On Wednesday 12 July, Joel Wood, one of our outgoing Year 13 Product Design students, reached the finals of the Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge 2023 – an event that brings together all of the outstanding work produced by Design and Technology students from all over the country.

From an initial field of 50 entries, Joel made it to the final 10, with the finals held and Yamazaki Mazak European Head Offices, Worcester, a family run, global tools and manufacturing company.

Joel was up against a range of very imaginative and clever designs, his own project was a medical aid for ‘drop foot’. He was able to discuss his ideas, how he would market and manufacture it and what developments could be made if it went to market. The judges were really complimentary of his design as it was for a very particular medical need.

Judges commented. “Joel congratulations on a really good project. You have shown good research and approach to the problem. This is a very real problem that you have given a potential solution. It was good to see that you have considered improvements to your work.”

Although Joel didn’t win overall, he can be very proud of his achievements. It was a great experience and will bode well for his future.

Congratulations Joel, the Design and Technology Department are all very proud of you.