I worked as the Industrial Design Lead in Nokia Bell Labs, as part of the Hardware Innovation Team. As the research branch of Nokia, my role within the team was to work alongside Bell Labs researchers across multiple disciplines to design devices, products, installations, and experiences that utilised and clearly communicated the innovative technical research behind it.
I primarily worked on the development of “prototype products”, fully functional devices produced in small quantities. These devices were developed to be put into the hands of researchers to further their experiments, or to be showcased externally at high profile events to demonstrate and propose the future applications of such technologies.
As Industrial Design Lead, a large part of my role was working with Bell Labs' clients and partners on the development of bespoke hardware solutions. These projects would involve utilising existing Bell Labs technologies to enhance the performance of the partner, and in some instances the development of completely new technical solutions to best meet their needs.
My work not only required me to have the technical competency to work alongside Bell Labs researchers across multiple fields, but an expertise in user centred design to conceive and develop the technology solutions most appropriate to each unique use case.
Some of the varied partners I developed solutions for:
As part of the Hardware Incubator team, I delivered many individual centrepieces and complete stands for large scale exhibitions both locally and internationally. Technology demonstrations were designed, developed and delivered for multiple external global events such as Mobile World Congress, and internal demos for Leadership Teams and the Boards of Directors.
The Hardware Incubator team collaborated to engage in outreach programs towards increasing brand visibility both locally and globally, through events such as BT Young Scientist, Inspirefest and Other Voices music festival.
I was the Lead Designer of the interactive stall at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which was awarded the prestigious Universal Design Award by the Institute of Designers in Ireland in 2020.
I also had a key leadership role in Experiments in Art and Technology, a division of Bell Labs that pairs cutting-edge artists with engineers. Here I acted as the intermediary between both parties, and helped to design and build the final outcomes from these collaborations.
I was requested by the VP of Innovation and Creativity to lead key E.A.T. projects such as Ireland’s Edge 2016/17, Sonic Empathy at Inspirefest 2017, and to represent E.A.T. at the 2019 Re:Logia Arts Science and Technology conference through the delivery of a keynote speech.
My work as the Industrial Design Lead of the Nokia Bell Labs team, working to enhance the performance capabilities of the Alex Thomson Racing team.
Leading workshops/ Research/ 3D CAD / Hardware & Electronic Prototyping/ Testing
.jpg)
My design role required me to have the technical competency to work alongside scientific researchers across multiple disciplines, and the creative expertise to design and develop user-centered technology.
Research/ User Testing/ Hardware Prototyping
The design, build and curation of Nokia Bell Labs' stand at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. It went on to win the prestigious Universal Design Award for accessible design at the IDI 2020 Awards
3D CAD / Model Making/ Hardware & Electronic Prototyping/ Video
For the Nokia GLT event in Sunnyvale, California, the Hardware Innovation Team were tasked with designing a demo that showcased the F-Cell, a low power wire free small cell, that can be rapidly deployed to increase mobile coverage in an area.
Research/ User Testing/ Hardware Prototyping/ Video
b.jpg)
