Founder

Simon Fraser

Founder

Ross Stevens

Senior Lecturer – Industrial Design

ross.stevens@vuw.ac.nz, 64-4-4636165

Research Projects

Summer Scholarship project:

Biography/ Manifest

Designing for mass production and hand-crafted products in various industry sectors has given Ross illuminating insights. The traditional discrepancy between input and output for consumer products has deepened the desire to create products that are manufactured more efficiently and less resource-consuming. For example, when Ross started work at his first professional job at Fisher & Paykel (1986) the term “environmental footprint” had not been heard of. Now, designing houses, high-end audio or future scenarios it’s one of the first considerations. Even during his time working for Philippe Starck in Paris questions about the environmental impact of production led to research into recyclable packaging and has culminated with his latest company PureAudio, where they reuse materials harvested from the production process.

He believes growing up in bi-cultural New Zealand has shaped his views and given him insights into the importance of natural cycles for a 4 dimensional design process. This interest was developed in his Masters of Design thesis ‘Worn out or worn in’ that explored the emotional significance of wear in electronic products.

Research

Ross sees his main role in encouraging and provoking students to boldly go where no one has gone before with courses like Design Led Futures (DLF) and Future Under Negotiation (FUN). At the same time he also understands the importance of developing and fostering relationships with industry and international research companies to bring these dreams to life. These relationships help inform Ross about the changing needs of industry and allow early access to the latest technology.

At the moment the fastest developing technology in the field is 3D printing and Ross’ keen interest in future applications and implications of this technology has led to his involvement in Multi-property Additive-manufacturing Design Experiments (MADE). He sees 3D printing as one of the fundamental technologies that could change the impact of mass production on the environment by allowing local production and bringing industrial processes closer to natural processes.

He shares his time between teaching and practice as the Programme Director of Industrial Design and Design Director and co-owner of PureAudio.

Find out more about Ross’s research and supervision on the Projects page by clicking on his name.

Founder

Jeongbin Ok

Senior Lecturer – Industrial Design

Founder

Tim Miller

Biography/ Manifest

Tim studied Product and Furniture Design, completing his bachelor’s honours degree at Kingston University London and his Master’s in Industrial Design at UNSW Sydney. He has over 30 years’ experience as an industrial designer, design consultant in product development, educator and researcher in emerging technologies.

Research

His research exploits advances in digital technologies in the overlapping areas of; digital manufacture, furniture design and 3D printing/Additive Manufacture. He has developed a number of innovative approaches in; the use of software, digital manufacturing processes and 3D/4D printing technologies. Increasingly he works on collaborative projects with material scientists and engineers through his role as a Principle Investigator in the New Zealand Product Accelerator and leads projects for The Science for Technological Innovation Challenge, Portfolio 5 Materials, manufacturing and applications, Spearhead project, Additive manufacturing and 3D and/or 4D printing of bio-composites.

Founder

Bernard Guy

Lecturer – Industrial Design
bernard.guy@vuw.ac.nz 04 463 6291

Research Projects

Biography/Manifest

After spending over a decade in the oil and mining industry working with extremely heavy machinery, Bernard decided to apply his skills in the more human-focused field of medical simulation and equipment. Moving on from servicing XXL mechanical entities, his research focuses on improving or developing equipment meant to delicately ‘service’ humans and improve their quality of life. Even though improving performance at an affordable price is worthwhile on its own, another important aspect of Bernard’s motivation is reducing the impact of the medical processes on the people. Traditionally medical procedures caused a certain amount of trauma to the patients. This trauma can have devastating short- and long term effects. Finding new methods of assessing and aiding patients that are less invasive and more respectful of the individual have determined his approach to research projects.

Research

He has seen how investments in R&D can improve large industrial productions and wants to enable the medical research field to do the same by developing new applications for 3D printing technology. Economics play an important role in the medical field too and with that in mind, multi-property additive-manufacturing offers interesting advantages. His research not only utilizes the latest 3D scanning technology, 3D printers and CAD programs, it also pushes their boundaries and pushes for further development by their users and providers. During his career as specialist welder he had developed such an affinity and understanding of machines that enables him now to coax objects out of state-of-the-art commercial as well basic domestic printers that need to be seen to be believed. He’s our 3D print whisperer! But all this research would be confined to the university research lab, if it weren’t for his close contacts to open-minded and innovative physicians, medical experts and healthcare providers. Through his teaching and research projects he aims to inform the students not only about the amazing new technologies available now, but also to educate them about their moral and ethical obligations towards the people they design for. And together they aim to make better lives.

Find out more about Bernard’s research and supervision on the Projects page by clicking on his name.

Affiliate

Derek Kawiti

Affiliate

Diana Burton

Affiliate

Edgar Rodriguez Ramirez

Affiliate

Leon Gurevitch

Affiliate

Walter Langelaar

Tech Support

Hamish Morgan

Tech Support

Ken Howe

Tech Support

Keith Davies

Web Admin

Petra Alsbach-Stevens

Tech Support

Phil Jarrett

Advisor

Ben Jack

Advisor

Lionel Taito-Matamua

Pasifika Engagement Advisor

Creative Pathways outreach programme

MDI 2016

Lionel is a graduate of the VUW School of Design Innovation and an award-winning social entrepreneur (2015 finalist NZ Innovator of the Year, 2016 finalist Kiwibank Young New Zealander of the Year Award, and shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards). In 2017 he was invited to join the NZ Prime Minister’s Pacific Mission to Rarotonga, Niue and Tonga, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade NZ. The trip established stronger networks within the Pacific community here in NZ and overseas, and discussion with Parliament leaders on 3D printing in schools, 3D printing and plastic pollution in the Pacific and alternative ways of teaching and learning. Since 2019 Lionel is the Pasifika Engagement Advisor to the VUW Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.

Lionel is also the founder of the Creative Pathways outreach programme; an innovative STEM teaching programme (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) that combines emerging 3D-printing technologies with kinesthetic learning, science curricula, design and the practices of “talanoa” (or participatory processes for sharing indigenous knowledge) and “fa’a Samoa” (or community building). It was launched in 2015 at several secondary schools with high Māori/Pacific demographic in the Wellington region. The pilot has enjoyed considerable success and more than 20 teaching modules have been delivered over four years to six secondary schools as well as a number of community groups.

In 2021, Lionel and his team received funding from the Ministry of Pacific Peoples Toloa Kenese Fund to support a long-term aspiration to extend the programme across a wider range of student age groups, implement it nationwide, and ultimately to expand it into the greater Pacific region. From Lionel’s perspective; “Being Samoan, I love to give back to the community and get the communities involved in the work I do, and what I’m passionate about”. 

Advisor

Monique Bateman

Monique graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Design Innovation majoring in Industrial Design. Following her studies, she completed a research scholarship focusing on multi-material 3D printing for the improvement of Metamaterials, specifically Pentamode structures for wave manipulation. She is now a Technologist and Industrial Designer at NZ Product Accelerator collaborating with industry partners to develop innovative solutions that deliver real impact for New Zealand’s economy.

Advisor

Nicole Hone

Advisor

Tor Robinson

Advisor

Zach Challies

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Zach Challies started at Victoria University in Wellington (New Zealand) with the intention of developing his knowledge and interests in media and graphics design. Towards the end of his first year he had the opportunity to create a 3D print and the result compelled him to change his major to Industrial Design with 3D printing and manufacturing technologies in particular. The creative and academic environment during his studies encouraged him to continue after his undergraduate success and attain a Master’s degree. He is currently a Teaching Fellow and PhD candidate exploring the creative boundaries between animation systems and industrial design through 3d printing.

Alumni

Alex Christensen

Alumni

Ana Morris

Alumni

Andrew Roberts

Alumni

Armano Papageorge

Alumni

Ashleigh Kennedy

Alumni

Brittany Mark

Brittany Mark

Alumni

Callum Allen

Callum Allen

Alumni

Courtney Naismith

Alumni

Dan Scudder

Alumni

Dani Clode

Dani Clode Design

Dani Clode’s multi-disciplinary collaborative approach to design investigates the architecture and perception of our bodies. Incorporating new materials and design processes, the mechanics of the human body and robotics, Dani works to challenge the perception and boundaries of prosthetic design and extend the human form. Her main project the Third Thumb is currently being developed further with neuroscientists from the Plasticity Lab in the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London, exploring the brain’s ability to adapt to augmentation. Dani also works with The Alternative Limb Project, designing sculptural prosthetic arms that have been exhibited worldwide.

Alumni

David Moodie

David Moodie

Founder & CEO of Foundry Lab

Alumni

Dylan Hughes-Ward

Alumni

Dylan Mulder

Dylan Mulder

Running away to the circus might not have been on Dylan Mulder’s mind when he finished his Industrial Design studies, but it’s where he is at the moment. And stoked about it too, as it happens to be the Cirque du Soleil!

After graduating from VUW in 2009 Dylan got jobs making models and props for feature films involving the whole range of processes applied in this field and onto 3D modelling for games development. He also made time to create entries (and consistently produce winning creations) to the World of Wearable Art competitions several years in a row. Working in all of these areas he used 3D modelling and printing technology, improving and expanding the use of this technology, so it should come as no surprise that his studio features 3D printers heavily.

His growing reputation (for example winning the New Zealand Design Award in 2013) culminated in 2016 when Dylan was approached by Air NZ and WoW to create not only a new and inspiring design, but also to challenge the traditional design and creation methods by utilizing the latest VR technology and processing software around.  For this project Air NZ flew him to various places around NZ, to find inspirations, 3D scanned all kinds of impressions and translate them digitally to create a garment for real life.

That year – on top of taking out the Wearable Technology Award – he also won the Cirque du Soleil Award, receiving an all-expenses-paid internship at the Cirque du Soleil headquarters in Montreal. During the internship Dylan demonstrated such a high level of creative thinking, process knowledge and team spirit, that he was invited to continue working for the Cirque du Soleil on several more projects.

Currently Dylan is utilizing more state-of-the-art technologies to his advantage: digital design files zipping around the globe and real time interaction with colleagues on the other side of the world through VR suites. He is proof that working with emerging technologies will enable young New Zealanders to fulfil their potential on the international stage.

Alumni

Earl Stewart

Design at the intersection of product creation & digital exploration.

I have studied Industrial design, receiving my Bachelors from Victoria University of Wellington. It wasn’t until my Masters Research where I was able to delve into my passion for digital manufacturing, fashion & footwear. Through my research I have found where my passion lies, which has also led to global recognition & the conviction to push myself further. I have recently completed a Masters in Industrial Design where I specialised in the use of digital manufacturing techniques to create customized apparel & footwear solutions for the individual.

I am interested in the interface between product & technology. Fashion. Footwear. Product Design. Research, Creative Directing and evolving my style.

Alumni

Elize Koetsier

Elize Koetsier

Alumni

Fenella Richards

Alumni

Glen Askey

Glen Askey

Alumni

Goodnature – Craig Bond

Alumni

Goodnature – Stu Barr

Alumni

Goodnature – Robert van Dam

Alumni

Hamish McIntosh

Alumni

Isabella Molloy

Alumni

Isabella Robb

Alumni

Isabelle Hawkins

Alumni

Jake Evill

Alumni

James Bennett

Jesse Kilpatrick

Alumni

Jessica Salter

Jessica Salter

Alumni

Joseph Coddington

Joseph Coddington

Alumni

Julian Goulding

Alumni

Lakjith Manapaya Weeratunge

Lakjith Manapaya Weeratunge

Alumni

Lance McGregor

Lance McGregor

After graduating with an Industrial Design degree from Victoria University in Wellington Lance McGregor went to work for New Zealand’s own Fisher & Paykel, honing his skills to translate client’s expectations into a tangible product. After three years he was keen to stretch his wings and push boundaries and made the move to the UK working for Tom Dixon as senior designer on a notable range of projects. In 2002 he was headhunted by Baron & Baron of New York and moved to the US. The following years he worked for other illustrious design companies with even more illustrious clients and in 2009 he decided to start his own design consultancy.

For the large scale production lines of the whiteware industry, rapid prototyping is an essential tool ensuring all components fit together before the tool-making for the actual production line gets under way. Starting at Fisher&Paykel Lance used 3D printing for rapid prototyping his designs for a refrigerator.  Creating the details for drawers and shelves became a more efficient task, when they could be printed out easily and seen in a real life context.

Being part of the fashion industry, designers of fragrances and their packaging have to be able to spot and create new trends quickly. Creating a new exciting fragrance for a fashion house or pop icon means being able to translate and transcend trends at a much faster speed than for other product designs. As 3D printers and materials continue to evolve, it enables to create more fantastic designs, as the designs for the Justin Bieber, Beyonce and Nicki Minaj perfume ranges illustrate.

Nowadays consumers are demanding more sustainable production methods and the ease, diversity and quality of 3D printing technology and materials makes it the perfect process for future industrial production and design ventures. One of these new ventures is the US based company othr, which invites the world’s best designers to create unique objects for the home. “By using technologies such as 3D printing, we avoid having to create more objects than there are homes for. Our objects do not physically exist until you choose to own one–each is embedded with a unique number to reflect your participation in its creation.” These objects range from everyday household items like a juicer and a bottle opener to his more decadent interpretations of a piggy bank or a bubble wand set for adults.

The new 3D printers can work with ceramics and precious metals. Hence the piggy bank is made of porcelain, reinforcing the original idea of keeping the savings for the ultimate sacrifice, and then revealing a little hidden treasure beyond the savings. The bubble ball & wand take a childhood activity and recreate it with adults in mind. Mindful of their environment and the innocent joys of outside play. Again, by using durable and luxurious materials like porcelain and 18K gold, Lance has elevated a simple idea into a highly desirable product.

Alumni

Liam Gilbertson

Alumni

Louise Wotton

Louise Wotton

Alumni

Lucy Mangin

Maddison Jessop-Benseman

Alumni

Marcus Michau

Marcus Michau

Alumni

Maryam Namini

Maryam Namini

Alumni

Matt McGowan

Matt McGowan

Alumni

Matthew O’Hagan

Alumni

Max Syme

Max Syme

Mendel Moos

Alumni

Meraz Parker Potoi

MDI thesis:

“Design and pacific : the cohesive blending of the pacific and contemporary cultures through 3D printing to create a new identity by assisting diabetic type 1 adolescents in managing and storing their equipment”

Alumni

Nayanathara (Tara) Kuruppuarachchi

Nayanathara (Tara) Kuruppuarachchi

Alumni

Richard Clarkson

Nice to meet you!

WHO:

Richard Clarkson Studio is a Brooklyn based art and design laboratory. We are a small but very capable team with backgrounds in art, design, science, engineering, and business. You can contact us here or for more information about everything Richard Clarkson Studio head over to our explore page.

WHAT:

We create objects, products and installations that are, minimal in style, honest in material, elegant in simplicity and sculptural to the core. Distorting the ever-blurring lines between art & design, we use processes and methodologies drawn from both disciplines. We offer services in consultancy, product and experience design. We also operate as an in-house fabrication facility with an evolving range of pieces available for commission & sale.

WHERE:

We have a studio space at 300 Morgan Ave in Brooklyn NY, USA and are open by appointment. We ship internationally and sell product all over the world.

WHY:

We seek to inspire astronomical curiosity and wonder through exquisite, elemental objects.

HOW:

A mindset of art, a mastery of design, a respect for engineering, a love of science and a pinch of magic.

Alumni

Rose Lastovicka

Rose Lastovicka

Alumni

Ryan Achten

Alumni

Samantha Whitham

Samantha Whitham

Alumni

Sarah Kong

Alumni

Sophia Cameron

Alumni

Stuart Baynes

Alumni

Tahi Rewiri–Chrastecky

Tahi is a South London-based designer from Wellington, New Zealand. Here he fulfills a variety of roles that include product design, engineering, graphic design, illustration and digital content creation.

His research explores the possibility of creating three dimensional (3D) products that are tactilely responsive and dynamic, in an
attempt to discover whether 3D printing technologies can be utilized to generate products that develop features synonymous with living organisms.

Most recently Tahi has worked as a product designer and consultant on a range of projects that include small scale energy generation systems, an electric bicycle conversion kit and smart home security products.

Alumni

Timmy Izzard

Alumni

Tinofara Mutambu

Tinofara Mutambu

Alumni

Vincent McQueen

Vincent McQueen

Alumni

William Rykers

Alumni

Yejun Fu

Yejun Fu

Alumni

Zara Fong

Sponsor

Callaghan Innovation

Callaghan Innovation

We activate innovation and help businesses grow faster for a better New Zealand.

We partner with ambitious businesses of all sizes, providing a range of innovation and research and development (R&D) services to suit each stage of growth.

Our people – including more than 200 of New Zealand’s leading scientists and engineers – empower innovators by connecting people, opportunities and networks, and providing tailored technical solutions, skills and capability development programmes, and grants co-funding.

We also enhance the operation of New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem, working closely with government partners, Crown Research Institutes, and other organisations that help increase business investment in R&D and innovation.

We operate across New Zealand from four urban offices and a regional partner network in a further 12 locations.

Contact

Sponsor

Stratasys

Stratasys

Offices in 13 countries.
Printing in many more.

From students in college classrooms to leaders in multi-national companies – our 3D printers are helping realize big ideas every single day. We work across industries with tailored solutions for everything from automotive to dental, creating new design and manufacturing possibilities across the globe. Whatever your idea, wherever you are in the world, we can help you bring it to life.

Stratasys

Sponsor

Weta Workshop

Weta Workshop

Design

Specialists in creating rich fictional worlds, our Design Studio is inspired by projects at any stage of development. From blockbuster films and TV series, to public and private art sculptures, digital games, and immersive visitor experiences, we love to collaborate with our clients in service to their vision.

Build

With seventeen manufacturing departments under one roof, our workshop floor is home to an energetic creative team who work together on projects of any size and scale. From the epic to the intimate, we combine traditional handcraft techniques with innovative new technologies to make our clients’ vision a reality.

Contact

Cnr. Camperdown Rd & Weka St.
Miramar
Wellington 6022
New Zealand

PO Box 15208
Miramar
Wellington 6243
New Zealand

Phone +64 4 909 4000

Sponsor

MedTech CoRE

The MedTech CoRE is a Centre of Research Excellence funded by the Tertiary Education Commission and includes six Partner organisations – the University of Auckland (host), Auckland University of Technology, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, University of Otago and Callaghan Innovation. The Medtech CoRE applies bioengineering technologies to produce new knowledge of physiological processes in healthcare; develop novel bio-instrumentation and computational physiological models; design innovative medical devices and technologies to improve healthcare and create economic benefits for New Zealand companies.

VUW leads the Design and Manufacturing Technology platform and contributes expertise through our MADE and Smart Interactions Design research streams.

Sponsor

NZ Product Accelerator