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Innov_ex Design Prize 2010Veronica Legg, Manchester Metropolitan University, 2010 winner, women’s climbing trousers. Now employed by Equip Technology and winner of The Textile Institute’s 2010Young Person’s Award tells of her experience since winning the Innov_ex Design Prize
The Innov_ex Design Prize has a growing reputation and this year there were 6 finalists and the standard of entry was high. The OIA, in sponsoring Innov_ex with its student prize, is genuinely investing in the future of the outdoor industry.
Pete Dollman 2009 innov_ex winner talks to Francis Fox
Francis Fox (see above talking to Pete Dollman) Hydro Tec Impact Cushioning System
Karthick Govarthanam : Slash and Abrasion Resistant Fabric for garment
Veronica Legg Womens’ Winter Climbing Trousers – Winner
Oliver Nissen Business Model combining technologies
Albi Schneider CU Belay Glasses – examined below by Graham Thompson and Mike Parsons
Ian Whitehead Rescue Aid
Judges for 2010
Mark Pedley, (Smartlife Technology),
Graham Thompson (TRAIL Gear Editor),
Chris Townsend (TGO, Gear Editor)
Peter Macfarlane (PTC)
2010 innov_ex finalists
Above the finalists talk to judge Mark Pedley.
The winning design came from climber, Veronica Legg, a student at Manchester Metropolitan University for her Winter Climbing Trousers.
The innovation is a pair of winter climbing trousers designed specifically for female mountaineers, with zoned insulation to provide warmth without the need for an additional underlayer, and a double end opening fly zip to facilitate toilet stops. The trousers aim to provide a single layer legwear solution for a wide range of winter conditions, which eliminates the need for other layers (underneath or over the top). Multiple layers create compatibility problems that prevent effective openings for toilet stops.
Judges reactions
Mark Pedley (Smartlife Technology)
The reason this won was that it combines other innovative technology (the Shewee) albeit we all felt the market is very limited. Innovation should not have to be thought about – it should be like a light bulb so that the reaction of customers is’ why didn’t we think of that?’ This is what happened in this instance. We felt there were a couple of design challenges but these would be addressed very easily.
Chris Townsend (TGO Gear Editor)
These trousers look functional but not that unlike other similar products. However the extended double-ended fly zip to allow use of a female urinating device is innovative and meets an obvious need. This zip makes the trousers stand out from other winter trousers for women. It’s simple, practical and has an obvious market.
Graham Thompson (TRAIL Technical Editor)
I liked this product for two reasons. Firstly it was a practical product that would easily transfer to the market place. Secondly the unique feature was the long fly-zip. This is a simple yet very effective idea that could improve the comfort of many female climbers.
Petesy Macfarlane PTC
The winning design of womens’ winter climbing trousers with a She-Wee compatible zip-fly was a worthy winner, Veronica Legg brought a problem and a solution together. When you see something and think “Why didn’t someone do that before?”, that’s innovation. It doesn’t have to be an abstract concept pulled out of the air.
Veronica Legg’s reaction to winning the 2010 Prize
“My inspiration for the winter climbing trouser with a Shewee compatible fly zip was born out of frustration from my personal experiences of incompatible clothing. I’d lost count of the number of times I’d cursed having long johns under my trousers, making using a Female Urinating Device impossible; or being tied into a belay and unable to remove my harness. I found myself limiting my fluid intake to avoid this issue, but was acutely aware of the impact dehydration has on physical performance and mental judgement: two of the most crucial elements of winter climbing. There had to be a solution; it came in the form of a double-ended zip.”
Winning the Innov_ex Prize is a dream come true – I still can’t quite believe it’s real! I have been following Innov_ex and the stories of previous winners for some years now, and finally being in a position to enter was a milestone in itself for me. I’m not a competitive person by nature: putting my work ‘out there’ for others to judge was a very daunting proposition. I’m glad I took that risk now, and I would encourage anyone else to do the same. You might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome, as I was!
Updates from past Innov_ex Design Prize winners
Pete Dollman : Figfour : Winning the prize gave me a renewed momentum and desire to push the project forward, and since then I’ve been working with innovative UK brand Alpkit to commercialise my concept and take it to market.Click here to find out more about Pete’s Experience since winning Innov_ex in 2009
Lisa Alberti used her prize to inspire 14-16 year old design pupils at Manchester Creative and Media Academy to Design for the outdoors, they are seen below at Innov_ex
Lisa Alberti’s school innovation project
Click here to view her presentation
Lisa has involved Julie Greengrass Head of Design at Sprayway in her project :