Product Design for 15 - 17 Year Olds
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£525
- Start Date(s): 28 July 2025, 4 August 2025
- Duration: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
28 July - 1 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
4 - 8 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Ready to embark on a journey into the future of design? Join us and let's shape the world — one innovative idea at a time!
This course is a week of creative exploration, with a focus on sustainability and the cutting-edge techniques utilised by product designers and design students today.
You'll be motivated to view products through the lens of a designer, analysing how functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability intersect to enhance user experience and minimise environmental impact.
The future possibilities are endless – let's design them together.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your portfolio. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award?
This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential Award and is an amazing opportunity to make new friends and memories. It will be fun and gently challenging, allowing you to follow your passion and discover talents you never knew you had.
DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.
You must also attend the social events that are planned on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and you must plan and attend your own social activities with other participants on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Here's what our previous attendees said:
'I enjoyed the variety of projects, the freedom to be creative and the sessions on drawing.'
'I particularly enjoyed the group work which allowed me to come up with designs rather than just drawing in silence which I do at home!'
'I have developed my 3D Sketching skills and now know how to use a 3D printer from scratch. I really enjoyed the projects as we had more freedom to create what we wanted to do.'
'I enjoyed that we could be so hands-on and creative. All of the sessions were well organised and very fun.'
'I enjoyed making things out of weird materials.'
'This course allowed me to learn new sketching techniques and also allowed me to come up with new ideas faster.'
What you’ll study
Immerse yourself in a design challenge and project brief devised to tackle real-world design problems, and master the essential skills utilised by designers to create innovative solutions.
Before taking on the big design challenge, you'll participate in smaller preparation sessions carefully curated to equip you with the tools and techniques needed to complete the project. These sessions will provide valuable context, helping you understand the relevance and importance of each approach to the overarching project.
Through hands-on activities, you'll experiment with diverse creative approaches and mindsets, empowering you to identify, question, critique, and navigate design challenges effectively. From sketching the seeds of an idea to bringing it to life through model making, you’ll explore the world of product design in a dynamic and hands-on environment.
You'll refine your observational skills and develop a keen understanding of how to visually communicate your ideas collaboratively with continuous evaluation and constructive feedback from your tutor and fellow students
With expert guidance and hands-on support, you'll gain the confidence and proficiency required to tackle the design challenge with passion, turning ideas into reality and leaving a lasting mark on the design landscape.
Get ready to unleash your creativity and shape the future of design!
During this course, you will:
- explore how to develop your innovation skills and provide solutions to design problems
- investigate how to create new concepts that appeal to audiences that might have differing needs and abilities
- use sketching and modelling techniques to develop tangible concepts
- develop your ideas into models using everyday materials to convey design ideas
- explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and innovation in product design
- cultivate a forward-thinking mindset and embrace the spirit of exploration
- develop design and interpersonal skills essential for successful product design
- learn how to present your work both verbally and in a portfolio.
Throughout the course, you'll delve into the fascinating realm of product design, mastering essential skills and techniques that will empower you to thrive in this dynamic field. From exploring design thinking principles to honing your prototyping abilities and delving into sustainable design practices, each day will offer a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and push the boundaries of your creativity. The project you complete will put your newfound skills to the test and empower you to make a meaningful impact in the world of design.
By the end of the course, you'll emerge with a comprehensive understanding of the design process and its impact on shaping the world around us. Armed with a robust toolkit of design skills, critical thinking abilities, collaboration and presentation skills, you'll be ready to tackle any design challenge with confidence and ingenuity.
Whether you're aspiring to pursue a career in product design or simply eager to explore your creative potential, this course will leave you inspired, empowered, and equipped to design a brighter future and is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in a studio environment and create new work for your portfolio.
Social events
We appoint NTU Student Ambassadors who host social events on Monday and Wednesday evening to help you make friends across the whole of our summer school programme for 15 – 17 year olds, which are free to attend.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study during the course:
- Day 1: Igniting Creativity: Unleash Your Design Potential
- Day 2: Design Thinking in Action: Problem-Solving and Collaboration
- Day 3: Decision Making and Sustainable Design: Shaping a Better Future
- Day 4: From Concept to Creation: Prototyping Techniques
- Day 5: Presenting Your Vision: Sharing Your Design Story
Kickstart your journey into the world of product design with a day dedicated to igniting your creativity. Through interactive workshops and immersive activities, you'll explore various design techniques and methodologies that will fuel your imagination and empower you to think outside the box. From brainstorming sessions to ideation exercises, you'll learn how to generate innovative ideas and develop a solid foundation for your design journey.
Today will be setting the stage for your big design challenge and starting the project to make sense of your observations, thoughts, and research.
By the end of the day, you'll emerge with a newfound sense of creative confidence and the tools to transform your ideas into reality.
Today is all about design thinking as you tackle real-world design challenges with your peers.
You’ll learn methods to allow you to communicate ideas and help build off others; put your problem-solving skills to the test and collaborate to find innovative solutions.
Through group activities, design sprints, and team-building exercises, you'll learn how to approach design challenges from multiple perspectives and leverage the power of teamwork to achieve success. By the end of the day, you'll have honed your collaborative skills and gained a deeper appreciation for the impact of design thinking in driving positive change.
Sharpen your skills in evaluation and decision-making, crucial pillars of effective design practice. Through a series of engaging activities and hands-on exercises, you'll dive deep into the art of critically analysing design solutions and making informed decisions that drive your designs forward.
Explore the intersection of design and sustainability as you delve into the principles of eco-conscious design. Today, you'll learn how to integrate sustainability into your design process and create products that minimise environmental impact while maximizing functionality and aesthetics. From material selection to lifecycle analysis, you'll discover practical strategies for reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable practices in your designs.
By the end of the day, you'll have honed your ability to assess design solutions objectively and make informed decisions. You'll have gained a newfound appreciation for the role of design in shaping a more sustainable future and be equipped with the knowledge and skills to incorporate sustainability into your own design projects.
Dive deeper into the design process as you delve into the realm of prototyping. Today is all about turning your concepts into tangible prototypes through hands-on experimentation and iterative design. From sketching and rendering to model making and CAD design, you'll learn a range of prototyping techniques that will bring your ideas to life. Through trial and error, you'll refine your designs and gain invaluable insights into the iterative nature of the design process. By the end of the day, you'll have a collection of prototypes that showcase your creativity and technical skills, setting the stage for further exploration and refinement.
Wrap up your week of exploration with a focus on presentation skills and storytelling. Today, you'll learn how to effectively communicate your design vision and showcase your work to others. Through presentation workshops and storytelling exercises, you'll refine your communication skills and learn how to captivate your audience with compelling narratives. Whether it's pitching your ideas to potential investors or sharing your designs with the world, you'll leave with the confidence and charisma to present your vision with clarity and conviction. By the end of the day, you'll have honed your presentation skills and be ready to share your design journey with confidence and flair.
Student Work
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
97% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
The course is designed to give you a real experience of university life, make new friends who share similar interests and develop your portfolio so that ultimately, you can make an informed decision about your future.
By immersing yourself in the world of product design, you’ll gain invaluable skills that are highly sought after in today's job market. From problem-solving and critical thinking to creativity and collaboration, the hands-on experience and practical knowledge acquired in this course are transferable across various industries and professions. The course will guide your personal development, fostering a dynamic learning environment dedicated to your growth as a future-forward designer.
An emphasis on sustainability and innovation equips students with a forward-thinking mindset essential for navigating the challenges of the future workforce. Whether pursuing further education in design-related fields or venturing into entrepreneurship, the skills and insights gained from this course will undoubtedly pave the way for success in your future accomplishments.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment on the City Campus.
You’ll find collaborative working spaces where you develop your sketches and concepts, and IT suites equipped with industry standard software including Adobe Creative Cloud and AutoCAD.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner
Entry requirement: You should have an enthusiasm for design and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills.
This course is ideal if you plan on becoming a product designer in the future, and it’s for anyone interested in working on projects that will strengthen your portfolio and that demonstrate new approaches in your work.
The ideal attendee will be ideas and solution-driven, open to new ways of working, and thinking and able to work with others positively.
You must be 15, 16 or 17 years old at the time of the course in order to attend.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £525.
Payment is due at the time of booking.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- Pens and notepad
- Pencils
- 30 cm ruler
- Sketchpad
- Camera - your phone will be fine
- Laptop and memory stick if you have one – useful but not essential.
If you would like to do any pre-course research, you can look at:
- Abstract series on Netflix
- The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
- How It’s Made series on Youtube
Please note that lunch is not provided, so bring your packed lunch or money to buy food. The city centre, with plenty of cafés and grocery shops, is just a 5-minute walk away. You can also check which campus buildings have café outlets using MazeMap.
Read the terms and conditions of booking.
Need accommodation?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation.
If you're aged 16 or 17 then you can stay unaccompanied with agreement from a parent/guardian (to support safeguarding, all guests aged 16 and 17 will be accommodated together in the same halls of residence and there is a dedicated Warden available).
If you're aged 15 then you can stay as long as you are accompanied by a parent/guardian (you must book two separate rooms and let us know so we can place you in rooms next to each other).
This option is particularly popular with students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
Looking to turn your one-week course into a two-week experience?
If you can match this with any second course, you’ll receive a 10% refund on your course fees (email the short course team with your order number to claim the refund).
How to apply
You can book this course via the NTU online store:
28 July - 1 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
4 - 8 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Browse all our summer courses for 15 – 17 year olds.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813