Partner Article

Jonathan's designs fit together nicely

Inspired by the traditional builders mug, a Northumbria University student has developed a solution to the hassle of trying to carry as many mugs as possible without a tray. Jonathan Aspinall, a recent graduate in Three Dimensional Design, Fine Product and Furniture, will be preventing burnt fingers and stained carpets everywhere with his Link Mugs - mugs that fit together. A cross on the side of each mug fits neatly into the next, forming a self supporting row of up to six mugs, so there is no need for a tray.

Jonathan has also made ‘child proof’ round bottomed vases that don’t fall over, a washing bowl edged in an antique picture frame effect, and health conscious spoons that are cut in half to reduce your sugar intake.

Jonathan said: “The inspiration for all my designs comes from looking at domestic issues that we face on a daily basis and aiming to create products that save time, effort and improve people’s health in our busy lives. “I owe a great deal of my success to Northumbria University. Not only have they provided me with expert business advice, they have subsidised all trips and exhibition space at various prestigious exhibitions across the country, including the New Designers exhibition in London.”

Roger Candy, business partnerships manager at Northumbria University, said: “Jonathan’s creativity for designing innovative products useful in everyday life is outstanding. He is bound to go from strength to strength, having just started the Designers in Residence (DiR) scheme.

“DiR is a hothouse scheme designed to nurture the brightest and best in new design talent. It will provide invaluable support to Jonathan in terms of providing access to workspace, materials, equipment, on-site mentoring and an important two year breathing space to further hone her business and design skills, making for a smooth transition from student to successful designer.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .