Design Carlow has a proud history of engaging in national and international competitions. The work emerging from the programmes is of an extremely high standard, and it is great to receive acknowledgement of that quality from external bodies. These are a selection of winners from over the years showcasing their individual talents and the quality of design education here in SETU Carlow.
UX Design Awards 2026
Carla Anne Lloren
The Good Neighbour is a nominated UX Design Awards Spring 2026 project by SETU MA Interaction Design graduate Carla Anne Lloren. The project explores a human-centred community platform that addresses loneliness among older people by creating flexible “pockets of purpose” for local contribution, connection and belonging.
SETU Designer Of The Year
Jacob Foszczej
2026 Winner Sponsored By CarveOn Leather
SETU Innovation & Enterprise Award
Conor Doyle
2026 Winner Sponsored By Enterprise Ireland
James Dyson Award 2024
Patrick Maloney
2024 Winner Rehabilitation Cast - Rehabilitation Cast is an award-winning medical product concept by Patrick Maloney, winner of the James Dyson Award Ireland 2004. The design explores an advanced orthopaedic support system with adjustable controls, feedback indicators and a refined wearable form.
IDI Graduate Design Award 2023
Lisa Moran
2023 Winner Universal Design - Artafact is an award-winning universal design concept by Lisa Moran, winner of the IDI Graduate Design Award 2023 in the Universal Design category. The project supports accessible creativity through tactile drawing tools, guided templates and inclusive design features.
Universal Design 2015
Jack Gregan
The Therapeutic Riding Saddle is an award-winning universal design concept by Jack Gregan, recognised in the 2015 Universal Design Grand Challenge. The project explores a supportive saddle system designed to improve rider stability, safety and accessibility during therapeutic horse-riding activities.
Unilever National Graphic Award 2006
Tara Fox
2006 Winner Vaseline Limp Balm - Vaseline Limp Balm is an award-winning graphic design concept by Tara Fox, developed for the Unilever National Graphic Award. The project reimagines Vaseline packaging with a playful, fashion-led visual identity, positioning the product as contemporary, desirable and youth-focused.
Smarter Travel Awards 2021
Wayne Keating & Lisa Moran
2021 Winners Engineering & Innovation Design - Travel Pal is a student travel app that supports safer, greener and more social commuting. It helps verified students plan shared journeys, connect with travel buddies, track sustainable travel habits and earn rewards for walking, cycling, public transport and carpooling.
Smarter Travel Awards 2019
Georgia Markem, Fredo Eyong & Evan Lowery
2019 Winners Engineering & Innovation Design - Travel Aid is a student mobility concept combining an app and campus touchscreens to support sustainable commuting. It helps students plan routes, access transport information, carpool, buy tickets and receive travel reminders, making walking, cycling and public transport easier and more accessible.