SETU PDI | Applied Design

Successful Funding Applications

Closing the Loop: Establishing a Circular 3D Printing Material Recycling System in SETU Product Design

(SRG057- NF146-SATLE25)

Closing the Loop is a SATLE-supported teaching and learning initiative that establishes a circular 3D printing materials recycling system in SETU Carlow Product Design. By shredding and re-extruding PLA waste from prototypes, failed prints, and supports into reusable filament, the project embeds SDG 12 into studio practice. It reduces student material costs, strengthens sustainability literacy and systems thinking, and supports inclusive, UDL-aligned learning through hands-on, data-rich reflection and peer collaboration.

The Sustainable, Ethical & Inclusive Material Learning Toolkit

(SRG057- NF144-SATLE25)

The Sustainable, Ethical & Inclusive Material Learning Toolkit is a SATLE-supported studio resource for first-year Product Design at SETU Carlow. It combines professionally produced material flashcards, a curated physical sample library, student reasoning logbooks, and structured activity mats to build evidence-based material literacy. The toolkit embeds sustainability prompts (recyclability, repair, degradation), strengthens academic integrity through transparent documentation, and supports UDL via tactile, multimodal, accessible learning cues—creating a durable, reusable teaching asset for long-term use.

Enhancing Product Design Education through Eye-Tracking Technology

(SRG054- NF099-SATLE24)

This initiative embeds eye-tracking technology into SETU’s product design curriculum, allowing students to capture real-time user interaction data for deeper insights into usability, ergonomics, and human-centred research. Supporting digital transformation and interdisciplinary collaboration, it enhances experiential learning and research-led teaching. Students will apply data-driven methods in projects and workshops, gaining industry-relevant skills while contributing to SETU’s leadership in innovative design education.

Enhancing Material Analysis in Product Design Education through Plastic Scanning Technology

(SRG054- NF098-SATLE24)

This initiative integrates plastic scanning technology into SETU’s product design curriculum, enabling students to analyse material composition, recyclability, and sustainability through hands-on learning. Supporting digital transformation and circular design, it fosters data-driven material selection and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students apply scanner data in projects, reverse engineering, and lifecycle analysis, developing essential skills in sustainable product development, while reinforcing SETU’s leadership in eco-innovative education.

Expanding Digital Fabrication in Product Design Education through Student-Led 3D Printing Access

(SRG054- NF100-SATLE24)

This initiative expands SETU Carlow’s digital fabrication lab by adding Bambu Lab A1 3D printers, enabling greater student access to essential prototyping tools. It supports digital transformation through student-led training, independent learning, and peer mentoring. Integrated into key design modules, it improves iteration speed, enhances technical skills, and fosters scalable, cross-disciplinary collaboration—future-proofing SETU’s design education and reinforcing its leadership in digital manufacturing innovation.

Teaching and Learning Fellowship | Empowering Inclusive Design through Empathy Tools

(SRG054- NF098-SATLE23)

This initiative embeds empathy tools—such as vision impairment glasses, dexterity gloves, and age simulation suits—into SETU’s product design curriculum to foster inclusive, Universal Design thinking. Through experiential learning, competitions, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, students develop empathetic, real-world solutions for accessibility challenges. The project promotes sustainable curriculum integration, aligns with SDGs, and supports SETU’s leadership in inclusive, socially responsible design education.

Program Development Initiatives

Design Student Handbook
First Year Student Introduction Material