NTU BSc Product Design Student wins international recognition at FIT Design Awards 2025
Graduate Jake Streatfield was recognised at the FIT Design Awards 2025 for his innovative sports equipment and apparel design.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 9 July 2025
The FIT Design Awards celebrate pioneering achievements in the fields of sports innovation, sustainable design, and performance-enhancing solutions that prioritise both comfort and environmental responsibility. A graduate of BSc (Hons) Product Design at Nottingham Trent University, Jake’s award-winning work stood out for its forward-thinking approach and potential to positively impact athletes and everyday users alike. This recognition places Jake among a global community of designers who are shaping the future of sports and lifestyle products through creativity, functionality, and sustainability.
Each entry was judged on a wide range criteria including:
- Aesthetics - form, shape, colour, texture, finishing, the material used, etc.Innovation - does the apparel/gear provide something new to the market or supplement/improve an existing product
- Practicality/Functionality - ease of cleaning, safety, repairs, maintenance etc.
- Durability - the quality and longevity of the product, is it adaptable to extreme conditions?
- Impact - the benefit delivered to the athlete, does it increase performance, or increase comfort, etc?
- Ecological compatibility - potential environmental and/or ecological impact, local produce, repair circle, materials used.
- Emotional quotient - in addition to fulfilling its practical purpose, does the apparel/gear create a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction?
Jake Streatfield was a winner in the Sport Equipment Design / Watersport, Aquatic and Paddle Board category for his design PaddleLume. This innovative safety device addresses a huge gap in the market for an affordable, accessible solution to the growing issue of paddleboarders - especially novices - getting lost or needing rescue at sea. Many don’t want to invest in expensive safety gear they may never use again, making cost a major barrier. But, unlike other safety products, PaddleLume is cheap to manufacture, allowing it to be rented for as little as £5 per session, encouraging greater use.
PaddleLume is a lightweight, durable safety device designed to help the paddle boarders in distress.
PaddleLume's life-saving features include a high-intensity LED flare (visible up to 12km), a sea dye capsule (staining water for daytime visibility), and calming instructions to help prevent panic. The ergonomic LED activation works when wet, the device has a natural grip and is always securely attached to the user via a safety cord, providing easy access in emergencies. The bright colours naturally highlight the product’s features, aiding those in distress. The wireless charging pad ensures it’s always ready for use.
With SUP participation surging, PaddleLume fills a critical safety need, making paddleboarding safer without financial burden. It’s a simple, effective solution that could save lives while ensuring accessibility
Jake reflected on his award and said: "PaddleLume is a lightweight, durable safety device designed to help the coast guard quickly locate paddle boarders in distress through and LED flare and sea dye. Always attached and easy to use, it fills the safety gap for novices with an affordable ergonomic solution. Having paddle boarded myself and experienced the harsh conditions people can face, I discovered a growing number of incidents in correlation with the sport’s popularity. It's an honour to win the Fit Sport Design Award for the Watersport, Aquatic and Paddle Board category, thank you to everyone who helped me during this project."
BSc (Hons) Product Design final year tutor/leader Dr Joseph Stewart added: "Jake’s success at the FIT Sport Design Awards is a reflection of the dedication and creativity demonstrated throughout his time at Nottingham Trent University. His outstanding Final Year project exemplifies the high standards upheld by our students. This international recognition not only celebrates Jake’s individual achievement but also reinforces the BSc (Hons) Product Design course’s reputation as a leading programme in the field - renowned for producing innovative, industry-ready graduates who make a global impact."
For more details on Jake's winning entry PaddleLume visit the FIT Design Awards website.