Nat Arnold
User Centred Design
Final year project
Addressing the Digital Divide for Older Generations through an Inclusive Communication… [Read more]
InTouch - Providing an inclusive and modern method of communicating for the elderly generation.
The barriers to modern technology for elderly users can leave them feeling isolated from the 'connected society' that we live in. Social isolation and loneliness have become something of a norm for many of us over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, although for those fortunate enough to be able to use remote communication methods, this effect has been ameliorated. The concept 'InTouch' aims to provide a user-friendly method of completing tasks like video calling and photo sharing with relatives, tasks that can otherwise be unachievable on smartphones or tablets for older users. The compatible app enables younger and more tech-savvy relatives to communicate with their older relatives, via the device, in a familiar manner that suits their mobile lifestyle.
Exploded View
The inner housing holds the internal components including a high-fidelity speaker system to ensure that older users hear properly during voice and video calls. The inner housing rotates around a gimbal enabling the user to adjust the screen to an angle that suits them, depending on whether they are holding the device or using it on a surface.
Simple and Intuitive Charging
Wireless charging allows the user to easily place the device over the charger that sits in the recessed area underneath the product. This eliminates potential issues inserting fiddly cables for users who may have reduced hand dexterity.
Live project - SmartBurn
Working to the brief of 'enhance fitness by blending into the home' set by DCA, I designed a desk lamp concept with built-in retractable resistance bands to encourage people working from home to exercise more regularly. With a rise in sedentary behaviour following increased periods of working during the Covid-19 pandemic, the device aims to provide a subtle hint to take a break every hour as the lamp dims. The lamp can be re-activated to full brightness following two minutes of interaction with the versatile resistance bands.
Live project - Scenario of Use
Fixperts project - Co-design
I and two other user-centred designers worked with a client who had rheumatoid arthritis to co-design a kitchen that would help her open her fridge, allowing her to carry out her hobby of cooking pain-free.
Nat Arnold
A conscientious user-centred designer who is driven by the need to influence real-world design problems that focus on the centrality of user needs and aspirations.
My desire to explore problems from an evidence-based approach is an integral part of my design process. Throughout my work, I seek to understand user needs, behaviours and emotions to ensure I consider issues from a more holistic perspective, an attribute that I believe in turn presents a greater opportunity for creativity and innovation. I advocate 'design thinking' style practices throughout my design work, whether this relates to products and artefacts or digital solutions such as apps and interfaces. I consider myself a multi-disciplinary designer who is confident with both manual methods of design communication, such as sketching and modelling and digital methods like interface prototyping and CAD. I feel a great sense of accomplishment in creating experiences that ultimately incites pleasure among users.
Final year project
Addressing the Digital Divide for Older Generations through an Inclusive Communication Service
Awards
Following the Uxathon 2020 that partnered with Deloitte and The University of Hong Kong (HKU MBA), I was awarded 'Best Client Relationship'. I collaborated with a team of four other UX designers to deliver an interactive prototype for a start-up client based in Hong Kong during a fast-paced design sprint. Conducted through virtual means over a seven-hour time difference, the team and I sought to understand the client brief and regularly exchanged mental models leading up to the design sprint, which ensured that client expectations were clearly laid out and could be met in a timely and professional manner.
After successfully completing my placement year at Jaguar Land Rover, I was awarded a Diploma in Professional Studies.
Work Experience
I was fortunate to undertake a placement as a 'Production Ergonomist' at Jaguar Land Rover, Solihull. During my year with the ergonomics team, I worked with multi-disciplinary teams, including manufacturing and engineering, to design production processes, equipment and facilities with the goal of ensuring the safe and efficient production of vehicles for production line operators. I was regularly required to communicate my evidence-based rationale in order to leverage new design recommendations. Over the course of the placement, I was able to progress my communication skills in a professional and fast-paced environment. My work also included developing and applying tools, protocols and standards which helped to raise the profile of the ergonomics teams as well as improve the end-user experience for operators.