Pwllheli Student Wins Creativity Prize at WJEC Innovation Awards 2025
A Design and Technology student from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor has achieved national recognition after winning the Creativity Prize at the prestigious WJEC Innovation Awards 2025.
Mari Lois Williams was honoured for her exceptional Design and Technology project, which focused on designing and creating multi-purpose jewellery to support individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Her innovative work stood out for its thoughtful approach to accessibility, personal insight and real-world application.
The WJEC Innovation Awards celebrate the most innovative GCSE and GCE Design and Technology work from WJEC centres across Wales and beyond. The 2025 awards featured an exhibition of approximately 80 of the most imaginative projects created by students studying Design and Technology at GCSE and A level.
Projects are nominated for consideration by external moderators and teaching staff during the coursework standardisation process. This year, eight projects from the Pwllheli campus were nominated, with Mari’s project selected to be shortlisted for the national exhibition and competition.
Mari’s jewellery was designed to discreetly incorporate sensory aids, helping individuals with SPD to reduce stress caused by auditory triggers, while also being wearable as attractive, decorative pieces.
Speaking about her project, Mari said:
“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.”
Delyth Mai Williams, Design and Technology Lecturer at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, praised Mari’s achievement and the ethos behind her work, saying:
“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.
ENDS
