Contact Us

Please feel free to get in touch if you require any further information, or have any questions regarding our courses.

Use the contact form on the right or call

(03) 545 2674

The Centre for Fine Woodworking
465 Wakapuaka Rd

RD1 Nelson 7071

New Zealand

         

123 Street Avenue, City Town, 99999

(123) 555-6789

email@address.com

 

You can set your address, phone number, email and site description in the settings tab.
Link to read me page with more information.

Product Design and Development

All Courses

Back to All Events

Product Design and Development


YOUR DREAM EVERYDAY OBJECT

Why are we attracted to certain objects, products and artefacts? Why do they grow so familiar in our lives that we instinctively reach for them, rely on their utility and develop a bond of ownership, like a favourite tool or comfortable shoes? Quite often they are the most humble and honest items, beautifully designed, exquisitely made and perfect for the task, the embodiment of practicality and grace.

This two week class is an exploration, a chance to develop your ideas and probe new thinking around familiar objects. With warm-up exercises, sketching, model making and mock ups we will drive and develop ideas towards a finished prototype. Best suited for students who are not afraid to step out on a creative limb. This is foremost a challenging 
design class which requires a good attitude and willingness to play, experiment and take risks.

Design Brief.

Week 1

Begin to observe the things you do in your daily life and the objects you interact with.

  • do you have a favourite tool you reach for when doing a certain task? Consider what you love about it and what makes it special. Could those qualities be used for another item?

  • Or is there something you use that could work much better with some modification?

  • Perhaps there is an object that has yet to be created that would enhance the quality of your daily life?

Write down your thoughts over the next few days and contemplate which of your ideas might inspire your dream everyday object.

think about what elevates objects into something special and how those qualities might be imparted into your final project.

Week 2

Apply the quick-thinking techniques from the warm-up exercises to help your ideas flow. Especially during the initial phase of developing your design ideas, challenge yourself to play around with different directions.

  • Your everyday object can serve any purpose.

  • Keep your objects small. Working on a smaller scale allows for greater design flexibility.

  • Keep the design simple. The best ideas are sophisticated in their thinking but straightforward in their making.

Course Dates

8th December - 19th December 2025

Course Fee

$2500 including all materials.

Tutor

Aled Lewis


If you require any further information or would like to enrol, please complete the form below or call (03) 545 2674.

Earlier Event: December 6
A Taste of Fine Woodworking Weekend