I am a design graduate with a BSc in Product Design and Technology at the University of Limerick, Ireland.
I am passionate about all things design and am enthusiastically searching for my next role to develop my career and learn as much as possible.
I have experience in manufacturing and proficiency in various design skills, such as prototyping and problem-solving. I have a successful history of producing manufacturing files for bespoke products and contributing to the development of novel systems and flagship products.
EXPERIENCE
Education
University of Limerick
BSc Product Design & Technology
2019-2023
WorkExperience
Facade Designer
Alucraft Ltd.
September 2024- Present
Product Designer
Unison Process Solutions
June 2024 - August 2024
January 2022 - August 2022
Barista Rift Coffee
November 2023 - March 2024
Barista
The Peligoni Club
May 2023 - August 2023
Design
Research
Sketching
Rendering
Prototyping
Model Making
Problem Solving
Project Management
Interpersonal
Creative
Strong
ESPER (FDP) GRADUATEPROJECT
The FDP (Final Design Project) is the final studio-based element of the course and gives the student the opportunity to select and develop a project which is appropriate to their personal sensibilities as a designer.
ESPER is a system targeting used coffee grounds as a waste product. It dries, mixes and presses the waste into a new form factor with a wide variety of uses, allow it to be sold on.
Snapshot of observations, problems and needs.
Some companies will stick to the cheaper option
Customers are unsure what to trust
Quick solutions to long term problems
Used 20kg of grounds a day
People regularly buying coffee would be more likely to do so sustainably
People interested in sustainability will go to a store focused in it
Company using waste product to create reusables
Customers want to make sustainable choices
Recycled items end up in the general waste
Compost isn't the end of the cycle
Customers are given solutions such as paper straws
Capsule pods are a big waste
Some products are greenwashed
Organic products are a big part of sustainability
People are unsure whether they can use their cups
People think that their cups are dirty
A small amount of people are using reusable cups
Being sustainable is costly
Supplier help to put back in what's taken out
People interested in sustainability will be more willing to spend
Sustainable options will be passed over for cheaper, less ecological solutions
A sustainable solution that won't compromise on cost
Customers cannot trust what they buy is sustainable A solution which allows customers to know what solutions to trust
Solutions don’t contain foresight on what their long term impact is A solution which takes into account its potential long term effects
A lot of coffee is only going towards being composted
A number of people tend to buy coffee spontaneously, stopping them from forming habits
People not necessarily interested may miss out on the wider availability of sustainable goods
The waste product may further feed into the waste cycle by creating more
A way to reuse spent coffee grounds that is novel, and sustainable
A way to encourage regular purchasing from the same location
Bring sustainable concepts to those not seeking it out
If products are created from wastes, they must not lead to more wasteful outputs
Customers may not always be able to make the suitable choice. Create pathways for more ease of use for in reaching sustainable choices
There isn't adequate systems for accurately recycling and composting in a high speed environment.
Putting the coffee grounds into the compost bin isn't the end of the cycle, but is the last part that majority of people interact with
Customers have been given solutions they have no say in may not be able to find solutions that would otherwise be more sustainable
Capsule pods not only generate spent coffee grounds, but also waste aluminum, which if not recycled properly all goes to waste
It is hard for consumers to identify which products are actually ecological
Customers may not be able to tell the product they are buying is organic
People are no longer bring reusable cups along with them for coffee, as they are unsure they can be used
People are afraid to bring their cups into cafés as they may not be taken for being dirty
People are forgoing reusable cups to instead use disposable paper based cups
Sustainable options tend to be more expensive on the customer end of things
A large amount of profits being generated in the industry are not reinvested into the areas that grow and cultivate coffee
If people aren’t interested in the sustainability of the industry, they will be less likely to spend in it
Ensuring that any solution presented doesn’t impede speed and efficiency, while still being unobtrusive
Need to develop a solution where the end of life of coffee grounds extends past the compost bin
The solution must not pigeon hole the customer into a single solution
The solution must not introduce more waste into the cycle
The given solution must be truly sustainable, not an image
The solution must help to easily identify origins
The solution must encourage customers to use reusable cups
The solution should make it easier for customers to bring their reusable cups into cafés
The solution must discourage the use of disposable cups
The solution must ensure that the major burden of costs isn't placed on the customer
The solution must make sure that some aspects of it give back to the community
The solution must appeal to those who may not be as willing to spend
*Idea that led to the final concept
Selection of Ideation sketches from the early stages of the project.
COFFEE BEING DRIED
TEMPERATURE REGULATED
COFFEE PORTIONED INTO CONTAINERS
RESULTS OF MOULD TEST
Different drying times & methods being tested to find the most effective, both in mould removal and energy use.
Selctions of functional & User testing.
PRESSED COFFEE BRIQUETTEMADE USING STARCH MIXTURE
PRESSED COFFEE BRIQUETTEMADE USING STARCH MIXTURE
TESTING PHYSICAL TOUCH-POINTS
USED GROUNDS PRESSED
BOROSILICATE GLASS BEAKER
STAINLESS STEEL BRIQUETTE MOULD
STAINLESS STEEL TOP PRESS LID
SLIM, MACHINED HANDLE
STAINLESS STEEL STABILISING STEM
Rendered components and touchpoints of the system.
Project visual communcication board. *Split in half for ease of showcasing.
Presentation of the final model, including both the main unit and briquettes with packaging.
SMART MICRODAIRY
INDUSTRYPROJECT
A project I was part of during my work placement at Unison Process Solutions. The Smart Microdairy is an all-inone system for processing, storing and selling fresh milk on-site.
I was tasked with altering CAD files for the Smart Microdairy’s updated design, brainstorming new layouts for the internal machinery, generating visuals for marketing and preparing drawing files for manufacturing.
Prepared graphics and renders of the SMD.
Graphics in use on Unison’s website. SMD display model in storage.
SMD on display at the Farm Business Innovation Show
COMPACT PASTEURISER
INDUSTRYPROJECT
A short overview of one of the projects I was part of during my time on work placement.
I helped to develop an updated stainless steel covering for Unison’s compact pasteuriser, incorporating altered hose and power channels, and adjusting the frame assembly to create a more sturdy lifting surface for forklifts.
Base Plate 1.0
The following pages show a collection of used manufacturing drawings of outer panels from the compact pasteuriser. The measurements have been concealed to protect proprietary designs.
Truesizeof window, normal to top half.
Base Plat Flat Pattern
The following pages show more manufacturing drawings of outer panels, but these are from the updated parts I designed.
Due to issues with the previous parts being saved as STLs before I joined the team, I was unable to create flattened cutting patterns. However, I fixed this issue by recreating the part library for most of the pasteurisers.
Support
Front Support, Back Support 3mm
This drawing shows cutting patterns for reinforcements that I helped to develop to fix quality issues.
These are attached to the bottom of the compact pasteuriser to prevent damage when a forklift moves them around.
Previous problem: inaccurate drawings lead to an increased production time as slots for tubing was having to be hand cut.
My version of the drawings fixed this problem and saved the manufacturing team up to an hour on every pasteuriser.
Display version of the compact, based on the above manufacturing drawings.
REAL WORLD STUDIO GRADUATEPROJECT
As part of a design team, we were asked to consider and tackle how a FMCG multinational brand gets single-use consumable goods to its customers.
We decided on focusing on the near future of OTC pharmaceutical goods packaging and delivery, coming up with a system comprising of 3 solutions to create a more environmentally conscious delivery system.
A collection of ideation sketches from different group sessions, the skethes on the right are what inspired on of the final designs.
Sketching, scale prototypes and renders for another part of the suggested system, a reusable pallet to avoid plastic waste.
Prototyping for one of the solutions, involving a reusable metal Dispenser and a paper-based cartridge system for cosmetic products.
Disk pushed up
Top pushed down
Sketching, scale prototypes and renders for another part of the system, a reusable pallet to avoid plastic waste.
FIXPERTS PROJECT GRADUATE
PROJECT
“Fixperts” was a project based around solving someones real world problem.
By pairing up with a “fix-partner”, we were asked to identify a fix opportunity, a problem we could solve for this person and use sketching, prototyping and testing to create a viable solution to their problem.
Wake up
Day Timeline
During our interview, Niamh took us through a timeline of the day, talking through any problmes she has from her arthitis.
For this she gave the context of the day being a “Flare-up”, how Niamh describes a particularly bad day from her arthitis.
Areas where Niamh feels pain frequently
Physio exercises or swim, driving by parent; in general movement/ working out to loosen everything Getting dressed
Getting out of bed
Showering with shampoo putting in hair
Initial research and discovery of fix partner’s problem; partner struggled to hold an electric kettle for prolonged periods due to strain on the wrist.
Driving to work, maybe stop for a while
Having lunch on her own
Working at the school no writing, no stairs
Driving home, maybe stop for a while
Finishing the day at school
Watch someting on netflix Going to sleep
Breakfest
Hip Wrists
Fingers
Knees
Ankles
Right Jaw
Testing & prototyping of chosen fix: An assistive platform to make pouring a kettle less straining on the wrist.
Final design, made from CNC and 3D printed parts for an easy to build and accesible build.
PRODUCT PRESENTATION GRADUATEPROJECT
This project was focused on exploring the presentation of a chosen product in different layouts. Using photography and digital editing, we were asked to showcase its form and aesthetics in an effective way.
Brand inspiration and RAW image exploration of chosen objects form in different poses.
Two of the final compositions, aiming to develop on some of the brand’s classic imagery.
APP REDESIGN GRADUATEPROJECT
The brief for this project was to collect two examples of user interfaces, one we considered a good example and another we considered bad.
The next step was to redesign the “bad” example based on what we learned from the other, applying best practices in user interface design.
Search option tucked away
Showcases products in consistent style
Products catered towards you on your home screen
Clear search feature Ads showcasing products stand out
No personalised products recommended
Clear access to communities/ products you have an interest in
Bold button allows clear access back to main site
Large number of options may be confusing
Adds extra step for information that could already have been presented
Clearly shows cart is empty Ads inside shopping cart
Good (left) and bad (right) examples on an app. Good example is an Drop, while the bad is Amazon. *Drop is a community based online marketplace
Profile option may be missed due to lack of emphasis
Easy access to profile
Clear route of purchase
Description of product isn’t in the way, but is still detailed
No easy access to settings
Similar to deals already showcased on home screen
Detailed info on price
Multiple options for purchase is confusing
Journey map, flow chart and wirecharts, all used in the development of the app redesign.
Final interface & branding redesign, with rendered interpertations of the app.
MISC. PROJECTS
GRADUATEPROJECTS
A short collection of miscellaneous projects from during my time completing my degree.
These are shown in less detail than the previous, but are included to show skills that may have been overlooked in previous projects.
PRODUCT RENDERING
Use sketching, photography and rendering to create a bluetooth speaker with a form and aesthetic that appeals to you.
Form exploration.
Capacitive controls demonstrated.
Final rendered form.
WAREHOUSE STAIRCASE
During warehouse renovations on my work placement, a staircase needed to be designed for a new office, adhering to governmental regulations.
Staircase half way constructed. Side view of finished staircase. Finished staircase, made from steel square tube and sheeting.
ADVANCE MODELLING OF FORM
Through sketching, modelling and detailing, create and iterate a helmet form.
Form exploration.
Form iterations.
Final rendered form.
DESIGN FOR CUT AND SEW
Adhering to cut and sew principles, create a system that can be used during physical activity, such as running or walking.
Current problem: Pockets are too small to comfortably carry everyday items.
Low fidelity modeling of ideated solution. Rendered image of final form.
