In January our talented Design Ventura competition winners, Chloe, Hannah, Ola and Sofiia, had the incredible opportunity to travel to London for a behind‑the‑scenes look at how real products make their journey from idea to reality. Their winning creation—Loopy Loom, a portable loom designed to encourage the recycling and reuse of old clothing—took centre stage throughout the day as students collaborated with industry professionals to refine their product for manufacturing.
The day began with an exciting visit to CNC Projects Studio, where students were invited into the world of digital fabrication. Welcomed by industry experts, they explored early prototypes of their product and gained first‑hand insight into how design concepts are transformed using advanced technologies. One of the highlights came when the team watched a CNC machine produce a component of their loom right before their eyes—a moment that made the design process feel more real than ever.
Following this, the group met with the product’s designer to finalise decisions on both the structure of Loopy Loom and its packaging. Students discussed materials, durability, user experience, and the visual identity of their product. These conversations allowed them to see how creative choices must balance usability, functionality, and manufacturability—key considerations in professional design.
This unique opportunity gave our students an invaluable, real‑world understanding of the full manufacturing and design process. From initial concept sketches to production‑ready decisions, they experienced each step alongside the professionals who bring products to life. It was a once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance to immerse themselves in the creative industry and see how their ideas can shape the future of sustainable design.
The day ended with excitement, inspiration, and a renewed sense of possibility. Loopy Loom is well on its way to becoming a finished product and will be available for purchase at the Design Museum shop later on this year.