About

I am a Principal Industrial Designer at Design Futures, a multi-disciplinary design and development group based at the University that integrates creative and technical disciplines to produce highly innovative products that enable clients to exploit new and existing markets. I became a member of the Chartered Society of Designers in 2001, and I have worked across various sectors and disciplines for over 25 years, including industrial, consumer and medical, taking many products from concept design to production. My primary focus is on consultancy and knowledge exchange (KE), where I collaborate with both academic and industry partners to bridge the gap between theory and practical application. I have delivered numerous projects that foster innovation and deliver impactful designs, including ergonomic hand tools and power tools, sports and training equipment and medical and healthcare devices. This has led to intellectual property in various product types for different companies.

In addition, I help organisations to optimise their product development processes to respond to complex challenges. I was the academic supervisor on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), where I collaborated with industry partners to solve real-world problems and navigate complex legislation, leading to the development of a small horsebox with accommodation for North American markets. The programme, which was graded ‘Outstanding’ by Innovate UK, provided a New Product Design methodology by which new market compliant models could be quickly added to the company’s portfolio, and knowledge applied across their domestic and European range of horseboxes, horse trailers and motorhome vehicles.

I have been a Co-investigator on research projects in healthcare contexts that explore new design methodologies, user experiences, and emerging technologies to improve product acceptance of technological products, including a breathing monitor for children. I mentor students, sharing my industry knowledge to inspire the next generation of creative professionals. 

I have extensive experience in engineering machining and prototyping and have gained a wide knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes through industrial experience.

My diverse previous experiences have included boat building and maintenance, agricultural and construction industry work which bring insights to my design work. 

Hobbies include devising and making space saving rigs and equipment that I use in my workshop at home and designing and crafting leather goods. 

Overall, my approach to design is holistic, combining my diverse practical experience with design theory.

Specialist areas of interest: 

Design research
Ideation and design visioning
Concept design
Form design
Ergonomics
Product development
Prototype design and manufacture
Product and production rationalization
Industrial design
CAD – solid and surface modelling
Injection moulding design
Design for Manufacture
Design for Assembly

Teaching

College of Business, Technology and Engineering

Ongoing R&D consultancy for various clients. I am currently contributing engineering design, ergonomics and user interaction design, materials selection and prototype development to an NIHR i4i project.

Research

• Art and Design Research Centre
• Culture and Creativity Research Institute

https://www.shu.ac.uk/art-design-media-research-centre/knowledge-exchange/design-futures-product

Publications