Do you remember seeing these funny inventions from the nineties? I don’t think they ever caught on do you?

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Ugo Zagato was an Italian automobile designer, famous for his lightweight designs and implementing aircraft industry construction techniques within the car industry.  Zagato’s cars were advanced in design and became synonymous with light weight and excellent aerodynamics. Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia immediately realised the advantages of his rakish, streamlined designs. In recent times Zagato is a name synonymous with Aston Martin. Michael one of directors and fan of all things Lancia has recently completed his restoration project, a Lancia Fulvia Zagato. The Zagato boasts a complete aluminium body and some 1960’s styling features. Michael’s Zagato Series 2 has matching engine and chassis numbers which shows his attention to detail and will prove to be a hit within the ropes of classic car meets in the future.

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A book Olly found really useful whilst with us on his work experience was ‘Sketching’ by Koos Eissen & Roselien Steur. Sketching is a powerful tool for communicating to fellow designers, engineers and clients. We suggest any other budding students purchase a copy.

Eissen & Steur have also written a successor: both are available on Amazon: Purchase Here

‘Sketching the Basics starts with the white sheet of paper or the empty screen and explains the rudiments of learning to draw both clearly and comprehensively, using step by step illustrations, examples and strategies. The chapters in the book cover the most important decisions you’ll have to take as a sketcher and discuss the problems you will have as a starter. With clear exercises, examples and clear explanations. Sketching: The Basics is the long awaited successor to the international bestseller Sketching by Koos Eissen and Roselien Steur. This book explains the basic sketching techniques and decisions more in depth then the previous book and provides much more step-by-step example drawings, which makes it even more suitable for students and professionals who want to become better sketchers.

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Olly Wales has recently completed a week long work experience at 3di. Olly, an A-Level student from nearby Wellingborough School has an interest in product design and is looking to further his education at university to study industrial design. Whilst with us here at 3di, Olly experienced what its like to be part of a busy design studio as well as an insight into the skills he would need to develop at university. Although we had a busy week in the studio, we ensured Olly shadowed key members of the team, making sure he sampled every stage of the design process, from concept sketching, development CAD, prototyping and production CAD. Michael arranged a couple of visits to some of our suppliers including an injection moulder, vacuum former and an extruder. This gave Olly a valuable and balanced understanding on how products are made.  As well as the theory side Olly sat in on a couple of client meetings and had some valued input. He even help develop an excellent concept solution to one of our live projects.

All of the 3di team enjoyed Olly’s work experience week, not only because he added some youthful enthuasiam and fun to the mix, but he made a very good cup of tea! We wish Olly the best of luck at university and hope to hear from him in the future.

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Tony and his son James completed a 24 hour tennis marathon at the weekend in aid of fundraising for new facilites at their Duston club and 25% of the total amount raised would also go to support Diabetes UK. The players involved played tennis for 12 hours on court, in shifts within the 24 hour marathon.

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