Brighton graduate designs low-cost prosthetic that could transform care for growing children

The project emerged during Will’s final year at Brighton when he found that for children who often require a new prosthesis every three months, the difference could be life changing. Rather than spending weeks coping with pain, bruising, reduced mobility and the risk of injury caused by ill-fitting prosthetics, his product could make it possible to place the prostheses quickly enough to keep pace with their growth.

Will who graduates on Tuesday, July 28, said: “Most people think prosthetics must be accessible, but it's actually very far from that. A child may need a new prosthetic every three months, but it can take up to six weeks just to receive one after assessment. That means they could be spending more time in the wrong size than the right one.

“I created Foot Print to provide growing children with correctly sized prostheses, on time. Ultimately, it allows children with lower limb amputations to be more comfortable in their prosthesis and removes many of the barriers associated with living with one.”

The innovation also has the potential to reshape prosthetic provision beyond the UK. As well as reducing manufacturing costs and waiting times, Foot Print was designed to fit easily into existing clinical practice.

The prosthesis can be scaled from a small number of measurements, making it straightforward for clinicians to prescribe and fit.

"The NHS is understandably very set in its ways," said Will. "I needed to make it as accessible as possible for the clinicians, not just for the child wearing it."

Will applied to study at Brighton through Clearing and is part of some 3,751 students from more than 100 countries, aged 19 to 73 years who are crossing the stage to receive their degrees at the Univeristy’s summer graduation ceremonies this week. during the four-day celebration, reflecting the university's commitment to opportunity, inclusivity and lifelong learning.

Taking place from Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 July 2026, the ceremonies are bringing together graduates and their friends and families, along with university staff and partners to celebrate academic achievement, personal success and the start of the next chapter for thousands of University of Brighton students.

Will says the University's hands-on approach to design gave him the confidence to turn his ideas into products capable of making a real-world impact.

“I chose Brighton because of the access to the studios and workshops across the University. I knew I was someone who likes to physically make products, so that was incredibly important to me. 

"The best part has been the community. Having a studio full of creatives to bounce ideas off, alongside lecturers who were always available to challenge and support me, made a huge difference.”

Course Leader for Product Design, at the University of Brighton, James Tooze, said: “Will’s project is an outstanding example of what design can achieve when it is focused on a genuine human need. 

"Foot Print combines technical innovation with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children with limb loss, creating a solution that has the potential to improve comfort, mobility and quality of life for young people while supporting clinicians with a practical and accessible product.”

The project has already attracted industry attention after being exhibited at New Designers in London, where it received runner-up recognition and introduced Foot Print to leading figures in the design sector.

Now, Will hopes his project will help bring greater attention to this specialist area of care for children.

Thinking about university this September? Whether you've changed your mind, are waiting for your results or are exploring your options, there's still time to join the University of Brighton through Clearing. Discover our courses, speak to our friendly Clearing team and find out more at brighton.ac.uk/clearing.

Staff related to this story

James Tooze

Principal Lecturer – School of Arch, Tech and Eng

Community21 – Social and Sustainable Design Research Excellence Group, Centre for Arts and Wellbeing, Experimental Design Practices Research Excellence Group, Radical Methodologies (RaM) Research Excellence Group