George Barrass

University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM Exhibitions > 2025 > BEng students > George Barrass

This is my "Adapt Stairlift," a set of modular enhancements designed to improve the functionality, safety, and user experience of existing stairlift designs.

From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by how things work—whether building contraptions from K’nex, assembling remote-control vehicles, or experimenting with stop-frame animation. A school trip to Herstmonceux Observatory first sparked my interest in design and technology, leading me to pursue Product Design and Manufacture (PDM) at university.

I was drawn to PDM for its balance of creative exploration and detailed technical thinking. I’m especially interested in CAD and 3D rendering, using tools like Fusion 360 and Blender to visualise and communicate complex ideas. I also enjoy hands-on prototyping, having built everything from a water barrel trolley using reused parts and materials to a functioning wind turbine for my A-level project.

A favourite project at university was my contemporary bird feeder, which challenged me to create an injection-mouldable product with a modern aesthetic. I designed a twisted square spiral form with integrated perches and a seed retainer insert. It involved careful consideration of materials, moulding constraints, and user experience—all of which pushed my design and manufacturing skills.

Since starting university, I’ve also developed a strong interest in remote control drones and planes, building my own 5-inch FPV drone (quadcopter) and flying a growing fleet. I continue to explore aerial tech alongside my other passion: photography and videography. I’ve long enjoyed visual storytelling and animation, which helps me bring design concepts to life in compelling ways.

Looking ahead, I’m keen to work in a role that combines physical prototyping, CAD, and creative communication. I'm equally open to careers in visual content creation or drone-related fields, where I can merge my technical and creative skills to deliver innovative, engaging solutions.

(Written with the help of ChatGPT)

George Barrass, BEng Product Design and Manufacture

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Adapt Stairlift

This is my "Adapt Stairlift," a set of modular enhancements designed to improve the functionality, safety, and user experience of existing stairlift designs. Rather than replace core components like the rail or carriage, these adaptations are intended for integration by stairlift manufacturers with minimal modification.

Through extensive user research, two recurring issues were identified: the unsafe transport of personal items during stairlift use, and user reluctance to adopt stairlifts due to perceived loss of independence.

To address the transport of personal items, the Adapt Stairlift introduces some secure luggage solutions — a removable basket under the seat and slide-out shelf — enabling users to carry personal items without compromising safety.

The most innovative feature is the integrated stair assist bar, which allows users with partial mobility to walk up and down stairs with support. This encourages physical activity and confidence during periods of improved mobility. It is especially beneficial for people with degenerative conditions, helping them avoid multiple disruptive installations as their needs change — and for shared spaces with users of varying abilities The bar includes intuitive movement controls and secure locking positions to ensure user safety. This is based on existing stair assist bar designs, but in this case, it is integrated into the stairlift for an all-in-one solution.

The design also features a robust safety sensor system designed to comply with BS EN 81-40 and custom seat and armrest hinges to work with the other modifications. All materials are chosen for both durability and aesthetic appeal, creating a design that blends seamlessly into home environments.

The Adapt Stairlift offers manufacturers a versatile product upgrade that supports a broader range of user needs, encourages earlier adoption, and directly addresses real-world problems with practical, safety-first solutions.