Bournemouth University student, Rosie Wise-Mellor has won the ‘Shape the Future’ award at this year’s New Designers event in London.
Rosie impressed the judges with her innovative project, ‘NEVI’, a handheld skin imaging device designed to aid in the early detection and monitoring of potential melanoma, a form of skin cancer. The device features a micro camera and integrated dermatoscope to capture high-resolution images of moles and skin lesions. It is supported by a smart companion app that allows users to track changes over time and receive guidance on when to seek medical advice.
New Designers is an annual London showcase of the UK’s most innovative designs from graduates across the country. The event takes place over two weeks with disciplines from fashion, textiles, product design and illustration featured from over 2,500 graduates.
The Seymourpowell 'Shape the Future' award recognises emerging design talent that demonstrates originality, insight, and the potential to make a difference. Rosie’s product was described by judges as “a meaningful product that solves a real human need.”
BA (Hons) Product Design student, Rosie who was interviewed about her project said:
What is your design philosophy?
"I believe great design solves real problems with empathy, purpose, and precision. For me, design isn't just about aesthetics, it's about creating intuitive solutions that make a genuine impact on people’s lives."
Can you explain, in simple wording, how your product works?
“Nevi is a handheld skin monitoring device that helps users track changes in their moles over time. It uses a built-in dermatoscope and camera to capture high-quality, magnified images of your skin. These images can then be reviewed and compared, helping users spot early signs of skin changes that may require medical attention.”
What inspired you to make this product?
“The idea came from hearing how many people delay checking their moles, often through lack of awareness or difficulty accessing regular dermatology appointments. I wanted to create something that could empower individuals (particularly women aged 35 and above) to take control of their skin health and make mole monitoring a normal part of their skincare routine. The potential to catch skin cancer early through regular tracking is what truly drove the project forward.”
How did it feel when you heard you had won the award?
“I was honestly shocked, but incredibly grateful. To be recognised among so many talented designers was a surreal moment. It felt like all the hours of research, development, and refining the final product had paid off. Winning the award gave me a real sense of validation and motivation to keep pushing the project further.”
Now you've finished your degree, are you planning to continue pursuing a career in design and engineering?
“Definitely. I’m incredibly passionate about design and I’m ready to throw myself into all aspects of it, whether that’s consumer products, lifestyle, or something entirely unexpected. I love the challenge of solving real-world problems through thoughtful, functional design, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing across different industries. My goal is to create work that’s not only innovative but genuinely useful, and I can’t wait to see where that takes me.”
Rosie was also one of hundreds of design and engineering students who exhibited their final year work at this year’s Festival of Design & Engineering exhibition on Talbot Campus at the end of June.
Read more about Rosie's achievement and the exhibition on the New Designers 2025 website.
