Western Sydney University design students create innovative workstations for low vision and hybrid working
Western Sydney University’s School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment has proudly partnered with commercial furniture and joinery manufacturer, Maxton Fox, for a second year, for ‘The Emerging Designer Competition’.
The 2022 competition brief challenged students to design a workstation that would suit inclusivity in the workplace and cater to hybrid modes of working.
The two winning designs, selected by a panel of industry judges, have now been developed, manufactured, and launched by Maxton Fox.
The Grevillea (opens in a new window), designed by student Genevieve Bryant, aims to bridge the gap in the workstation market for blind and low vision users by reducing obstacles through human centred and inclusive design.
The visually appealing workstation is designed to blend with a modern workplace, while simultaneously supporting a low vision employee and their guide dog when using the workstation via vision aid features.
“This project will have an impact on people's lives. Reminding me why I'm studying what I'm studying - to change the world by changing people's lives for the better, one design at a time,” said Genevieve.
“It is extremely valuable and important for students to have the opportunity to take part in design projects like this one because it gives them an understanding of what it's like to design for a real client that has a specific design brief, budget, manufacturing and timeframe limitations. It's an experience that cannot be recreated by your average assignment.”
Jodi Martin, Senior Manager, Innovation and Inclusion at Guide Dogs NSW, said the continued innovation to support access and inclusion for those who are blind or low vision is vital.
“We’re particularly impressed by the focus on colour contrast as modern design aesthetics often focus on neutrals, which can present challenges for many of our clients. While many people think of blindness as no vision at all, that only applies to about 18 per cent of the global blind and low vision population,” said Ms Martin.
“The remainder have some remaining vision, and may be able to see some lights, colours, or shapes, so you can imagine that the greater contrast there is in the world around you the easier it would be to navigate independently.”
The designs are set to pique interest amongst the architect, design and workplace community, an exciting prospect for student Heimy Molina who designed the Stipule (opens in a new window) a fixed dual desk screen workstation system that blends connection and privacy.
The design, inspired by nature, provides acoustic absorption at seating height and open communication when standing, ideal for open plan spaces.
“The stipules are the smaller leaves that are attached to plants. These organic shapes made by their curves is what inspired me to build the panel in the middle of the two desks of my workstation,” said Heimy.
“The whole design process evoked a realness in a way that this what happens in the real world of design and creativity, and us students were exposed to the whole process.”
Dr Sasha Alexander, Director of Academic Program Industrial Design at Western Sydney University, said the partnership with Maxton Fox brings together talented students and provides a platform for innovation within the industry.
“In partnering with Maxton Fox we can provide students with a unique opportunity in work-integrated-learning and to gain hands on experience,” said Dr Alexander.
“The students have applied their learnings to create functional designs in response to a brief. These designs are a testament to their ability to drive innovation and become industry leaders.”
To learn more about the project, watch the case study video.
ENDS
22 June 2023
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.