Edinburgh Napier University

A desire to help people like her young cousin has motivated an Edinburgh Napier University student’s final year project – based on a support centre for children who rely on sign language.

Tiegan Anderson’s final concept, The Signing Spot, is among the displays showcased at the 2025 Degree Show, which is being held at the University’s Merchiston campus until Friday 6 June.

The BDes Interior & Spatial Design student’s concept, which is based on a transformation of the South Rotunda on the banks of the Clyde in Glasgow, is a place for families that use Makaton.

A unique combination of symbols, gestures and speech, Makaton was initially developed as a way of teaching language for people with learning or communication difficulties. It is now used by tens of thousands of children and adults.

Tiegan, who is 21 years old and from Kilsyth, was inspired by her cousin, Max, to create the project.

She said: “Max faced challenges with his speech growing up because of his autism, so I thought I could make something which could help people like him.

“It could be heartbreaking watching him at soft play unable to communicate with other kids. It is so hard when others don’t know how to connect with him either.

“That really stayed with me and inspired me to design spaces that change that, because I’d hate for any child to feel that kind of way.

“Since looking into it a bit more, I’ve been surprised by how many families use Makaton to help children communicate. It’s amazing to see how it works.”

With The Signing Spot, Tiegan has designed the concept of an inclusive space for individuals and families who use Makaton as their main form of communication.

It features playful learning zones and interactive classrooms, offering a non-stimulating environment and a place for families to feel valued and welcomed.

“I wanted children who use Makaton to be the focus,” Tiegan added.

“For me it’s about making them visible, so that inspired me to use an iridescent coating for the cladding.

“Knowing that it’s based on my family makes me proud. It’s nerve-racking to put your work on display, but they have been really supportive.

“Whatever I go on to do next, I just want to use what I’ve learned from the course to help people.”

The 2025 Degree Show is being held at Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus until 6 June. The week-long celebration of undergraduate and postgraduate work from the School of Arts & Creative Industries is free to attend and open to all – find out more about it here.