Who's involved
Version 22
Simon Lyons
When he graduated in 2013 – with a First Class degree in Product Design Engineering – Simon Lyons decided to concentrate on Version 22 – the design company he launched in 2012.
Fellow members of the Studio have worked with me - without everyone's help along the way I could have lost focus and shelved the project when I graduated. As it is, I'm now ready to launch my project.
Joining the Studio has given him the chance to develop Geco Hub – a wall-mounted grab-and-go storage unit – and Nimble – an easy packaging opener.
Geco Hub is the ideal home for important things – like keys, wallets and phones – that are easily mislaid. The unique matrix of flexible components can be quickly customised to suit the user’s changing needs – without the use of tools.
The design has won several awards including success in the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Innovation Hothouse Competition and the University’s Think BIG! Business Plan Competition – twice. In 2011, Simon also secured a James Dyson Foundation Bursary to support Geco Hub’s early development.
Nimble, another Version 22 product, is specifically designed for people with arthritis or similar conditions to help them access awkward packages and cartons – safely and independently. A UK patent was filed for Nimble in July 2103, and the design was a 2013 Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award Winner.
Since then Simon has launched Nimble at Naidex, a national disability tradeshow, where it generated a lot of interest. Nimble has also gone on to win the national Irwin Mitchell Design for Life Award and progress to the final stage of the Nesta Inclusive Technology Prize.
