Design Innovation in Plastics winner

We’re excited to share the headline from this year’s Design Innovation in Plastics (DIP) competition—Europe’s longest-running undergraduate plastics design award. Congratulations to Harry Wragg, a third-year Product Design student at De Montfort University, whose simple, electronics-free device CPR+Aid took home the £1,000 top prize and a trophy for its potential to save lives.

A Game-Changer for First Responders

This year’s brief challenged entrants to create a health-and-wellbeing product that supports self-care. Harry’s CPR+Aid does exactly that:

• Instant audible feedback the moment pressure is applied

• Three colour-coded sizes—tailored to different users

• No electronics needed, for a low-cost, durable solution

“My research showed gaps in first-aid training and defibrillator access,” says Harry.
“CPR+Aid gives people the confidence to help save a life, and this competition has opened doors to public-sector design.”

Judges’ Praise

Richard Brown, Chair of Judges, highlighted CPR+Aid’s thought-through material selection and scalable manufacturing approach:

“It challenges the current CPR approach and could genuinely save lives. The standard across all entries was so high that several designs could be commercialised.”

Runners-Up & Highly Commended

• 2nd Place: Nibbliee by Krzysztof Boroniec (Technological University Dublin)—a chewing-exercise device that turns jaw movement into game input. (£750 prize)

• 3rd Place: FlexiKnee Pro by Abbie Williams (Nottingham Trent University)—a resistance-band knee brace for osteoarthritis relief. (£500 prize)

Highly Commended (£250 each):

• Serenity (Romaine Crawford, Loughborough University): aromatherapy & light-therapy support for mental wellbeing

• CrosStick (Henry Follett, Brunel University): a walking-stick that expands into a stable two-point stand

• UE:1 Seat (Michael MH Leung, Brunel University): an ergonomic rocking seat for back-pain rehabilitation

What’s Next for Harry?

Along with his cash prize, Harry earns:

• A placement with Innovate Design, where he will expand his knowledge on product development and prototyping.

• One year’s membership to IOM3

• An invitation to the Worshipful Company of Horners’ annual banquet

About Design Innovation in Plastics

Founded in 1985 and supported by The Worshipful Company of Horners, IOM3 and headline-sponsored by Covestro, DIP inspires the next generation of plastics designers. See more at designinnovationplastics.org.

Industry Sponsors:
Covestro, Brightworks, Innovate Product Design, PDD, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag

Media Partners:
British Plastics & Rubber, Materials World, Mould Technology