Inclusive Flexible Easel Design Competition

Project:

The group's final engineering assessment showcased a project developed within the CDIO (Conceive–Design–Implement–Operate) framework, focused on designing and manufacturing a functional prototype that addresses a real-world challenge. 

A standout feature of this project is its innovative, bespoke design - developed specifically in response to an individual artist’s needs. The team worked closely to understand the client’s requirements and translated them into a tailored engineering solution that was not only functional but also cost-effective. Remarkably, the students managed to deliver a working prototype valued at a few hundred pounds - significantly more affordable than comparable commercial systems that typically cost several thousand.

The project also demonstrated innovation in its integration of mechanical and electronic elements, suggesting applications of Industry 4.0 principles such as automation, sensing, and smart control. The use of iterative testing and refinement — core to the CDIO methodology — enabled students to optimise both technical performance and usability.

Project:

This project exemplifies the CDIO (Conceive–Design–Implement–Operate) framework through its inclusive, practical, and user-centred design process. 

One of the most innovative elements was the team's ability to co-design with user needs in mind, translating those into a functional, adaptive, and safe product that meets both ergonomic and accessibility requirements.

Unlike standard commercial solutions, the easel was engineered to be height-adjustable and easily operable, with potential integration of motorised components for assisted movement. The design allowed for modular assembly, making it suitable for transportation and storage in school or home environments. The students successfully developed the prototype within a limited budget - achieving a cost-effective solution for only a few hundred pounds, compared to typical assistive devices costing several thousand.

Project:

This CDIO-based project focused on the inclusive design and fabrication of a flexible easel frame tailored specifically for Ash. The innovation lies in the team’s ability to conceive and deliver a bespoke, motorised system using actuator-driven mechanisms to enable hands-free, smooth adjustment of the easel’s angle and height - features not commonly found in commercial solutions at an accessible price point.

Engineered within strict budget constraints, the team successfully delivered a working prototype for a few hundred pounds, in contrast to typical systems that cost several thousand. The structure was designed with disassembly in mind to facilitate transport to and from studio spaces, and the actuator was selected to ensure both mechanical reliability and ease of integration with minimal user input. Materials and joints were chosen for durability and adjustability, ensuring that the solution remained lightweight yet robust.

What sets this project apart is the level of personalisation and the user-driven innovation - combining practical mechanical engineering with a strong emphasis on accessibility and independence. It reflects the power of engineering education when students are encouraged to apply inclusive design principles and systems thinking to real-world challenges. The result is not just functional - it is empowering and ethically grounded.