New Design Magazine Feature 2022

Designworks are an award-winning international agency with a prestigious client list of global brands

When faced with a challenging or disruptive situation such as a pandemic there are two main courses of action, stay still, watch what happens then react based on others’ actions or get creative, join together and power forwards as a team. Here at Designworks, our 30 years of experience in the design industry has taught us that the latter is the best way to emerge on the other side in the best form possible. With this mentality firmly in place since our humble beginnings, it has enabled us to grow into an award-winning, international agency working for a prestigious client list of global brands. Our dependability to deliver on what we promise and consistency to always over-deliver on expectations have built many long-lasting client relationships that continue to grow as we enter this new year of opportunity.

No job is too big…or too small

Advances in technology are a crucial catalyst for all forms of innovation. Our extensive expertise and varied in-house skill base allow us to research, design, engineer, and manufacture for clients ranging from small independent start-ups to global technology, scientific and medical companies. No matter the size of the company or job, here at Designworks we always treat our clients with the same respect. They become part of our team as we become part of theirs. Working closely together ensures that we all understand what is required and pull in the same direction to achieve a successful outcome that suits both the client and the brief. As a by-product of this close collaboration working, we have often found information and learnings gathered in one sector can often allow us to take that technology and translate it into a new sector offering a unique perspective and solution that only comes from having close exposure to such a wide and varied client and technology database.

Making the future a reality

Designworks has created a wide variety of design solutions for BP over the years, these range from charging devices to demonstration models, 2021 was no exception. BP Castrol recognizes the future of transportation lies in EVs, to that end they have invested millions in research and development of specialist coolant, lubricant, and assorted fluids - their ‘E-Fluids’ range. Following on from our previous Castrol - battery coolant comparison model, we were challenged to make the next demonstration model in the series. Our design and technology-led approach have 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 alongside the previous model in the main atrium at Castrol’s technology centre in Berkshire, UK.

It’s not all work – We like to play

Toy design has always been a part of the lifeblood of Designworks, whether it’s creating large-scale play-sets or technology-rich robotics, we love the chance to immerse ourselves in the world of play. This year we were proud to build on our strong connection with Clarks shoes, following on from the previous success of the YoToyTM range we cross-pollinated our knowledge of play and discovery gained in the toy industry with Clarks shoemaking expertise to create Clarks Find-itsTM - A range of educational toys designed to be secretly hidden inside a pair of shoes, encouraging the child to go outside, explore and investigate the world of nature. A welcome and perfectly timed outdoor adventure following the confines of lock-down.

Social entertainment is no ‘monkey business’

Recently, as the crowds return to the high streets, we have experienced a rise in inquiry and demand for developments in the social entertainment space, not only in the UK but on a global scale. Building on our experience designing and developing mini-golf courses for the likes of PuttshackTM we scored a double hole in one this year with both the successful completion of the luxury, bespoke 10 hole course at GRAVITYTM Wandsworth and also the creation of InstaputtTM - a cost-effective and modular mini-golf system. This new system offers an effective and efficient build solution that can be made bespoke for each client through a wide choice of accessories and aesthetic options. We have even been called upon to utilize our highly skilled sculpting department for a range of bespoke ‘Big Jim’ ape sculptures to accompany and look after one client’s Instaputt course.