Students in innovative design had a chance meeting with one of the top innovative designers in the last ten years - James Dyson, inventor of the Dyson vacuum cleaner.
On a trip to London with course director David Townson and lecturer Polly Duplock, eighteen first and second year students were on a visit to The Design Museum where they met Prince Philip accompanied by James Dyson.
One of the students Murray Sim chatted with Dyson about the product design course. James Dyson is a known advocate of interdisciplinary product design training and seemed impressed by the students' knowledge of both engineering and design.
He is quoted as saying: "Science, engineering and technology are vitally important to the future of the country and the world. Look at the things that are changing the world today and you will see manufactured products with new technology, engineering and design. We need to challenge the assumption that careers in industry and manufacturing are dull. Using your hands and brains to solve problems is an enormous creative challenge. This understanding should begin at school. We need to direct our talent from secondary and higher education into the core task of putting research and technology back into making products that the world wants".
David Townson, Course Director in Innovative Product Design said: "The new BSc (Hons) Innovative Product Design (IPD) degree aims to do just that. As a joint degree from the Faculty of Duncan of Jordanstone and the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, IPD students are equipped with the creative skills of the designer, sound technological understanding, and a clear knowledge of market needs. This will see them becoming the new hybrid design professionals of tomorrow, developing just the types of products James Dyson is talking about."
Jill Buick, a student who was on the ball, remembered that Prince Philip celebrated his 80th birthday that day and wished him a happy birthday.