Over the past few months, Year 9 pupils at Queen’s College, Taunton, have taken part in a Design Technology project with a powerful brief: design something that could genuinely improve someone’s life.
The project, titled Make a Difference, was developed by Head of Design Technology Mr Higgs, who wanted pupils to see how classroom skills can be used to create positive change beyond the school gates.
As part of the project, pupils worked directly with Stanley, a local wheelchair user, photographer, beekeeper and small business owner, who visited the classroom to share his lived experience.
Stanley spoke openly about some of the everyday challenges he faces, including being difficult to spot in busy environments, carrying items while using his wheelchair, and managing equipment while pursuing his passion for photography.
Rather than designing for a theoretical brief, pupils were able to engage with a real person, ask questions, and develop practical solutions tailored to his individual needs.
Following the visit, pupils undertook a full design process: identifying challenges, researching, generating ideas, building prototypes, testing designs, and manufacturing final products.
The final outcomes demonstrated both strong technical skill and thoughtful empathy. Designs included an LED number plate to improve visibility, a light-up snail logo for Stanley’s market stall, a honeycomb-inspired bottle holder reflecting his interest in beekeeping, and an adjustable phone mount designed to support his photography work.
Mr Higgs said the most significant outcome was not the products themselves, but the way pupils approached the challenge.
“The pupils really embraced the challenge. What stood out was how much they cared. They listened carefully to Stanley, asked thoughtful questions and genuinely wanted to create something that would help him. Seeing them apply their creativity and technical skills to solve real problems was incredibly rewarding.”
Once completed, Stanley returned to Queen’s College to see the final designs and hear the thinking behind them. Pupils presented their work directly to him, explaining their design decisions and how they responded to his needs.
For Stanley, the visit offered a chance to see how carefully he had been listened to — and how much thought had gone into each solution.
The project has since continued to have a real-world impact, with some of the designs now being used in Stanley’s daily life.
The initiative highlights a wider message at the heart of Design Technology at Queen’s College: that it is not just about making products, but about understanding people, solving real problems, and using creativity to make a positive difference.
One project at a time, the Year 9 pupils did exactly that.
