed with all of the entries but Nick’s design, which used a Bonneville brake lever, master cylinder and handlebar grip, really stood out. His corkscrew was an innovative use of motorcycle parts that created a lifestyle product we could really see customers buying.”
Nick's prize includes an industrial design placement with Triumph's Clothing and Accessories department in the New Year. Nick added: “I'm hoping to do the work experience around Easter and very much looking forward to a new challenge. Triumph is a fantastic British company and I think really has an opportunity to push the boundaries of the accessories that most motorcycle companies currently produce."
Graham Powell, course director of MA Product Design at BIAD, added:
“This collaborative project has been thoroughly enjoyable for all parties involved, and was helped along with lots of enthusiasm from both Triumph and Aedas. The final outcomes by the students produced some incredibly creative product concepts for Triumph to consider, and I know it was difficult for them to select the winners."
For further information on the project or to explore potential future collaborations, please contact Graham Powell via email, graham.powell@bcu.ac.uk