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#NTUDEGREESHOW Spotlight: James Elliott

This week's Spotlight piece features BA (Hons) Product Design student James Elliott.

    Kit Furniture, James Elliot, BA (Hons) Product Design, 2019
    Kit Furniture Set, James Elliott, Ba (Hons) Product Design, 2019

    In the run-up to the Art and Design Degree Show, we will be sharing a series of student projects from across the 26 participating courses through #NTUDEGREESHOW Spotlights.

    Kit Furniture

    Throughout University, I always seem to find myself designing products which are simplified and stripped back; in terms of both function and aesthetics. Designing with longevity and sustainability in mind is something I have focused on majorly throughout the duration of my degree. I am a firm believer of designing and manufacturing products that last.

    Kit. is a set of flatpack furniture - comprising of a coffee table and two side table/stools. Kit. brings something new to the market by combining three products into one flat-pack furniture set. With the intention of changing the way we perceive flat pack furniture, Kit. combines the benefits of flatpack furniture with the quality of premium products.

    Kit Furniture Close Up, James Elliot, BA (Hons) Product Design, 2019
    Kit Furniture Close Up, James Elliot, BA (Hons) Product Design, 2019

    Inspired by mid-century furniture and the minimalist lifestyle, Kit. furniture is small and compact. Although the size is functional, the Kit. coffee table encourages people to keep it tidy and only display the items they wish to, rather than using this as a space to dump items.

    Built to last, with durability in mind, the hardwood tops and aluminium fixing points allow for a strong join between components.The tables are designed with metal-to-metal threaded legs to ensure regular assembly and disassembly does not affect the strength of the product.

    Designed to encourage people to hold onto their furniture and take it with them to their new homes – the set is aimed at young professionals who are uncertain as to where their next steps will lead. Kit. furniture therefore makes the process of moving as easy as possible, without sacrificing a premium quality.

    The design is simple and requires no tools, encouraging a straightforward process of assembly, allowing the user to adapt to whatever environment they’re in. Side tables become stools once a PVC coated wire rope is added, for both additional strength as well as providing a unique feature.

    Producing a timeless design seemed vital for a product intended for longevity. This was achieved using light maple hardwood, with aluminium corner plates, powder coated in toned down, subtle colours.

    James Elliott

    Find out more about the BA (Hons) Product Design Degree Show here.

    Published on 7 May 2019
    • Subject area: Architecture and civil engineering
    • Category: Current students; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment