This term, our Year 12 A Level Product Design students took part in an exciting and highly educational hands-on activity using the Dyson Engineering Box – an initiative designed to inspire the next generation of designers and engineers through real-world product analysis.
The session focused on the disassembly and detailed analysis of a genuine Dyson vacuum cleaner. Students explored the internal components, materials, and mechanisms that make Dyson products both innovative and highly functional. From motor housings and filters to airflow systems and precision-moulded parts, students had the chance to investigate how advanced engineering and design principles are applied to everyday items.
This kind of hands-on experience is invaluable in helping students make the connection between theory and practice. By physically interacting with a product designed to the highest industry standards, students gained a deeper understanding of manufacturing techniques, user-centred design, and the importance of sustainability in modern product development.
Beyond the technical learning, the activity also highlighted the level of creativity and problem-solving required in engineering careers. Seeing the complexity behind a common household item helped students appreciate how high-end design is integrated into everyday life — and how their own design skills could be used to shape the future.
Experiences like the Dyson Engineering Box bring the subject to life, offering an inspiring and practical link between classroom learning and real-world innovation.