Design news

A landscape shot of Copenhagen with a line of green trees lining the road

More trees are needed to cool down European cities in heatwaves – but they must be planted nearer to homes

An opinion piece written by Dr Simon Hodder, from Loughborough University's School of Design and Creative Arts, and Dr Thami Croeser, RMIT University, for The Conversation platform.
The infographic outlines the researchers' recommended response to driver sleepiness in people with obstructive sleep apnoea. Download it here.

New advice for drivers with obstructive sleep apnoea on managing tiredness behind the wheel following caffeine nap study

Researchers have issued bespoke advice for drivers with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) after finding that common guidance for tackling tiredness behind the wheel may not be the most effective approach for people with the condition.
Seated images of Russell, Abigail and Thomas

New health tool could help prevent avoidable deaths in people with learning disabilities, researchers say

Researchers have developed a digital tool that can identify future health risks in people with learning disabilities, which they believe could help prevent avoidable deaths.
Someone is about to put on adidas’ CLIMACOOL SYSTEM overshoe. This is a pink textile boot with three black stripes on the side

adidas cooling overshoe worn by 2026 FIFA World Cup footballers tested at Loughborough University

Researchers at Loughborough University collaborated with adidas to define the benefits of a cooling overshoe worn by footballers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A man with his back to the camera looking at a display on a wall

Inside the Architecture Degree Show 2026

Students from across all year groups studying architecture at Loughborough University displayed their projects to audiences and visitors across campus.
football playing on tv

“World Cup late nights could lead to ‘dangerous’ sleepy driving,” sleep science expert warns

With England set to play their opening match of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, the tournament is already gripping fans across the UK, with many staying up late to watch both England fixtures and other key games.
Construction worker struggling in the heat with hard hat

Why there’s no legal “too hot to work” temperature in the UK

The UK is currently enjoying some long-awaited sunshine. But temperatures have risen at a time when the UK government has been advised to set maximum working temperature rules, so many are asking the same question: How hot is too hot to work?

A glowing transparent cube with a colourful network inside sits in the foreground, surrounded by many dark opaque cubes in the background.

End of ‘black box’ AI? Scientists develop blueprint for transparent system that reveals how it learns and makes decisions

Artificial intelligence that cannot explain how it makes decisions – often called “black box” AI – could soon be replaced by more transparent systems, research suggests.

The Duveen hall in Tate Britain with projected images on the brick walls. People networking and looking at the projections

Loughborough Students selected to present artwork at the Tate Britain

Fine Art students Emily McIntosh and Charlotte Taylor were selected to present still images at the Tate Britain in London as a part of its Tate Late series recognising the legacy of influential photographer Lee Miller.
Skyline in downtown Hong Kong

City skylines need an upgrade in the face of climate stress

An opinion piece authored by Dr Mohamed Shaheen, Lecturer in Structural Engineering, from the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, for The Conversation platform.
A large abstract metallic sculpture stands on a circular base inside an industrial workshop, lit by warm studio lights, while artist John Atkin sits on a chair to the right facing it, with photography equipment, windows, and workshop tools visible in the background.

In pictures: Making a four-metre-tall bronze sculpture that fuses British innovation and Chinese tradition

British sculptor John Atkin has unveiled his latest creation, Heirloom (The Water Sleeve Dancer) – a four-metre-tall bronze sculpture weighing more than two tonnes – alongside a series of behind-the-scenes images that reveal how the monumental work was brought to life.
R3V container concept (AI)

Scientists’ electrochemical process enables biodiesel producers to transform waste into planet-friendly profit

An electrochemical process developed by scientists at a Loughborough University spin-out company enables biodiesel producers to turn waste into profit – while slashing emissions and energy use.

A digital musical instrument with a screen showing four people playing music.

Graduate designs digital musical instrument to combat isolation and boost motor skills in older adults

Loughborough product design and technology graduate, Alex Gunning, has created ‘Sonare’ for his final-year project, a digital musical instrument designed to empower older adults through music.

Jess Beaton posing in front of her artwork at the Degree Show exhibition.

Fine art graduate transforms cancer imagery into abstract artwork

Jess Beaton, a fine art graduate from Loughborough University, has created sculptural paper paintings of abstracted micrographs using paper layering to explore the representation of clinical imagery.
Colourful textiles hanging at the 2025 Degree Show.

Behind the scenes: School of Design and Creative Arts students on their journey to the Degree Show

Every year the final-year students in the School of Design and Creative Arts (SDCA) put together a final collection to be shown in the Degree Show.
A colourful graphic artwork alongside the title 'School of Design and Creative Arts Degree Show 2025'.

Celebrate creativity at the Design and Creative Arts Degree Show

Students from the School of Design and Creative Arts (SDCA) will showcase their final projects in a physical exhibition on campus from 14-18 June.
A sketch of her Gargi's jewellery design and a photo of her wearing the jewellery.

Deaf Loughborough student wins international competition to design hearing technology jewellery

Gargi Agrawalla, a final-year Product Design and Technology student at Loughborough University, has won an international competition to design jewellery for use with cochlear implants and hearing aids and raise vital funds for a UK-based charity supporting deaf children.
Kitt Medical founders presenting on Dragons' Den

Design graduate secures Dragons’ investment in life-saving kit

Industrial Design and Technology graduate, Zak Marks, secured a £75,000 investment from Dragons’ Den entrepreneurs, for a stake in his emergency anaphylaxis kit business.

A white hospital bed with a stand with drips on a teal background

AI model predicts hospital stay lengths for people with learning disabilities

A new artificial intelligence (AI) model has been developed to predict how long a person with a learning disability is likely to stay in hospital, offering valuable insights that could improve care and resource planning.
The driving simulator at Loughborough University, which comprises a white KA car surrounded by screens. Pictured on the screens is a road setting. There is a man sat to the right of the simulator operating a computer.

Drivers with obstructive sleep apnoea needed for study exploring ‘caffeine-naps’

Loughborough University is seeking local people with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) for a new study to assess whether ‘caffeine-naps’ – a caffeinated drink followed by a 15-minute nap – can reduce driver fatigue.
A white HGV driving on the motorway, it has a blur effect on it, making it look like it is moving fast.

Amendment to HGV safety standard will improve safety for vulnerable road users

Pioneering research from Loughborough University and funding from The Road Safety Trust have strengthened the legislation around the minimum direct vision requirements for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
Ergonomics and Human Factors experts discussing different table tennis bats

Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious award inspires future generations to design inclusive products

Loughborough University has received a Royal Academy of Engineering award for an innovative outreach project to inspire the next generation of engineers to make products and systems that are effective, safe and enjoyable to use.

A man at an underground train platform with the Aerate product around his neck

Student designs wearable purifier to protect underground train users and improve air quality

Commuters on underground trains worldwide may soon breathe easier, thanks to an invention by a Loughborough University student.
Two big painted canvases on a wall and four sculptures on stands at the 2024 Degree Show exhibition.

Behind the scenes: School of Design and Creative Arts students on their journey to the Degree Show

Every year the final-year students in the School of Design and Creative Arts (SDCA) put together a final collection to be shown in the Degree Show.
The Think Human logo

Think Human exhibition invites broad audiences to discover a world designed for people

Loughborough University is launching an interactive exhibition that showcases the diverse ways that Ergonomics and Human Factors make our lives better, safer and more inclusive.