Student story: Designing with purpose and passion

Meet Melih – a hands-on maker, who’s always been curious about how things work. From building Lego sets as a kid to developing smart transport prototypes at TEDI-London, his journey is about creating practical solutions through creativity and innovation. 

What did you study before joining TEDI-London? 

At A-Level, I chose Computer Science, Physics and Product Design – a mix that really captured my interest in STEM. Each subject brought something different: Physics helped me understand the world analytically, Computer Science allowed me to explore technology in depth and Product Design let me channel my creativity into practical solutions. I loved how Product Design brought it all together – innovation, creativity and problem-solving, which directly influenced my choice to pursue design engineering. 

What drew you to engineering? 

I’ve always been curious about how things work. Whether it was Lego, coding projects, drawing, or building models, I spent a lot of time making and tinkering. A big turning point was the Shell Bright Ideas Challenge in secondary school – my eco-park design was chosen as one of the top five entries nationwide. We got to collaborate with Shell and Imperial College London, and I even featured in national media! That whole experience gave me a massive confidence boost and really confirmed that engineering was the path for me. 

Why did you choose TEDI-London? 

It was the project-based learning that really caught my attention. TEDI-London offered something different – not just lectures and theory, but hands-on, industry-led projects. I had offers from other universities, but TEDI felt like a place where I could do things, not just learn about them. The accessibility of academics for one-on-one sessions and the exceptional student support services created a welcoming environment that made choosing TEDI an easy decision. 

What’s your take on project-based learning? 

Honestly, it’s brilliant. It puts theory into action. Through projects, I’ve learned not just technical skills but also essential professional skills such as effective communication, time management and adaptability. The hands-on nature of project-based learning helps consolidate theoretical knowledge in a tangible way, making learning exciting. 

What’s the TEDI-London community like? 

It genuinely feels like one big family. Everyone knows each other, and there’s always someone around to help out – whether it’s fellow students or academic staff. That openness makes collaborating super easy. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to grow and you’re never afraid to ask questions or share ideas. 

With my background and what I’ve learned at TEDI-London, I feel ready to take on big, meaningful challenges and build innovative solutions that make a difference.

Are you part of any student groups outside of TEDI?   

Yes, I’ve been involved with the KCL Turkish Society. I’ve loved joining their events – from dinners to networking sessions – and it’s helped me make some great friends and connections in the industry. I’ve also taken part in cross-university events at UCL and Imperial, which has really expanded both my social and professional circles. Plus, I’ve greatly benefited from of the KCL libraries and study spaces! 

Tell us about a memorable project you’ve worked on 

During my first year, I worked on a project called ‘Smart Cities 1’. My team designed a prototype tube platform system that used facial recognition and smart tech to distribute passengers more evenly across train carriages. We got mentorship from Rikesh Shah, the former Head of Open Innovation at TfL – his insights were a game-changer for our work. Seeing our prototype come together and actually work was incredibly rewarding. 

Which area of engineering excites you the most? 

Right now, I’m especially interested in product design engineering. It’s the perfect mix of creativity, technical know-how, and hands-on making. What I love most is seeing an idea go from sketch to solution – something real that improves people’s lives. It’s challenging in all the right ways and always pushes me to think outside the box. 

How do you balance schoolwork with exploring London? 

TEDI’s location makes it easy! With classes wrapping up by early afternoon, there’s plenty of time to explore. I love grabbing lunch with friends, checking out new cafés or hanging out around Covent Garden or Knightsbridge. Also, using facilities provided by institutions like IET and IMECHE allows me to visit popular areas frequently. 

What’s next for you? 

After graduation, I’d love to work in the tech industry, ideally in a role that combines engineering and product design. I’m also open to project management – I enjoy bringing people together and seeing a project through from start to finish. Companies like Apple, Meta, Google, and Microsoft really inspire me. With my background and what I’ve learned at TEDI-London, I feel ready to take on big, meaningful challenges and build innovative solutions that make a difference. 

Learn more about studying  Global Design Engineering at TEDI-London.