Renowned designer shares his expertise

Sir Kenneth Grange talks to Plymouth University design students about sources of inspiration and good practice
KG1

A celebrated industrial designer whose illustrious career spans more than half a century has been passing the benefits of his experience to a new generation of creative minds.

Sir Kenneth Grange spent a morning talking to, and answering questions from, undergraduate and postgraduate design students at Plymouth University.

During a question and answer session in the University’s Design Lab, and a series of one-to-one tutorials, he gave tips about sources of inspiration and good practice. He also sought to enlighten students about what he believes are some of the most crucial elements of becoming a successful designer.

Sir Kenneth, awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by Plymouth University in 2013, told the students:

“I value coming here today very much, as I believe engaging with people is a crucial element of expanding your design expertise and feeding your creativity. The incredible minutiae of all we get involved in makes our trade so fantastically rewarding and if you truly enjoy it, you just cannot help immersing yourself in elements of design wherever you go. Design is constantly evolving, but while your path may be different to mine I hope you realise that everything you do has the potential for impact and influence, and that you should be constantly trying to make things better.”
Sir Kenneth Grange, awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by Plymouth University in 2013, said:
"Design is constantly evolving, but while your path may be different to mine I hope you realise that everything you do has the potential for impact and influence."
KG2

Sir Kenneth, knighted in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to design, is responsible for some of the most iconic and familiar products that shape our daily lives, including Kenwood food mixers, Kodak cameras, Morphy Richards irons and Parker pens.

The many accolades earned during his career include ten Design Council Awards, the Duke of Edinburgh’s prize for Elegant Design in 1966, the Prince Philip Designers Prize and the Gold Medal of the Chartered Society of Designers. He is also a member of the Royal Society of Arts’ élite Faculty of ‘Royal Designers for Industry’.

Professor Roberto Fraquelli, Head of Design at Plymouth University, said:

“Sir Kenneth has a huge amount of natural experience amassed over many years, and it is fantastic of him to take the time to come and talk to our students. Through our teaching, we try to get them to think creatively about everything and to use experiences from inside and outside the studio to inform their work. Throughout their future careers, they will have the opportunity to impact on industry and individuals, and to hear from one of the great British designers of our time is a rare privilege.”