Coulsdon College’s A Level Graphic Design students recently visited IKEA to see first hand how design works in a retail environment. The store in Purley Way, Croydon, which has a suprising amount of autonomy on how they present their products, employs a design team of graphic designers, visual merchandisers and interior designers.
Coulsdon students were given a guided tour of the store which included an explaination of the work involved in presenting products to the buying public, learning about different display techniques, researching customer profiles and how they inform the room sets.
Students were shown the design office where they presented their sketchbooks to the team for feedback. Visual Arts teacher, Helena Vaughan says, “Our students got really positive feedback and the team were impressed with the work produced, the range of designs and the overall quality. They now have two weeks to produce and present a product range of their own and have returned from the trip with real enthusiasm for this project.”
