Student Lock

Project Brief

Students frequently move between living spaces, often sharing accommodation with unfamiliar housemates or hosting guests (sometimes strangers) for house parties. This communal lifestyle can leave personal belongings vulnerable where bedroom doors cannot be securely locked. Many landlords prohibit permanent modifications such as installing locks.

Design a detachable, non-damaging locking system that students can easily take with them when they move. The device must not cause any damage to doors or walls and should be simple to install and remove. For safety, the lock must also include an interior emergency release mechanism, ensuring no one can ever become trapped inside the room.

Project Outcome

This was a complex product to design, but a successful outcome was achieved through three folded and welded sheet metal parts, and an off the shelf padlock.

Promo Video

This video was made using Blender 3D.

Initial Prototypes

In order to ensure the product worked effectively and to keep starting costs low, multiple prototypes were made from card, wood, plastic, and steel.