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Nov 20, 20193 min read

One to watch: Jenna Bagnall


Jenna Bagnall uses colour in light as a tool for creating products that make the quality of life better. At New Designers Part 2 2019 the CIDA judges spotted her ‘I-Glo’ infant light which is a visual stimulant for new born babies. The product features five interchangeable illuminated coloured domes which adapt as a baby’s eyesight develops and aid with brain and visual development. The power of colour to create positive outcomes is at the heart of her design ethos so read on to find out more about Jenna and her work.

Where did you study and what was the course title?

I studied 3D Design at the University of Plymouth, specialising in Product Design.

Name of your lecturer – course tutor?

Mike Woods and Roy Tam.

Creative mission statement?

“To always design with purpose”.

How important is colour in your work and how do you choose and narrow down colours?

Colour is everything! Whatever medium form I use it in, colour is fundamental in every one of my projects. Colour can completely change a product and how someone views and creates an opinion on it; more importantly it can influence the type of feeling you want to provoke within the user. For example, for medical product projects I use shades of blue, because we associate blue with hygiene and cleanliness. For I- Glo, the colour was the most important aspect, therefore when it came to choosing the colours and shades I had to look closely at the research and studies I had found and decide accordingly.

Tell us about your creative process – where do you find inspiration?

Anything current that can be resolved through design or creating something completely new to help someone, I focus specifically on how products can better our lifestyles. Anything to do with people and their behaviour inspires me in product design.

What is the best bit of the creative process – journey or destination?

The Journey for sure, the destination is gratifying when you see the final outcome, however you wouldn’t achieve that feeling or result without the process, and often in most projects the ending never truly materialises in the way you expect it too- but that’s the most exciting part!

Creative high point?

I would have to say my final year- I realised the importance of experimenting within design, whether that would be through my use/combination of materials, the machinery and process I chose, the problems and concepts I decided to take on or experimenting though my use of colour. With I – Glo it was risk taking. I – Glo was my final major project in which we had 10 weeks to complete it, and I decided to change my entire idea over halfway through - even though it was a big risk to take, it payed off.

Creative low point?

Sometimes just generating the idea itself has been difficult and finding the right project for you, but you just have to find new ways to get inspired.

Where do you want to be in 3 years’ time?

I would love to see something I’ve deigned make a difference to someone.

Is there one person during your studies/life who has really made a difference to you? – Maybe in terms of encouraging you when you were at a low point, pushing you in different directions unlocking your potential etc.

I couldn’t single out one person but family, friends and lecturers as a collective have helped me to improve and have helped me to push my design work to a higher level.

What is your favourite colour?

Sky blue. Every single one of my projects I have to integrate an element of blue into. I also have to mention pumpkin orange because I think it’s a fun colour and I find it is the strongest in terms of pigmentation, whether I’m using ink, fabric, glass, acrylic, paint, orange for me always comes out the most pigmented and therefore stands out above the rest.

Contact details

Email: jen.bagnall.jb@gmail.com

Instagram: jenna_designn

Image credits: Jenna Bagnall

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