Dyson by Design

September 17, 2012 in Events, Front page news by Miss M NORRIS

On Thursday 13 September the Year 9 BTEC Engineering class was given a unique insight into the hugely successful world of Dyson, through the eyes of James Dyson Foundation Executive, Danya Walker. Students received a whistle stop tour through the company’s inventions and successes such as the ball-barrow, the famous Dyson vacuum and more recent inventions such as the bladeless fan and hand drier.

 

Students were then encouraged to use air-powered design as a means of solving a problem of their own choice.  Armed with an array of ideas, cardboard, tape and a huge box of Dyson parts the students set to work to create the prototype of their idea.

 

Through the workshop, students were able to plan, design, manufacture and then present their design ideas as a group. With everything from hover-boards to gaming chairs to gym equipment, the students used their own everyday frustrations to inspire their own designs – exactly the same process used by James Dyson himself.

Gaining experience and knowledge in a number of skills such as time management, independent learning and communication, students gained experience which went beyond the design and technology department. Students thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and the design experience and are eager for the project to be extended into further lessons.

 

Danya Walker remarked on how impressed she was by the level of commitment and positivity some students had shown to the workshop.

 

A great start to the BTEC Engineering course!

 

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