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[April 2003]
Trial of new ‘Designers Toolkit’
Ceramics companies are invited to take part in the trial of the first version of the "Designers' Toolkit", compiled by CERAM, Staffordshire University and The Hothouse ceramic design centre. The toolkit is an interactive web-based reference to guide the progress of innovative designs from the drawing board to full-scale production. It is an initiative of the 'Leading by Design' programme, run by the Ceramic Industry Forum (CIF) to stimulate cutting-edge design and improve the industry's ability to compete in international markets.The "Designers' Toolkit" is located at http://www.designerstoolkit.co.uk/
It aims to help designers, production and product development personnel to understand the interaction between aesthetic design and the practical implications of introducing new products into the manufacturing operation, with rapid and immediate success.
Its comprehensive information resource, developed with input from the UK supply industry, is organised into topics. These include the manufacturing process areas of colour, precious metals, modelling, surface decoration, forming, glazing, product testing, faults and design. Each is divided into sub-topics and features a section on ‘pros and cons’ and further information links to experts in related fields. The final version of the ‘Toolkit’ will incorporate video clips and interactive features and be available free-of-charge to CIF members.
Dave Cartlidge, CERAM Senior Decoration Technologist, would like to encourage more ceramics companies to help evaluate the ‘Toolkit’:
“To date, we have registered more than 165 users. To take part in the trials, simply contact me for a password, click on the link provided, you will also be asked to fill in the brief questionnaire concerning the site and its content. Your comments are vital in ensuring that we create a reference of real value to companies wishing to bring cutting-edge designs to global markets.”
Contact: Dave Cartlidge on 01782 764237 E-mail: dave.cartlidge@ceram.com
ENDS