Molly Nelson

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

laXpack is an innovative solution to beginner training in lacrosse.

I have always loved technical subjects such as maths and physics, but I also have always had a creative side to me, too, and I could never decide which I wanted to pursue. That is why PDM was a perfect course for me, as it combined the discipline of engineering with the creativity and freedom of design.

Being able to visualise the whole process, from ideation to a ready-for-manufacture product, is extremely satisfying. I love being able to see the way that my brain works, from sketching to CAD. This is one of my favourite things about doing a product design course, and I don’t believe any other degree allows you to have this experience.

My favourite part of any design process is the ideation phase, having the chance to see what weird and out-of-the-box ideas I can come up with is always really fun and creating as many possible solutions as I can, really allows me to push myself. Something I like to do during the initial stage is draw a random shape on the page, or get someone else to, and then try to turn that shape into a new idea, this is something I learned in my first year and is such a help when I feel as though I have exhausted my brain of potential solutions.

A career in product design is something I would love to do, because not only would it be cool to see things I have helped design in the world around me, but I genuinely enjoy it and do not wish to stop it now that I have my degree.

Molly Nelson, BEng Product Design and Manufacture

laXpack

laXpack is an innovative solution to beginner training in lacrosse.

Lacrosse is a growing sport in the UK, and many beginners struggle to practice outside of organised training sessions due to the lack of equipment in the market and the inability to practice alone. I aimed to find a solution to this problem that was affordable, sustainable, and simple, while also reflecting the strength of the sport and sleek aesthetics of its existing equipment.

The device is centred around creating a continuous ball return system, allowing individual users to practice essential skills such as throwing, catching, and shooting without the need for a partner. Its intuitive design features an innovative opening mechanism, enabling quick and easy setup by a single user, and the base of the machine incorporates a carefully designed basin and net that channel returned balls efficiently, and also prevent ball jams to maintain a consistent rhythm during practice.

At the heart of laXpack is a dynamic launching system, consisting of a motor, a crossed belt drive, and dual launching wheels that propel balls back toward the player. A Raspberry Pi and servo motor work in sync to control ball release, delivering them down the track at timed intervals that simulate real-game scenarios.

Through thoughtful engineering and user-focused design, laXpack offers a practical and effective training tool that allows beginner lacrosse players to develop their skills independently and successfully addresses the core issues identified in my initial research, by delivering a product that enhances accessibility, performance, and enjoyment of the sport.