Each year, we honour graduating CSD CEP student designers worldwide through both in-person and online award ceremonies.

The CSD CEP Student Prize is awarded yearly to up to three design students from each CSD Accredited course, who have demonstrated great work throughout their course, recognising their talents and constant hard work.

As part of our celebrations, we are proud to feature Shanelle Dhadra Assoc.CSD, a talented recipient of a CSD CEP Student Prize from Nottingham Trent University. Join us in exploring her passion for problem-solving and discovering more about her innovative product, designed for the latent stage of labour.

Tell us a little about your work:

Assuage is a massage tool for pregnant individuals in labour. This product was inspired by my passion for childbirth. Although childbirth is the most practised medical process, there is a huge issue of women fearing childbirth worldwide. Unfortunately, the solution to this has been over-medicalisation which has seen elective C-sections preferred over vaginal births.

Tonnes of research has been conducted into how design can reduce this anxiety that women feel. As well as how we can empower women to take on their birth naturally. Encouraging practice, preparation and education evokes confidence for the labour. Hence why Assuage was created, this massage tool can be used before and during the latent phase of labour.

What inspired you to become a designer?

My parents inspired me to become a designer. My desire to care for others led to my passion for designing true to the user, the ideation process is always based on the user’s wants and experience. My creative skills and inclination to problem solve have developed from my parents’ acts of generosity in caring for me and others, from their display of art forms within our home and their ability to DIY. They are to be credited for all the work I produce.

What does being awarded the CEP Student Prize mean to you?

I am truly grateful to be awarded the CEP Student Prize, the shock was overwhelming. I felt so much gratitude to be selected from such a large group of talented students and the kind words that followed after from my tutor, Max Pownall, was much appreciated. I am deeply honoured to receive this award, this is a very special and emotional achievement in my life and so I thank the Chartered Society of Designers and Nottingham Trent University.

What’s next for you?

I’ve had many people around me ask what my plans are next to which I respond jokily “to take a nice holiday and rest!”. I am very excited for the future however I have no specific plans as of yet. My goal is to develop an inspiring, interesting career within design utilising all the skills I have learnt over the past four years within my university experience. My main aim is to ensure the work I do will be effective in making positive change, to help others through my designs and to raise awareness and solutions to the issues we face in society.

Where can we find you?

You can find me via the CSD Find-a-Designer here or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Are you a Product Design student?

Individuals who have recently graduated, are in the early phases of their Product Design career or have the required equivalent competencies can apply to join CSD as Associate members. Learn more about CSD Associate membership here.