Cumbria-based Playdale Playground, a true timber manufacturer, benefitted from a team of students working on their industry brief to create a new range of playground equipment to sit alongside their existing range.
The students were tasked with designing their ideal equipment based on the materials and manufacturing technique of Playdale. Then, working collaboratively, another cohort of students researched ways the company could diversify their product line by using their existing capabilities to identify a new market for Playdale. As a result, the students have created new equipment for Playdale’s portfolio; however, they have identified a unique gap in the market for them to exploit, utilising their existing skills and manufacturing techniques.
Paul Mallinson, Technical & Operations Director - ‘We engaged with UCLan to gain some fresh thinking and creativity, and we were not disappointed. The projects were extremely well organised and cost-effective, requiring minimal resource. We were particularly impressed by the professionalism and calibre of the students involved, and the final presentations were exceptional.’
"We were particularly impressed by the professionalism and calibre of the students involved, and the final presentations were exceptional."
— Paul Mallinson, Technical & Operations Director at Playdale Playground
Our Creative Innovation Zone enables students to respond to industry challenges with creative thinking and fresh perspectives. Students have continued to support external organisations throughout the pandemic, providing creative solutions, in-depth research, promotional videos and concept designs. By punctuating our students’ teaching and learning with industry-led challenges to hone workplace skills and increase employability opportunities