Fellows Portal 2026

Early investigations into form, proportion, and intent. Fellows are expected to explore multiple directions before committing to one.

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All deliverables are mandatory. Incomplete submissions or lack of development will directly impact evaluation.

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Evaluation: End of Phase I, Saturday, 18 April 2026

Week 1

You will begin by developing multiple design directions. These should represent different ways of thinking, not variations of one idea.

You are expected to:

1. develop at least three distinct directions, using sketches and/or digital models
   → each direction should reflect a different approach to function, user interaction, or form

2. begin testing proportion and volume
   → through quick models (digital or physical), enough to understand scale relationships

3. build research boards that go beyond aesthetics
   → include references to typologies, materials, and construction approaches
   → identify what you are learning from each reference

4. define:
   -    a target user
   -    a use scenario (where and how the piece exists)​

5. conduct a basic market scan
   → identify at least 5 comparable products
   → note price range, materials, and positioning

6. develop a short design intent (150–200 words)
   → what you are trying to explore, and why it is relevant

Week 2

You will begin evaluating your directions and making more deliberate decisions.

You are expected to:

1. refine your work into two directions, based on feedback and your own assessment

2. develop each direction further:
   -    refined sketches or digital models with clearer proportions
   -    at least one scale-validated model (digital or physical)

3. begin testing ergonomics and usability
   → even at a basic level

4. define the functional logic of each concept
   → what the object does, and how it behaves

5. articulate a value proposition for each direction
   → what makes it relevant within its context

Week 3 

1. make a clear and justified decision on your final concept
   → based on usability, feasibility, and positioning

2. communicate your design through:
   -    scaled drawings (plan, elevation, section)
   or
   -    a well-structured digital model with equivalent clarity

3. develop structural understanding through diagrammatic thinking, including at least two of:
   -    component breakdown
   -    joinery logic sketches
   -    stability diagram​

4. → these are tools to test whether your design can realistically stand, hold weight, and be assembled

5. define an initial material strategy
   → considering availability, workability, and cost

6. develop a concept justification (approx. 300 words)
   → explaining how your proposal responds to user, context, market, and feasibility
    

Week 4

You will present the concept developed in Week 3 for review.​​

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You will also begin translating your concept into an initial material breakdown → this develops into BOM V1.1 (initial for partial prototype) due on Saturday, 25 April 2026​