Rebecca Newark
Industrial Design
Final year project
Deliver a Hearing Aid With a Range of Inter-Changeable Skins to… [Read more]
The Ddeveloped Range of Inter-Changeable Skins for The Active Lifestyle Hearing Aid
Six skins were developed for the active lifestyle hearing aid as part of my final year design project. They can be categorised into three styles Sport, Everyday and Fashion. Each style has both a behind the ear (BTE) and in the ear (ITE) design.
Electronic components are housed in a central core that can be utilised in all of the styles, therefore allowing users to change the aesthetic of their hearing aid. One of the main challenges was developing the central core so that it could be used both behind and in the ear designs as currently, those style hearing aids are drastically different.
ITE Fashion Style Hearing Aid
Part of the final year design project an in the ear fashion style hearing aid, a small and discreet skin, with the aesthetic designed to match with users jewellery such as earrings or cuff links.
The image above also demonstrates the fit in the ear.
Removable Skins
Each skin design involves a screw thread fastening, but due to the differing forms each skins removal or insertion process is slightly different, here shows the removal for the BTE fashion style. First, the users twist off the back section of the main body, then twists off the ear tube. The internal core is then free to be removed and placed into another skin. See the YouTube link further down on the page for the animation of removing the skin of the BTE fashion style pictured here. A challenge was developing a removal method for the skins that would be simple for users yet be possible to manufacture. Creating animations enabled visualisation of the concept.
Wireless Home Charging Unit and Companion App
Final year design project 1 Core uses wireless Qi induction coils to charge. Users place their hearing aid(s) into the carry case and onto the induction home charging unit. The home charging unit has the ability to charge both the carry case and the hearing aids via induction. The carry case can store three full charges for the hearing aids enabling users to charge on the go. A full charge takes five hours, giving 19 hours of battery life to the hearing aid(s). 1 Core comes with a companion app that enables users to check the charge levels and remaining charge time. It also has additional features such as a location tracker which can be activated if a hearing aid is lost.
Sketching for Bike Saddle Design
As part of my placement year, I was able to undertake research and design work relating to bicycle saddle design and associated health issues. The image shows ideation sketches focusing mainly on no nosed saddles with central grooves.
Developed CAD Models for Bike Saddle
As part of my placement year, I was able to undertake research and design work relating to bicycle saddle design and associated health issues. The image shows 3D CAD model screenshots and renders of developed no nose saddle, featuring a central groove and semi domed structure. With the aim of relieving pressure when in an aero position on the bike allowing for enhanced performance.
Bringing Fitness Into The Home - pom-L as Everyday Furniture
During the final year and in response to the brief of "create a product that can enhance fitness by blending into the home" set by an external company, Inspiration for aesthetic and form for pom-L was derived from leather gymnastic pommel horses. Along with the ethos of no need to compromise style in your living space for exercise the image shows the product in use as everyday furniture (table and chairs to seat four).
Bringing Fitness Into The Home - pom-L as Multifunctional Home Gym
The image shows pom-L having been converted from the dining set to allow for multifunctional strength training, enabling users to complete a full-body workout in the comfort of their own homes. The challenge was to develop a product to allow for effective workouts, yet be compatible with everyday living.
Rebecca Newark
A creative and adaptable person with a keen eye for detail, and confident in my ability to contribute to a group or work independently.
I have designed a wide range of physical and virtual projects during my course, each one has added to my knowledge and understanding of design techniques and skills, the range of opportunities has enabled me to learn where my passions can be applied to take my projects to the next level. I am passionate about active life style products enabling everyone to participate and enjoy the benefits. My most recent projects of Active Hearing Aids, Fitness in the Home, and Bike saddle design for Health, all encompass my application of creative talent to deliver a high standard of technical, functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions to real-life situations. I like my designs to show empathy for the user, be self-confident, technically well researched. I would like the opportunity to design active lifestyle products and digital interfaces for lifestyle brands. Further developing my ability to communicate my ideas through sketching, CAD and 3D models.
Final year project
Deliver a Hearing Aid With a Range of Inter-Changeable Skins to Meet The Needs of Active Lifestyle Users
Awards
2021 Diploma in Professional Studies
Work Experience
2019 - 2020 Sand and Birch Design - Design Intern Latina - Italy
Working as part of a multicultural collaborative team was an excellent experience, which required courage and flexibility. I learned a lot from my Italian mentor and International peers. My design skills developed as I took on projects of my own which allowed me an insight into the commercial world of design and enhanced my confidence. As the company is a design consultancy, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects including limited edition furniture and tableware ceramics. The team supported me in my research and design project on Saddle Design and Health Issues which enabled me to explore the subject in great detail.