Three OBMs showcase their work at New Designers 2025

Three talented OBMs were given the opportunity to exhibit their projects at New Designers, an annual showcase of the UK’s most innovative emerging design talent. Cameron Rayner (2012-21) and Sophie Lawrence (2016-21) both graduated from Loughborough University this year, and Julian Smith (2009-20) graduated from Bournemouth University. Their final year projects were displayed at the event, held at the Business Design centre in London between 09 and 12 July.  

Sophie writes: ‘For my final year project, I developed a functional prototype focused on improving allergen safety in restaurants. There are two key issues with how allergies are currently managed. Firstly, allergen information is often communicated verbally between customers and servers, increasing the risk of miscommunication. Secondly, during busy shifts, chefs may overlook essential allergen checks, such as cleaning surfaces, washing hands and utensils, or confirming that dishes are allergen-free, which can put customers’ lives at risk. 

CheckMate is a two-part communication system designed to make allergen safety in restaurants clearer, safer, and more reliable. Customers enter their allergy information directly into a custom ordering interface, which is sent straight to the kitchen, removing the risk of errors introduced through verbal communication. In the kitchen, a device then guides the chef through each allergen check step by step. Red LED-illuminated buttons show which checks are outstanding, and as each step is completed, the chef presses the corresponding button to turn the LED green. The customer receives real-time updates via notifications on their phone. This creates a more transparent and reassuring dining experience for customers with allergies, while reducing the mental load on chefs and helping to prevent mistakes in busy kitchen environments.' 

Cameron’s project addresses the environmental issue of waste in the sports industry. He writes: ‘Over 300K tonnes of sports equipment and textiles are sent to landfill worldwide yearly. Quite often, larger pieces of equipment are still functional but are discarded due to poor odour and unappealing visible condition. Furthermore, people currently have reservations about buying or selling this second-hand equipment on platforms like EBay and Vinted, due to the aforementioned points. 

Säpö is designed to extend the lifespan of sports equipment that cannot be washed traditionally. Its versatile attachments, combined with pro-biotic deodorisation and advanced drying, enhance performance and freshness for diverse user groups. 

Bad bacteria is prevented from growing on equipment post activity via the use of heated airflow, before a natural, allergen free pro-biotic compound is dispensed into the equipment. This compound kills the bad bacteria, masks any remaining odours and prevents the degradation of the equipment by up to 50%. 

The product uses an attachment-based system for equipment so any piece of equipment from any sport (from cricket to ice hockey to skiing) can be treated by one single appliance if the portfolio of attachments is expanded. 

Hopefully, people will feel more comfortable selling their treated equipment online, instead of discarding it - ensuring the product sets a new baseline treatment standard and creates more of a circular flow in the sports industry. 

Equipment is only getting more expensive. Säpö looks to help people by improving their activity experience whilst putting money back in the customers’ pockets in the long run. 

I currently have a patent pending on the design and function and have received interest to take the concept further into a more developed startup. 

A particular highlight of New Designers was receiving interest from representatives of Dyson and SharkNinja. It was interesting to learn about how their existing supply chains and technical expertise could add to the concept.’ 

Julian’s project focuses on anxiety and depression in adults, and how home remedies can be integrated into day-to-day life in an ergonomically friendly manner. He writes: ‘Solaris looks to help adults struggling with anxiety and depression. Mental health disorders are one of the leading causes of worldwide disabilities, with depression and anxiety affecting 280 million and 301 million people respectively (WHO, 2023). Social stigma around mental health often prevents individuals from seeking help or speaking openly, worsening their condition over time.  

Solaris is a therapeutic chair designed to support mental wellbeing through integrated light therapy, featuring a built-in switch to alternate between bright and warm light functions to support mood regulation and relaxation. Bright light therapy mimics natural sunlight at a slightly dimmer level for home use, helping to supress melatonin and boost serotonin throughout the day, improving energy levels and mental health. 

Solaris also utilises grounding methods to help those suffering with anxiety. This is done by stimulating multiple senses and encouraging physical stillness, using natural materials and supportive posture to help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. 

With an organic design inspired by the sounds of nature, Solaris can fit seamlessly into a variety of environments helping people suffering with anxiety and depression to have a more relaxed safe environment form their own home.’