PRESS RELEASE

V&A Schools team up with Seymourpowell

London, UK, 08 September 2010 leading global design and innovation company Seymourpowell is happy to announce a new partnership with the V&A Schools team, bringing their expertise and cutting-edge design knowledge to the 201011 academic programme. The collaboration between Seymourpowell and one of worlds greatest museum of art and design will give students and teachers access to a unique perspective on design through specially devised workshops and events, with the aim of inspiring a new generation of worldclass designers. The V&A Schools programme for Secondary Design & Technology students and teachers, DesignLab, provides inspirational and innovative learning through real-life insights into the creative industries. During 201011 this is being generously provided by Seymourpowell, who share the V&As desire to inspire and excite students and teachers of Design & Technology in fresh and unique ways. Seymourpowell have produced some of the milestone products of the last two decades and their extensive knowledge of the industry alongside their unique approach to design and innovation make them the ideal partner for the V&A Schools programme. David Fisher,
Design Director at Seymourpowell expresses his aspirations for the collaboration:

"My attitude to design through the work I do at Seymourpowell is to approach problems as broadly as possible (through research and testing ideas), then narrow down as quickly as possible (by prioritising the key issues) to find answers in the most objective way I can. Its a process, and one that I think we should share with young people who not only are considering a career in design, but also to show ways of solving problems for all aspects of business." A team of senior designers at Seymourpowell have worked with V&A museum educators to develop Design Pro, a workshop for Secondary students. The session challenges students to solve a design brief through methods used by the designers in their day-to-day practice. This includes techniques such as ethnographic studies, product analysis, trend-forecasting and 3-D prototyping. The workshop meets key D&T curriculum objectives whilst offering students a stimulating learning experience outside the classroom. This unique experience is supported by access to a wealth of iconic design objects held within the Museums collections.

Cara Williams, V&A Schools Manager commented, This exciting collaboration between Seymourpowell and the V&A Schools team is carrying on one of the founding principles of the V&A - to educate and inspire designers of the future. Through the enormous generosity of the Seymourpowell designers, students and teachers who participate in these special workshops and events at the V&A will gain unique access to the professional world of design today. The educational value of real life vocational experiences cannot be underestimated and the partnership aspires to produce exceptional learning opportunities for all involved.

***ENDS*** For further information: Tim Duncan PR Global, Seymourpowell Email: tim.duncan@seymourpowell.com Tel: +44 (0) 20 7386 2369

Seymourpowell W orkshops and Events at the V&A Design Pro W orkshop Available MondayFriday 2.5 hours, starting at 10.30 and 14.00 An exciting and exclusive opportunity for students to explore professional design processes and techniques. Investigate current design trends, methods and processes, undertake hands-on design challenges and gain an invaluable insight into the real-life world of product design. 60 per session, maximum 25 students Creative Quarter Friday 19 November 2010 This free event for 1319 year olds is a unique opportunity to meet professional artists, designers and scientists as well as undergraduate and postgraduate university students. There will be free drop-in activities, talks and demonstrations running throughout the day, including hands-on product design workshops and an industry insight talk by Seymourpowells Associate Director, Matt Tidnam. Free, places limited, booking essential D&T Teachers Symposium In collaboration with Seymourpowell and the Design & Technology Association (DATA) Monday 28 February 2011 Dont miss this fantastic opportunity to learn from internationally-renowned design and innovation company, Seymourpowell. Hear from industry experts and D&T specialists from DATA, take part in hands-on design activities and get practical ideas and inspiration to take back to the classroom. Free, places limited, booking essential For more information and www.vam.ac.uk/schools For further PRESS information please contact the V&A press office on 0207 942 2502/2500 or email press.office@vam.ac.uk

There is a selection of high-resolution press images available to download from http://pressimages.vam.ac.uk About Seymourpowell the shape of things to come Seymourpowell is one of the worlds leading design and innovation companies. Founded in 1984 by Richard Seymour and Dick Powell, the London-based group of award-winning designers has produced some of the milestone products of the last two decades. The company is now part of the Loewy Group. Seymourpowell is currently 80 people, combining a design studio, research centre, materials library and prototyping workshop. Seymourpowell has a unique holistic approach to design and innovation, which combines in depth experience and up to date intelligence about people, markets and businesses. The company has the ability to forecast and interpret the vital implications of behaviors and work out future scenarios to give its clients the confidence and reassurance they are making the right decision. Seymourpowell is skilled in exploiting ideas that create real value and always look to move clients forward creatively. Seymourpowell is not just a company of visionary thinkers, but future doers. Ultimately, Seymourpowell is about making things better: better for people, better for business and better for the world. Specialisms include design innovation, transportation design, ethnographic user research, strategy and new product development (NPD), trends and forecasting, product design and development, 3D structural design and 2D graphic design