This memory box will be composed of objects created by the design students which trigger audio clips from oral histories when selected. The box will be used for reminiscence and educational initiatives by Irish in Britain member organisations.
First and second-year students on the Product and Furniture Design BA Hons course at the university’s School of Art, Architecture and Design were given a brief from which they undertook research, established a design concept and developed prototypes.
These prototypes were presented by the students, together with an explanation of the concept of their design, to a panel including members of the faculty, staff from the Special Collections which houses the Archive of the Irish in Britain, and Irish in Britain’s Policy and Research Manager.
Nine student groups presented in total, displaying innovative design approaches, a deep consideration for the brief and impressive attention to the subject matter at hand.
Students had access to oral history clips as well as the Archive of the Irish in Britain to augment their conceptual and design approaches. Every single presentation displayed a deep understanding of the experiences of the Irish in Britain which was testament to the research undertaken by the students and the resources provided by the Special Collections.
Students displayed great ingenuity across the brief, particularly in terms of the material used (ranging from Irish yew to soil from different Irish counties) and the symbolism of different themes emerging from the clips such as work, music and dance, migration experience, sense of Irishness, among others.
It was very difficult to decide upon a winning design concept. The panel shortlisted three, and the winning design by Eddie and Alex will go into production this summer.
With thanks to William Smith, Senior Lecturer on the Product and Furniture Design BA and David Baldwin and Peter Fisher from the Special Collections for their work on this project. We’re excited to share the finished product with our members!