Program Overview

Introduction to Product Design for 15 - 17 Year Olds

The Product Design for 15 - 17 Year Olds course is a week-long creative exploration with a focus on sustainability and cutting-edge techniques utilized by product designers and design students today. This course is designed to provide students with a real experience of university life, make new friends who share similar interests, and develop their portfolio.

Course Details

• Level(s) of Study: Short course
• Course Fee: £545
• Start Date(s): 27 July 2026, 3 August 2026
• Duration: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, one week
• Study Mode(s): Part-time
• Campus: City Campus

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 utilized by designers to create innovative solutions. The course will cover:

• Developing innovation skills and providing solutions to design problems
• Creating new concepts that appeal to audiences with differing needs and abilities
• Using sketching and modeling techniques to develop tangible concepts
• Exploring the intersection of creativity, technology, and innovation in product design
• Cultivating a forward-thinking mindset and embracing the spirit of exploration
• Developing design and interpersonal skills essential for successful product design
• Learning how to present your work both verbally and in a portfolio

Daily Breakdown

The course is structured into five days, each with a specific focus:

• 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

Tutor Profile

Kathryn Pashley is a Product and Industrial designer with over 20 years of experience. She graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a First Class BA Honours in Furniture and Product Design and now teaches students at NTU to develop their thought processes and build up a reliable skill set before they begin their own pathway through the industry.

Careers and Employability

The course is designed to give you a real experience of university life and develop your portfolio. By immersing yourself in the world of product design, you'll gain invaluable skills that are highly sought after in today's job market. The emphasis on sustainability and innovation equips students with a forward-thinking mindset essential for navigating the challenges of the future workforce.

Campus and Facilities

You will be based in the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment on the City Campus. The facilities include collaborative working spaces, IT suites equipped with industry-standard software, and access to the library.

Entry Requirements

• Entry requirement: You should have an enthusiasm for design and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills.
• Age requirement: You must be 15, 16, or 17 years old at the time of the course.
• The ideal attendee will be ideas and solution-driven, open to new ways of working, and thinking and able to work with others positively.

Fees and Funding

• The fee for this course is £545.
• Payment is due at the time of booking.
• You will need to bring basic design tools such as pens, pencils, a sketchpad, and a camera.
• Accommodation can be booked separately for £259 per week.

How to Apply

You can book this course through the NTU online store for the specified dates: 27 - 31 July 2026 or 3 - 7 August 2026.