‘A very high standard’ was how Stephan Sielaff, Head of Design in AUDI, Germany described research presentations from IT Sligo Design students. The Creative Design students recently returned from a trip to AUDI Germany, where they presented their research finding on personal mobility concepts. Commenting on the student presentations, a spokesperson for AUDI complimented them on their design process and interpretation of the brief. ‘In a very short lead time they had demonstrated a wide range of highly innovative new product concepts’ he stated.
The project was about researching the future of mobility. With many challenges facing the automotive industry including environmental issues, urban congestion and changing lifestyles, the Sligo students were briefed to look at the impact of these and issues related to the future of personal transportation. Three student teams each generated four concepts for presentation to AUDI. The students’ concepts were reviewed during the development by IT Sligo graduate, David Caffrey who visited the college four times during the period of the project.
A link with AUDI was established through IT Sligo Design graduate, David Caffrey who has been largely working with AUDI since his graduation in 1995. David has worked through the various levels in AUDI design to become one of their senior car designers. He was chief designer for the exterior design of the AUDI Q5.
The students used the study visit as an opportunity to witness firsthand the manufacture of AUDI cars from the raw sheet metal to where they put the petrol in the tank. An impressive assembly line combines the latest in robotic technology, an elaborate stock and parts discipline, ancillary systems and subassemblies all arriving on the line just in time. This was followed by a visit to the AUDI museum. ‘Quite a few of the Sligo group are “Racer Aficionados” and spent silent hours drooling over the inspirational older vehicles on display’ commented IT Sligo lecturer Dave Roberts.
The research programme with AUDI reflects the range of ongoing partnerships between IT Sligo and a host of businesses and organisations regionally, nationally and internationally.
Amanda Burns, Ballinlough Co.Roscommon, design student at IT Sligo presenting team research finding on personal mobility concepts in AUDI Germany.
Vincent Naughton, Strandhill Co Sligo, design student at IT Sligo presenting team research finding on personal mobility concepts in AUDI Germany.
Daniel Walsh, Strandhill, Co Sligo, design student at IT Sligo presenting team research finding on personal mobility concepts in AUDI Germany.
Mark Devanney, Sligo, design student at IT Sligo presenting team research finding on personal mobility concepts in AUDI Germany.
Conor Kehoe, Drumshambo, design student at IT Sligo presenting team research finding on personal mobility concepts in AUDI Germany.
Eve Hughes, Sligo , design student at IT Sligo presenting team research finding on personal mobility concepts in AUDI Germany.
Mark Quigley, Partry Co.Mayo design student at IT Sligo presenting team research finding on personal mobility concepts in AUDI Germany.
For further information contact:
Maeve McCormack
connect pr
85 Cloondara
Ballisodare
Co Sligo
Ireland
Ph: 00 353 (0)71 913 0484
Mob: 00 353 (0)86 317 2161
Email: connectpr@nulleircom.net