Showcase 2025 Student Spotlight: Alfie Hall
Student Spotlight featuring BA (Hons) Product Design student Alfie Hall and his project 'The Ambient Arcade Chair'.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 15 May 2025
Categories: Student Showcase; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
The Project
Alfie Hall's cosy gaming chair is designed to create a feeling of warmth and safety for the user. Boldy patterned with a custom 80's-inspired arcade print, the chair bursts with colour, amplified by the comfy quilted cushion. The design choices aim to evoke a mood of joy and playfulness.
Alfie developed his metalwork skills while designing the chair.
The inspiration behind the project
For Alfie, the Ambient Arcade Chair represents more than just a design. He considers it a reflection of his journey as a queer designer. "I'm inspired by LGBTQ+ designers such as Keith Haring," he says. "Inclusivity is at the forefront of my designs, and I often get inspired by the many LGBTQ+ people in my life."
The project experience
Creating the chair was not without its challenges, as Alfie faced struggles with his mental health during his work on the project. "However, by connecting with loved ones, I remembered why I started the project: to offer others a cosy and safe space in which to unwind."
The pattern was inspired by 80s arcade aesthetics and designers like Keith Haring.
Being part of NTU
Alfie says that he has learnt so much being at NTU - from improving his drawing and Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills to developing his confidence when presenting in front of people.
The creation of the Ambient Arcade Chair also led to Alfie acquiring a new skill. "Going into my final year, I wanted to showcase my advanced sewing skills through my projects," he says. "However, I had to go outside my comfort zone and take on a new skill with metalwork when designing this chair."
Outside of the workshop, Alfie says his most memorable moment during his time at NTU was going out for Halloween with a friend from his course dressed, improbably but appropriately, as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator!
Alfie Hall - BA (Hons) Product Design
Closing remarks
Alfie has the following advice for future Product Design students:
"Showcase your niche - as that’s what you love doing! But also push yourself - as you are capable of so much more than you think."