
The start of 2024 was marked by the launch of the Technology Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge, hosted by Sami from The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA). Learners from our Engineering and Design Faculties ranging from Year 10 to 13 were invited to participate in this exciting opportunity to develop and showcase their products, aiming to demonstrate innovative and practical solutions for everyday challenges.
Learners were recently invited to present their work to a panel of industry experts with the aspiration of being selected for the finals. This session was not just a competition but a celebration of the creative process, from the initial conception of an idea to the product prototype.
Learners presented a variety of projects, each designed to solve everyday problems. The presentations detailed the journey of each product, including design iterations, incorporation of client feedback, and future development plans. Learners demonstrated their proficiency with a variety of advanced technological tools and programs during their presentations, skillfully incorporating Fusion 360, LEGO models, technical drawings, 3D printing, laser cutters, and Sketch Fab to illustrate the development process of their designs. All the teams addressed the judges’ questions, showcasing their understanding of, and commitment to their projects.
Reflecting on the presentations, Sami expressed how impressed she was with our learners "It was great to see the students at LDE showing great imagination at such a young age. I especially liked how their innovative products focused on helping to improve people's everyday lives and were rooted in a real world context."
After some deliberation, the judges selected two projects to advance to the TDI Challenge finals. The first project developed by Alfonso addressed a challenge he and his friends faced in using their mobile phone in the gym. Eesa and Max are also progressing onto the final with their adaptation of the Anglepoise lamp. The judges were impressed with the design and could see many uses for it.
Congratulations to Alphonso, Eesa and Max for making it through to the finals at Mazak in July, and well done to all our learners for their outstanding creativity and professionalism.
Reflecting on presenting his idea alongside his peer Eesa, Max shared “I found the presentation was a mental challenge at first because the thought of presenting in front of leading industry professionals was quite daunting. However, I find that being nervous is just like being excited, so I used this to help calm me down, and prepare me to present. Once I started presented, I grew in confidence and actually enjoyed it.”
Thank you to Sami – MTA, Laura – Machinery and Manufacturing, Mark – Siemens, Greg – OSGUK and Gurpreet – Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) for coming to judge the projects presented by our learners. The TDi Challenge has not only highlighted the talent within our college but also reinforced the practical application of our engineering and design curriculums.