Natalie Vanns

Brunel

I graduated in BA Industrial Design Technology.

Pill Punch was my major project – I sat down with a group of MS sufferers and asked them where they felt they struggled or had difficulties. Simple things like getting up, opening crisp packets involved a whole change in infrastructure which may not have been feasible. I found that many were taking around eight different types of medication a day and that some often took the medication all at once to conserve energy. What strength they had they lost in their hands and they didn’t want to feel dependant on their carers. I designed a product that harnessed their strength and returned their independence. Pill punch made it easier for MS sufferers to dispense their own medication with ease.

At Brunel I gained basic skills like graphic layout to learning about user needs etc. A lot of my personal development happened during my placement. Having a deeper understanding of business, user needs, having a holistic approach. As well as, working on various projects and being able to manage my time.

My final year flew past. By the end of it all I felt extremely proud of what I’d achieved. But it’s after when you appreciate the time you had with your friends, especially when you all complete the year together. The whole experience is shared with your friends.

Made in Brunel

Being a part of Made in Brunel helped me with my organisation and being able to manage my time by taking on these extra responsibities in my final year.

Having a holistic project relates to any position available, be it mechanical, aesthetic or user assessment. Having an alpha prototype really helped at the exhibition as well as in interviews as you’re not having to refer to different models. Speaking to Brunel Angels and Heinz Wolf was really interesting. Heinz Wolf especially has the ability to speak to you on the same academic level.

I also exhibited at New Designers. The advice I would give is to have a mini portfolio with you as potential employers expect to see a bit more about you. At New Designers you get to see the work from other universities. Coventry are good at rendering, St Martins are good at concepts that may not even be feasible. Brunel is the strongest of all as we prove our proposals; they’re not just concepts as we have working prototypes.

Work

My placement was at Nokia. Here I learnt about time management and attention to detail. Being able to take a step out of university and explore was great and it’s at this time where you learn most. Especially working with model making companies who are absolute perfectionists.

Working at Nokia is a great opportunity as a lot of companies are picky with choosing BAs and BScs. At the moment Nokia are investing a lot of money in me, sending me on different courses and developing me as a person. For now I’ll be staying at Nokia and travelling a bit more.