COOL PRODUCT DESIGNS

In 1959 Hawker Siddeley and Bristol Aeroplace Company produced preliminary designs based on the distinctive and slender delta concept.

The project, by this time a co-operation between the UK and France, launched its first flight from Toulouse in 1969. Concorde 002, the first UK-built aircraft, flew from BAC Filton to RAF Fairford just 31 days later, piloted by Brian Trubshaw.

EAV Cargo

Urban e-cargo and micro-mobility vehicle www.eav.solutions

The EAV e-cargo bike, designed and manufactured near Bicester in Oxfordshire, is powered purely by humans and a unique electrical assist mechanism. As soon as the rider begins to pedal, the EAV’s motor, which stands between pedal input and wheel, kicks in. And you don’t have to be fit. If you can use your legs, you can pilot an e-cargo bike.

Pashley Cycles

Designed and manufactured in Stratford-upon-Avon since 1926, this classic bicycle company continues to innovate.

www.pashley.co.uk

Could one of these 10 cool products have as much impact at the mighty Concorde?

Rupert Wilkinson, Director at Oxford Product Design, said: “Good product design must meet a real need to be successful. What has also changed over the years is that product designers must consider the effect that their designs have on our planet. Concorde – while aesthetically very beautiful – was unsustainable. We care deeply about the impact our work has on the planet and are members of Oxfordshire Greentech – an organisation that encourages innovation, collaboration and knowledge transfer towards a sustainable, low carbon future.”

Force8 half-mask

Extensive research has been carried out by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to distinguish the world’s five most common facial shapes. Using this research JSP has developed the Force®8 half-mask available in sizes to fit a variety of facial shapes. With easy maintenance and replaceable PressToCheck™ filters, this mask is more sustainable, reusable, and affordable. The award-winning filter technology allows users to perform a fit check each time they wear their mask. Designed and manufactured by JSP Ltd based near Witney.

www.jspsafety.com

The Eglu

Designed in 2003 by four friends studying at the Royal College of Art in London. They designed a revolutionary new chicken house which made it simpler to keep chickens in gardens. The team established Omlet to commercialise their design. Since then Omlet’s designs have sold around the world.

www.omlet.co.uk

Adlens

A pioneering, Oxford-based adaptive optics technology company which aims to have a major impact on the future of augmented and virtual reality for eyewear. Adlens Taskmaster lens system is a new prescription alternative to varifocals, occupational eyewear or wearing multiple pairs.

www.adlens.com

The Maeving

A British electric motorcycle with a removable battery that you can charge from any plug socket. It’s light, clean and affordable says its makers. Designed and manufactured in Coventry. It has no gears, no petrol, no smell, no noise and it’s easy to ride.

www.maeving.com

Y.O.U Underwear

Made from organic Fairtrade cotton and PETA-approved vegan material, Y.O.U underwear is as good for the world as it is for our wardrobes. It also has a buy-one-give-two promise, meaning it donates two pairs for every pair purchased.

www.youunderwear.com

London Electric Vehicle Company

Once a traditional vehicle manufacturer, the London Electric Vehicle Company now manufactures its electric taxis at Ansty, near Coventry.

www.levc.com

Easy Assist

An estimated 46 per cent of gas customers don’t know how to turn their gas off, and many millions wouldn’t physically be able to, even if they knew how. This product solves that problem.

Designed to enable vulnerable customers to turn off their gas easily in an emergency – and turn off automatically if it detects fire.

www.easyassist.uk