Falmouth University is working with a leading producer of computer accessories to help develop sustainable packaging.

Staff, students and alumni are working with Logitech, which makes peripheral devices like keyboards and mice, to better understand the challenges associated with designing sustainable packaging for electronics.

Simon Andrews, course leader for BA Sustainable Product Design at the university, said: "“Logitech provided a project brief, to encourage students to develop sustainable and inclusive packaging for a Logitech mouse.

"With this brief, students have been introduced to the principles of inclusive design and Human Centred Design (HCD) strategies, prompting them to really think about the user and how they are affected by the design decisions they make.

"The importance of research ethics and professional integrity have also been explored. The team at Logitech are providing real-time feedback and industry perspectives on the designs our students are developing.

"Students are considering what is the ‘right thing to do’ for users and the environment, as well as the practical and economic constraints and opportunities they can create or unlock, with their designs.”

Four project teams, led by students Jack Coker, Aaron Martin, Lydia Folkes-Skinner and Razvan-Cristian Brandiburg, have been working with Caroline Kennedy and others from Logitech’s global sustainability team to explore concepts and ideas.

Lydia Folkes-Skinner said: “Having engagement with industry is important to experience design in the 'real world'. It makes us consider aspects of design that might not be considered initially. For myself, I feel a part of something bigger and have enjoyed the process.”

Caroline Kennedy from Logitech said, “It has been a pleasure to work with the students of Falmouth University on this explorative design project.

"It’s always exciting to engage and support the next generation of talented young designers, and the team here has enjoyed watching the students evolve their understanding of the consumer electronics sector, while iterating towards more inclusive and sustainable packaging designs.”