Currently studying Masters in Advanced Product Design · Umeå Institute of Design · Umeå, Sweden

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Autumn Portfolio + Seeking 2012 Internships

I'm currently on internship for my MA in Advanced Product Design at Umeå Institute of Design. I'm at Bosch in Munich until February 2012, and seeking an internship from March—August 2012. Any interest or suggestions are very welcome!

My updated portfolio with my MA work is available from the PDF button on the left. I hope you enjoy it!

Asthma Control · “Replacing Anxiety with Confidence” · Product, App, and Service

Coming soon!

2011, Strategic Project at Umeå Institute of Design
Description

12 Hours Design · Alignment Slider · Debri Catcher · Defused Lighting · Snap Construction

This project focused on brand and styling. We picked a brand that did not make electric screwdrivers, and analysed the brand aesthetic and functionality to develop a screwdriver to fit into the existing product range.

Kärcher has recently launched an easy-to-use domestic cleaning product range, which I chose to design for. The screwdriver is designed to be a handy item kept in the kitchen, for people unfamiliar with power tools.

A sliding alignment tool and screw/unscrew toggle make operation simple, whilst the self-standing design, lighting, and depth markers are handy features. A dust-catcher fits the brand identity and the screwless construction fits Kärcher’s environmental ambitions.

2011, Parametric Modelling Project at Umeå Institute of Design
Description

Four Axis of Flexibility · More Comfortable Stroke · Flexible Nozzle

This project focused on ergonomics-led development, particularly looking at comfort and emotive response. I chose to develop a portable bike pump for New Zealand mountain bikers.

My research concluded existing pump mechanisms provide a poor user experience and a radically new approach was needed. Development led to a continuous, circular pumping motion.

A working prototype indicated a much improved user experience which was further enhanced by a flexible nozzle, reversed lever-motion, and subtle visual cues for usage.

2008, Ergonomics Project at Massey University
VisitDescription

Website · Content Management System · Product Order Form

The rare and interesting nature of PMB’s products are reinforced with a striking exotic-feeling design. This appeals to the desire for unusual products with a greater chance of groundbreaking research outcomes.

The easy-to-digest, intuitive layout makes it easy for researchers to find out more, encouraging them discover the potential of the products.

The prominent buttons throughout the site feature calls to action intended simply to get researchers to find interesting products, and then order them.

2010, Design Initiative
Description

Collaboration with MA Interaction Programme · Sound Design · Light Design · Arduino, AfterEffects, Premiere

Coming soon!)

2011, Industrial Sound Design Project at Umeå Institute of Design
Description

Collaboration with Posten Sweden · Comprehensive User Testing · Flexible Use

This project aimed to improve the working conditions for mailmen of Posten (Swedish Post). Following extensive user research one problem was chosen for solving through user centred design.

I addressed urban mail delivery by small vehicle, with a focus on reducing physical stress, speeding up delivery, and improving weather protection.

A small vehicle was developed, featuring an adjustable asymmetrical seat and a raising automated dashboard to feed the mail efficiently.

2010, User Experience Project at Umeå Institute of Design
Description

Adobe Flash Interactive Infographic · Step by Step Explanation

The aim was to simply communicate proposed changes to the road layout, to allow discussion and submissions on the changes. This busy motorway in Wellington, New Zealand was being modified to improve conditions for cyclists.

Flash was used to present thefive areas of change along the existing motorway. Animated cars and bicycles add context to the diagrams and help to demonstrate how the new road layout will operate.

The step by step explanation breaks down the changes into easily understood segments and allows each change to be isolated and critiqued independently.

2008, Digital Media Project at Massey University
VisitDescription

Website · Online Availability Checking & Reservation · Credit Card Submission

Converted bookings are the end goal, so everything is designed to aid this. Prominent quality marks, testimonials, contact details and photos of the host all build trust and percieved “friendship”, encouraging booking.

Jefferswood exists in an extremely competitive segment, but with careful, precise construction the website has achieved a consistent #1 in Google for the main target terms.

A story of comfort, quality, experiences, and sustainability has been imbued throughout the website, to tell the story people visit New Zealand to experience.

2009, Freelance Project

Flick me an email or give me a call, I'm always keen for a chat:

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I've now completed one year of my Masters in Advanced Product Design at Umeå Institute of Design in Sweden. I’m currently taking a year off for work experience, and returning in August 2012 to complete my second year.

Previously I worked at Design Initiative, a consultancy in Wellington, New Zealand, where I was hired from my Bachelors programme. I've also undertaken various freelance projects over the years, from which I've gained a bunch of different perspectives on design in the real world.

Outside of design I'm happiest mountain biking, chasing the snow, and just being out and about. Other good times are road trips, barbeques and backyard cricket, and badly attempting to speak in other languages.

I was bitten early by the travel bug, and have had a blast with a couple of trips in Southeast Asia, studying in California, and working holidays in the UK and Australia. Right now I live in Munich while interning with Bosch.

There's nothing like a good winter surf mission back home in NZExploring Angkor Wat and the surrounding ruins in Cambodia, June 2010Taking a break for some casual footy at the Umeå Institute of Design (the benefits of the Umeå midnight sun!)
 

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