Each year, we work with local universities to set a range of industry briefs that focus on real-world challenges. This year, we’re working with students from the University of Lancashire (UoL) and University Campus Oldham (UCO).
This year’s briefs
Wimbledon anniversary – Refresh 150 years of Wimbledon.
With Wimbledon celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2027, the brief challenges students to reimagine the legacy of one of the world’s most recognisable sporting events and connect it with a new generation.
Football referees – Inspire future football referees.
With referee numbers declining and many leaving the role due to abuse, the brief asks students to find a way to inspire more people to become referees and highlight the important role they play in the game.
Ultra-processed foods – Look beyond the “healthy” label.
With products increasingly marketed as ‘healthy’, ‘high protein’ and ‘low sugar’, the brief challenges students to look beyond the packaging and help consumers better understand what’s actually inside the food they buy.
The first round of crits begins in mid-October, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the students approach their chosen brief(s). These sessions provide an opportunity to offer our insights and constructive feedback to help push their ideas further.
Introducing the briefs
Our designers Simon Allen, Darcy Tromp and Karen Garbagnoli went into UoL and UCO to set the briefs to the students.
📸 Simon Allen and Darcy Tromp at UCO.
For us, this is one of the most rewarding parts of the year.
Building close relationships with local universities allows us to support aspiring designers as they prepare for their careers, while giving them valuable experience of responding to live-style briefs, presenting ideas and thinking strategically.
Our connection with the University of Lancashire runs particularly deep. Many of us at Forepoint studied there ourselves, so returning to share our knowledge, experience and time feels like a natural way to give something back. It’s a chance to support the next generation of creative talent as they build the confidence, skills and experience needed to succeed in the industry.