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Trunki designer backs spark of inspiration
Rob Law, Bristol inventor and designer of Trunki, is urging product designers to apply for a share of a £300,000 innovation fund set up by the Design Council.
Law said the Spark initiative was designed to encourage product innovation in an age where more and more emphasis was being placed on digital development.
“I’m passionate about innovation and product development and at the moment there is a trend for digital apps, websites and social media and not so much excitement about physical products any more.
is needed now More than ever
He said: “Real product design solve real problems…you can’t do that with an app”.
The fund is open to submissions from anyone based in the UK, with a product idea, who wants to develop their work further.
10 products will be selected and as well as capital investment those selected will have access to a 20-week programme of mentoring and support.
It is this advice which Law said makes the scheme so useful: “When I started I could design the products but I had no commercial acumen, which is what Spark can help with. “
“Coming up with the idea is the easy part most people think their idea will make them millions, but turning that idea into a credible product is incredibly difficult.
“It is full of highs and lows and lots of hurdles you have to overcome. Quite often it’s only really determined people who can get products to market so any help you can get along the way can only be a good thing.”
Mat Hunter, Chief Design Officer of the Design Council, says they are “committed to developing and maintaining the UK’s global reputation for high quality product innovation”.
“Good design changes people’s lives for the better, it boosts the country’s economy, and it enables the UK to compete on the global stage in the 21st Century. We want to ensure that our best, most innovative participants have the money, resources and networks they need.
Applications for the scheme close on 31st January.
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