Compact Skateboard Design by Industrial Design Graduate David Powers
Compact skateboards, easy jar openers and modern coffee makers are just some of innovative products students at the University of Newcastle have come up with in recent years.
It's all in the name of creating exciting products to solve some pretty common problems.
Industrial Design graduate David Powers, for instance, knows how inconvenient the longer style of skateboard can be.
His son was even refused access to a bus because his board wouldn't fit in a backpack.
Given the increasing popularity of the street-savvy sport, David decided to create a long skateboard that folds in half - while still retaining the flexibility and feel of a normal board.
Fellow graduate Jonathan Fenwick also had convenience on his mind.
Jonathan observed that many people, particularly those with arthritis, just couldn't open stubborn jars.
To help make life that little bit easier, he designed a jar opener that can be used by just about anyone.
David and Jonathan are just some of the Bachelor of Industrial Design graduates who have showed their impressive creations in the NEWcastle Products Industrial Design Exhibition.
The annual student showcase is a great opportunity for prospective students and other community members to learn about the field of Industrial Design.
Industrial designers create "just about everything that isn't buildings", Jonathan said.
"But the degree is almost like a mystery, a lot of people don't know about it."
Industrial Design students attend TAFE for three years, after which they complete one year of university study to obtain a degree.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Industrial Design program.
