EMILY DOUNG & RUTH TOMLINSON DESIGN CIRCULAR w/ NOT JUST A SHOP
DPS students design products through circular-systems thinking for UAL Not Just a Shop at High Holborn. Students prototype and test their ideas through designer-making in a Christmas Pop-up shop at LCC annually.
This year 20 DPS students collaborated to create a range of products from sketchbooks to mobiles, games and jewellery which all have one key aspect in common – they are all created from a non-virgin material, a substrate that has been upcycled and salvaged from other businesses and given new purpose.
not just a shop is an enterprise learning space, which mirrors the practices of retailers and galleries to provide students with a realistic commercial experience and these DPS students have their eyes set on experimenting with launching products which consider the environment as a key consideration – something vital to all global retail markets.
Managed by UAL’s team, not just a shop exists to support students who want to run their own product-based businesses by teaching them about working with retailers.
Not Just a Shop has been established at High Holborn, not far from the busy shopping area of Oxford Street as a very innovatIVE educational model for a decade. It now places great emphasis on the environment ensuring that the provenance of the materials is clearly explained in the product information.
NJAS operate a not-for-profit model, so all proceeds are reinvested into running the shop and supporting students and graduates from all UAL Colleges with their businesses. NJAS exclusively sell design products and artwork created by UAL students and graduates. Engaging with it can help students learn about all aspects of running a product-based business, including market readiness, pricing and branding.
If you are interested in selling your products or artwork in not just a shop, we strongly recommend you visit us first to see the space.