Role
James Meadwell is a Senior Research Fellow in Design and Manager of the Design Matter group, a product design and research consultancy at NTU who help businesses of all sizes develop new products. https://www.ntu.ac.uk/business-and-employers/access-ntu-expertise/design-matter
In addition to the day to day management of the the design group, his primary role is to engage with businesses on their new product development projects, working as a hands-on Product Design Engineer, Design Project Manager or adviser depending on the nature of the project.
James’ work nurtures links between academia and industry ensuring both parties can benefit from the shared knowledge exchanged during a product development project.
His research outputs stem from the design projects he works on and he has published or has been co-author on work which explores the practice of product design and work that explores the design of a specific product/product group.
James is currently actively involved in multiple design projects either as Lead Designer or Project Manager and he is an experienced PI on research projects in addition to being a Design Consultant to industry.
“The Design Matter Group helps companies of all sizes to innovate, bringing product ideas to life with our broad knowledge and experience of the new product development process"
Career overview
James graduated from the University of Central England in 2000 and has forged a career in Design Engineering and Design/Project Management.
He gained 14 years of experience in industry as a Product Designer, a Design Manager and Project Manager before moving into academia in 2014.
His first academic role was as a Senior Research Fellow/Product Design Engineer for the Design Unit, a Design research group based at De Montfort University where he was involved in design projects for blue chip companies such as BT plus many SMEs. James regularly taught on the BSc and BA product design courses at DMU.
James has worked on products as diverse as award winning healthcare products, heavy machinery for the metals industry for clients such as Samsung and Alcoa, light framed steel buildings for a joint venture between Redrow and Corus, furniture for clients including John Lewis and innovative medical devices.
Research areas
- Design for Healthcare
- Design of Medical Devices
- Design for Arthritis
- Design of Machinery
- Consumer Product Design
- Design Education
- Design within SMEs
- Furniture engineering