BRIGHT IDEAS
We put our money where our mouth is – we’re not just about consultancy services and have a reputation for developing our own ideas. These concepts, some of which have gone to market, stimulate creative thinking in the studio and bring important issues like saving water into the public arena.
POST A PHONE
Priestmangoode has invented a new product concept, Post A Phone, to supply a simple and cheap landline phone, made from recyclable materials that can be sent in the post. Post A Phone is made from recyclable cardboard or plastic and pops out of an A5 envelope, just 4mm deep. You take it out of its envelope, plug it into the socket in the wall and you’re ready to make and receive calls. Post A Phone cuts down on materials in terms of the actual product as well as packaging, it minimises transport costs in terms of delivery ans is small and lightweight.
DECIBEL
Inspired by scientific studies that have shown a risk of cumulative damage to hearing when exposed to loud noise, and recommendations that commuters should protect their hearing on public transport, Decibel allows you to protect your hearing by reducing high levels of ambient noise. You can also amplify sounds when you need to. Decibel links to your mobile phone, laptop or MP3 player so that you won’t miss a call. Decibel was commissioned for the Hearwear Exhibition organised by Blueprint for the V&A Musuem.
JOINED UP DESIGN FOR SCHOOLS
Joinedupdesignforschools aims to show how good design can lead to tangible improvements in a school’s performance, whilst inspiring new learning and creativity in pupils. We were partnered with Plumstead Manor School for Girls to design their school lockers and looked at the use of existing materials such as large water pipes to construct the lockers from alongside a range of recycled materials. Joinedupdesignforschools is an initiative of The Sorrell Foundation.
PASTA
Design pundit Stephen Bayley asked Paul Priestman to develop two new pasta shapes< Bubble and Ripple, for an exhibition about Italy’s favourite food. The pasta shapes are designed to allow maximum coverage of sauce so that each mouthful is a small meal in itself and shirts remain clean after eating.
PILLS TO GO
You’re on the run and you’ve got a headache – carrying a bottle of water and a packet of pills was not part of your plan. The simple packaging concept of Pills To Go allows you to grab two aspirin or paracetemol and a glug of water in one.
MUFI
Any solutions for time-hungry, service-demanding consumers need to be simple, quick and easy to use. Priestmangoode developed a concept interactive portable radio called the MuFi with the Cambridge Design Partnership which via a ‘hit’ marks items – music, adverts, news items – to download once back at home via the website.
SOFT FAN
This unconventional approach to fan design uses fabric inspired by sailing and kite materials. Switch the fan on and the soft, limp ‘blades’ tumble and spin into life. Like a rigid-blade fan, the spinning fan produces a soft breeze that spreads over a wide area. Unlike a conventional fan, the moving parts are entirely safe (which means no bulky protection guard is required), the blades can be cleaned in a washing machine and when it’s turned off it takes up very little room. This product won a U.S ID Award.
WATERPEBBLE
Originally conceived as Water Watch, the Water Pebble is a unique water-saving device and a world’s first. Paul Priestman was inspired by a sign in a hotel bathroom to, “Please use water sparingly” and he started developing the concept for Water Watch on his return home. Water Pebble is a little product designed to help you reduce your water usage for simple daily tasks such as brushing your teeth or having a shower. Place in your sink or shower and it indicates how much water goes down the plug hole.