Reflecting on my Knowledge Transfer Partnership
In 2022 Will Dauncey embarked on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership at V-Trak, an innovative wheelchair and seating company based in Bridgend. The company’s mission is to add comfort and independence to the life of wheelchair users from childhood through to adulthood. Will’s project started at the end of 2022 with the aim to create bespoke user-centred design strategies and enhance design and manufacturing methods for V-Trak’s products. Now with his KTP drawing to a close, we asked Will some questions to reflect on his progress over the past two years.
What are your general thoughts and reflections upon reaching the end of your KTP?
Looking back, the KTP has been an incredible journey not only for me to learn and grow my skillset, but to be able to apply it in real world applications. We've been able to dive into innovative design, especially with our new 3D printed backrest design - AU, which I believe could really make a difference in people’s daily lives. It's rewarding to see how our ideas moved from sketches to solutions that improve people’s comfort, support and independence throughout their everyday life.
What were your biggest achievements during the KTP?
The highlight for me has been working with some industry leading companies in the additive manufacturing industry on our new backrest design, AU. Since first learning what 3D printing was, these products ignited my passion for the technology and are the inspiration behind the project, so seeing my work become a reality with these companies has honestly been more than I could have asked for. From this we have submitted the design for an iF award too – so our fingers are crossed for next year!
How do you reflect on splitting your time between V-Trak and PDR?
Working between V-Trak and PDR was important to keep things fresh and grounded on the project. PDR brought in the experimental side, while V-Trak kept us focused on R&D, real-world applications and end-user needs. It was a great balance—having this mix kept us motivated and aligned with practical goals without losing sight of the big picture. Working with Dom Eggbeer has been a real aid to this project - from researching the latest in additive manufacturing during our trip to RAPID in the states, to connecting us with key NHS services in Morriston hospital and aiding in with our 16840-3 test rig project, he has been key to the project's success.
Any unexpected experiences from the KTP?
One of the biggest surprises was receiving extra funding to attend the Rapid + TCT conference in LA. Getting the chance to connect with so many 3D printing experts and see the latest advancements first hand really opened our eyes to what’s possible in this field. It was inspiring to see the cutting-edge work happening worldwide and to realise that our own project fits into such a big, fast-evolving industry. This experience added a whole new layer to what we’ve been doing.
What’s next for you?
Moving forward, I’m excited to keep refining the design of AU using our clients feedback. We’re focused on integrating real-world feedback into our design to keep enhancing usability and improving the design for our users. The foundation laid by this KTP has been invaluable, and I’m excited to see where these innovations will take us in the future. We also have many new ideas on how to use this technology, so there is still lots to do!"
Could your organisation benefit from a Knowledge Transfer Partnership? Are you a designer looking for practical experience and expert guidance. Find out about our KTP offering here.
