RCP Company Talk

During subject futures week we also had the opportunity to learn more about packaging and the company RPC. It was interesting to see how much work actually goes into designing packaging and the different stages they go through. I found the talk very interesting and we get to visit the RPC factory in Rushden, which will be interesting. We get to see the bottles being made the design processes they go through.

Brian spoke about what it means to be a designer…

He asked us what we want to design:

• Furniture

• Packaging

• Medical equipment (help others)

• Phones (apple)

This gave me a lot to think about as the possibilities are endless!!

One particular thing that he said got me thinking:

“Give any designer £10 and he can design a computer housing. It takes a completely different set of skills to design a milk bottle for 2p.”

Design is definitely challenging and this made me think about the skills I have and those that I have already developed through the year studying at university.

Brian said that there are three main things to think about when designing:

• Ergonomics

• Economics

• Manufacturing

We have to juggle all of these to create a good design, however it is not like juggling identical sized balls they vary depending on the product. It is important to look at each aspect of the design and how factors can influence the idea.

When coming up with a design brief it is important to look at what is wrong with a product or what needs improving because this will give us a starting point to design from.

Finally, Brian said: “the longer you’ve been in design the less you know!” I think this is something I will definitely remember because times and technology are changing and we don’t know what the future holds for design.