Stephen Davies

Senior Lecturer – Product and Furniture Design // Year 1 Convenor Design Programme

As well as teaching at UCA, Stephen is busy with his professional practice design projects. He is currently working on a project that explores creativity, ideas generation, nostalgia and creative motivation, through the design of a flat-packed children’s garden toy that engages the child in simple assembly/building, outdoor physical activity, connection with the natural environment and the option to interact with parents, other adults or friends. The project includes a Patent Pending along with a Registered Design and a plan to commercialise the idea through his on-going interest in creative enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Stephen has worked as a Product Designer for Dyson, presenting design research to James Dyson and creating patented work. As a Design Consultant work includes a fire door safety product used in buildings including Tate Britain, and an NHS Innovations-nominated product that was a Highly Commended Finalist in the Medical Diagnostic and Laboratory Category. Stephen has industry experience, knowledge of design for disability/inclusive design and experience of self-employment/design business start-up. His work has featured in London's Design Museum, in newspapers/magazines including the Independent, the Guardian, Living Etc and Elle Decoration, and featured on Channel 5 Breakfast News and a pilot programme for Channel 4, 'Gimme the Money'. Stephen has also represented the UK in government sponsored design and trade exhibitions in Dubai & Kuala Lumpur.

Gaining a 1st class BA (Hons) in Three-Dimensional Design with Applied Technology, including Business & Marketing Studies, Stephen has also achieved an MA (RCA) in Industrial Design Engineering from the joint course at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London. On this course he was awarded the James Dyson Scholarship. In addition, he has also gained a PGCE (Post Compulsory Education) and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Stephen’s other current and past projects and roles include:

Vintage Toy Restoration and Upcycling Commercial Project, October 2020 – Present.
Design for Safety, Western Horse Riding Safety Hat/Helmet, January 2020 – Present.
Product Designer / Design Engineer, Dyson, Full-time. June 2011 – August 2013.
Product Designer and Design Researcher, Volunteer, MERU (Medical Engineering Resource Unit)
Charity, New Product Development, Feb 2010 – August 2010.
Freelance Design Consultant, Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability. Feb 2006 – August 2008.

Patents and Registered Designs:
Stephen has been granted number of Patents and Registered Designs throughout his career.