Marion Gillet

Product development is about knowing how to take the steps and to anticipate the hurdles between an idea and the market. If you are a design graduate and want to develop a product, build a business or start your career as a product designer this course is for you. Marion will share her experience and facilitate collaborative work to get creativity and business working together. Expect a highly engaging course led by a dynamic tutor who has a lot of first-hand experience to share. The course will include the following modules: 'IP, ideas and money', 'designing a design brief', 'marketing product and services', 'the licensing game', 'feasibility and production capabilities', 'press and PR' and 'managing it all'. Most is delivered by action learning and as little chalk and talk as possible as Marion prefers case studies, guest speakers and whenever possible site visits. You'll also get individual advice to ensure you make most of the course. You are strongly advised to have a product prototype, sample or design portfolio to make most of the course. What students said: ""It really filled the black hole and the missing link.. and I feel more confident, and quite excited! I will make it happen!"" (Adam - summer school, 2008). ""The course has definitely given me the insight and confidence to give my product a go, so for that I am very thankful."" (Stuart - Spring 2008).

Marion Gillet is a design management consultant specialising in the development and commercialisation of designers products. She successfully negotiates contracts and manages projects between independent designers and international companies. Her clients include the Thomas Heatherwick Studio, Michael Anastassiades, Human Beans, Device Ltd, HiddenArt and Craft Central. Entrepreneurial and proactive, she is able to translate business concepts into a language that creative professionals can understand. She uses her design background to invent services that assist her clients' businesses to flourish. See www.mariongillet.com.