Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor Student Earns National Recognition for Innovative Sensory Jewellery
A talented Design and Technology student from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor has secured national acclaim by winning the prestigious Creativity Prize at the WJEC Innovation Awards 2025. Mari Lois Williams was honoured for her exceptional project, which focused on designing and creating multi-purpose jewellery to assist individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Her work was celebrated for its thoughtful approach to accessibility, personal insight, and practical real-world application.
Celebrating Innovation in Design and Technology
The WJEC Innovation Awards highlight the most innovative GCSE and GCE Design and Technology projects from WJEC centres across Wales and beyond. The 2025 ceremony took place at The Pierhead in Cardiff Bay, featuring an exhibition of approximately 80 of the most imaginative student creations from GCSE and A-Level studies. Projects are nominated by external moderators and teaching staff during the coursework standardisation process, ensuring a high standard of entries.
This year, eight projects from the Pwllheli campus were nominated, with Mari's project being shortlisted for the national exhibition and competition. Her jewellery was designed to discreetly incorporate sensory aids, helping individuals with SPD reduce stress caused by auditory triggers while remaining wearable as attractive, decorative pieces.
Student Inspiration and Impact
Speaking about her project, Mari explained: "The jewellery I created allowed me to transform sensory aids into something beautiful that can be worn without shame. It can be worn decoratively, but it can also help those with SPD to eliminate auditory triggers. My intention was to accommodate those with similar experiences as me."
Reflecting on her award, she added: "This award means a lot to me. I am very proud of the time I spent developing and creating this project, and I think it's a step closer to accommodating those with accessibility and sensory needs."
College Praise and Educational Ethos
Delyth Mai Williams, Design and Technology lecturer at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, praised Mari's achievement and the underlying ethos of her work. She stated: "Once again it is a privilege for the College that the hard work and ingenuity of the learners is recognised on a national stage in this way. At Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Design and Technology students are encouraged to design for a real market, solving problems facing individuals today. Mari was inspired to design versatile jewellery to enable SPD sufferers to reduce stress in noisy environments."
Since completing her studies at the college, Mari has progressed to Cardiff University, where she is currently studying Geography, continuing her academic journey following this significant national success. Her achievement underscores the importance of fostering creativity and practical problem-solving in education.
