From domestic safety for all to making emergency medicine more accessible, University of Brighton students are responding to everyday problems with bold and inclusive solutions.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the fantastic projects recently on display at the Architecture and Design summer show.
Whether it’s improving emergency medical tools, designing healthier buildings, or making everyday products more inclusive, our students are proving that architecture and design are about more than just aesthetics—they’re about impact.
Real projects, real purpose
Among the standout projects is Product Design BSc(Hons) student Morgan White’s Epi-Assist. Created to improve the conventional use of the epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) for treating allergic emergencies. In the UK, at least eight out of ten users fail to operate EpiPens correctly during life-threatening emergencies, resulting in severe consequences for both the person administering and the one needing the shot. This increases the wastage of medication and could be fatal.
After extensive prototyping and user testing with a multitude of inexperienced users, Morgan’s Epi-Assist combines intuition with professional and innovative design to reduce accidental injections.
Morgan said: “I want to raise greater awareness around medical designs that often overlook how real people interact with products, especially in high-stress situations. Through the Product Design course at Brighton, I’ve learned how even a small amount of thoughtful user testing can transform a product, making it significantly safer, more intuitive, and more comfortable to use. I think this empowers users rather than adding confusion at critical moments.”
Final-year Interior Architecture BA(Hons) student, Neve Fairholme is already collaborating with the Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance Service to redesign their Redhill aerodrome to address the effects of sick building syndrome – which occurs if heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems do not effectively distribute air to people in the building,
Neve said: “Studying Interior Architecture at Brighton has really shaped how I approach design, not just as a creative process, but as a way to support people’s wellbeing through thoughtful, responsive spaces. Working on my final project with the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance gave me a real sense of purpose. I wanted to design a base that not only meets functional needs but actively improves the health and morale of those who use it every day. It’s been so rewarding to explore natural materials and sustainable methods, and to see how design can genuinely make a difference.
Product Design BSc(Hons) student Xavier Sanderson’s ‘SureTouch’ is a tactile induction hob, designed specifically for the visually impaired. As more homes switch to smooth-surfaced induction cookers for energy efficiency, visually impaired users face increased risks due to the lack of tactile guidance.
Xavier said: “SureTouch is about restoring confidence in the kitchen. By introducing physical guides, tactile markings, and intuitive controls, it creates a safer and more navigable cooking experience for those who are visually impaired. The simplified design not only reduces cognitive strain but also restores autonomy in a core daily activity.”
Glenn Longden-Thurgood, Associate Dean at the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, said:
“This year’s showcase reflects the exceptional talent and purpose-driven mindset of our students. From improving the safety of medical devices and enhancing accessibility in everyday products to designing safe spaces for transient populations and designing architecture for the circular economy, our students are using design as a tool for real-world impact. The professionalism and creativity behind these projects show that our graduates are not just ready to enter the industry, they are prepared to lead it.”
Interested in Architecture and Design?
If you’re thinking about studying Architecture and Design, Brighton is the place to be if you want to:
- Design with purpose: You’ll learn how to create spaces that support health, safety, and inclusion.
- Work on real-world challenges: Collaborate with professionals and organisations to solve problems that matter.
- Explore sustainability: Use eco-friendly materials and methods to design for the future.
- Be part of a creative community: Join a network of students and staff who are passionate about making a difference.
Find out more about the courses available on the University of Brighton website.
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