For seven weeks, young creators and designers turn their ideas into finished products in the Summer eXpression programme. We check in with participant Matilda Thorup, who is in the middle of her design process.

What made you apply for the programme and what are your expectations? 

I applied to Summer eXpression because I wanted to learn more about the design process, from sketch to reality. I hope that in the end I will produce a product I feel proud of. 

What can you tell us about your idea? 

I have tried to start from a problem or a solution that I think is missing on the market. Without saying too much, the product comes from my interest in growing and is intended to appeal mainly to people who like plants and growing, but who do not have access to a large garden. 

What is typical of your creative process? 

I usually try to come up with an idea first, then I look at form and function. The choice of materials probably determines a lot of the design I work towards in the end, at least when it comes to smaller objects like in this course. I try to take a lot of inspiration from nature but I also like minimalist design.  

You will work with a local manufacturer during the programme. What material and manufacturing have you considered and why? 

I will mainly work with ceramics. It's very much about function for my product, but it's a material that's close to my heart. My grandfather was a ceramicist all his working life and I have seen first hand the amazing potential of stoneware and clay. 

At the end of August we will see all the works from the programme. What do you find most exciting about the journey from idea to finished product? 

To see the first prototypes and test them out! It's both fun and a bit nerve-wracking, some things may not be feasible in production and then you have to change the design. But it's also the process that is so instructive. 

Of course you had some summer holidays too, what have you been up to?

My partner and I have hiked along the Kungsleden trail. It was a stretch that passed Sarek. A trip that took about seven days with a few detours.

Fact box: 

Name:Matilda Thorup 
Bor:Umeå 
Education:Architect 
Dream job:Architect 
Most looking forward to:Getting vaccinated 
Inspired by:Scandinavian design 
I want to tell you about:The Nature Map app! It has gathered all the information on everything from nature reserves to beaches for all of Sweden and is completely free.  

Photo: Bea Holmberg