Year 13 engineering learners recently had the unique opportunity to refine their design skills under the guidance of Ben from Morrama, a London-based design and innovation consultancy. The masterclass was tailored to support Unit 9 - Mechanical Design on the Engineering curriculum, focusing on enhancing 2D and 3D sketches using rendering techniques. 
  
Founded in 2015, Morrama boasts an 11-person team skilled in strategy, research, design, and engineering. With a commitment to planet-conscious design, the consultancy has developed numerous sustainable products and services, aiding businesses in reducing their environmental footprint. 
  
During the masterclass, Ben referenced different products, such as the Apex bike, to demonstrate the journey from concept to mass production. He highlighted the integral role of sketching in this process, showcasing how initial ideas are transitioned and developed from sketches to Computer-Aided Design (CAD). 
  
A key exercise of the masterclass involved comparing two different sketches to understand the importance of detail in communicating ideas and managing time in the design process. This exercise illustrated how you must balance level of detail in a sketch and the time invested in order to work efficiently whilst communicating ideas effectively. 
  
For the focus of the session, learners engaged in hands-on sketching activities, focusing on various aspects such as perspective sketching, the use of ellipses, and line weight. These activities not only enhanced their practical skills but also provided a deeper understanding of the importance of sketching in the engineering design process. 
  
Ben's masterclass proved invaluable in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The learners emerged with a clearer understanding of how initial sketches evolve into final products, a crucial skill in the field of mechanical design.

Following this session, learners have been set a task to design a sustainable electric toothbrush. They will share there progress on Padlet and receive feedback from Ben.