New Design Magazine Feature 2021
30 years and going strong. Designworks are an award-winning international agency with a prestigious client list of global brands.
Founded in 1991, Designworks’ early days were humble as a company with a strong focus on product development and manufacture. Our early works delved into a variety of sectors from toys to medical devices. 30 years on, we have become an award-winning international agency with a prestigious client list of global brands. Our long-lasting relationships with many clients mean that we are still working with them today.
Collaboration drives results
Designworks is delighted to announce a new joint venture with former Clarks group product director; Jane Wilson and Digital expert Ben Harraway. Drawing on footwear and fitting experience spanning over 20 years, we have re-imagined the home footwear measurement sector with a unique, easy and fun to use device called Pinpoint™. A custom designed stylus allows for quick and simple capture of the foot profile, this is then scanned and interrogated by a clever application, the app uses algorithms created by SATRA to establish not only the length and width of the foot, but also, importantly, the girth. A simple interface confirms foot size and directs the user to the appropriate landing page. At time of writing the device is available through our bespoke online channel, additionally we are poised to launch with a major high street retailer and the planet’s largest online shopping channel. Understanding how the shopping behaviour is shifting then reacting in a concise and meaningful way has brought about this revolutionary product, one which will reduce shipping and returns for retailers whilst placing the ability to make informed decisions in the consumer’s hand.
New relationships
Advances in technology are a crucial catalyst for all forms of innovation. Our extensive expertise allows us to research, design, engineer and manufacture scientific and medical solutions to deliver ground-breaking advances in technology that enable products to perform and improve people’s lives. The application of this know how has been applied to the Innovo product range. Designworks’ challenge from the Innovo project team was to redefine the existing gel based electrode technology used for providing electrical muscle stimulation to targeted areas of the pelvic floor to safety and effortlessly treat bladder weakness in both women and men. Our response to the brief was to create a smart, non-invasive wearable technical garment. Whilst the product’s main objective is to provide therapy, the unisex garment had to be conformal fitting which could comfortably fit a wide demographic of individuals with a limited numbers of sizing options to maximise economy of scales in mass production. Since the release into the market place the Innovo therapy system has completed over 4 million treatment sessions. The product is clinically proven and has recently acquired FDA certification as a medical therapy device.
Model making - the future
Designworks has created a wide variety of design solutions for BP over the years, these range from charging devices to demonstration models, 2021 is no exception. BP Castrol recognise the future of transportation lies in EV’s, to that end they have invested millions in research and development of specialist coolant, lubricant and assorted fluids - their ‘E-Fluids’ range. Castrol set the first challenge to complete a technology rich battery coolant comparison model, our design and technology led approach has resulted in an immersive experience, employing a mixed reality physical and digital model demonstrating the many advantages of Castrol’s lubricants. Designed and built entirely in-house, the beautiful model now takes pride of place in the main atrium at Castrol’s technology centre in Berkshire,UK.
We never tire of playing
For 30 years, toy design has been at the heart of our company, whether it’s creating large scale playlets or technology rich robotics, we love the chance to immerse ourselves in the world of play. Highlights over the years include the iconic Tracy Island Thunderbirds Island playset, many iterations of Monopoly, a complete redesign of Mousetrap or countless collectible vinyl figures for Titan merchandise. We are particularly proud of the work completed for Clarks shoes, drawing upon the studio and sculpting teams. We created a new product sector for Clarks, one which went on to realise over £125M of profit and many millions of delighted children - the ‘YoToy’ range. Over a period of 8 years we manufactured over 14M toys in our specialist facility in China. Spring 2021 sees the return of the ‘Secret toy in the shoe’ for Clarks, our latest designs are set to inspire children and many generations to come.