IT project jobs: industrial design graduate takes on ultimate challenge – developing a next-generation kid-proof computer
I joined RM in September 2008 and started work on its flagship range of PCs for use in education. I was assigned to the project developing the third incarnation of the all-in-one desktop computer RM One.
The RM One range, which also includes laptops, is designed to be used by learners of all ages. The monitor on the all-in-one model has a height and tilt adjust so that it can be used comfortably by both primary school pupils and university students. In the latest version this can be locked, which gives teachers more control over the set-up
Other new functions include an integrated webcam and an incorporated memory card reader. We also updated features from previous versions, such as very hard, durable monitor glass, and we sourced buttons that can withstand a higher load to protect against misuse and vandalism.
From assistant engineer to engineering project lead
The project ran for 18 months, ending in early 2009. I came on board as an assistant engineer when the designs had been drawn up and work was starting on the component parts. I had plenty of academic experience of the design process but my degree was not IT specific and my role involved lots of on-the-job learning about the technology side.
The assistant engineer’s role is to help the engineering project lead (EPL) with testing and validation; the EPL has more of a leadership role, taking responsibility for chasing up issues and finding solutions. In January 2009 I took on the EPL role, though as I was new I was given plenty of guidance. The whole project was managed by a project manager and we had weekly meetings to assess whether we were on track.
Crucial skills for working on projects
Communication skills were key. It was a big project with a big team, and it was vital to be really clear and tailor information appropriately depending on who I was presenting it to. The art of summarising was very important, particularly at project meetings.
I liaised with the engineers at RM about issues to do with production, which is carried out in the UK, and had the good luck to spend two and a half weeks with colleagues meeting our suppliers in China. Working in a different environment on the other side of the world was a fantastic experience.
I also developed a level of expertise in troubleshooting and the crucial skill of gauging how significant the impact of a problem is. Organisational skills were vital too – keeping track of all the testing results and making sure they were accurately logged. My regular office hours were 8.30 am to 5.00 pm, sometimes longer, though work intensified during the run-up to completing key stages of the project.
Back to school to see the end result
After the product was released I went with colleagues to a meeting at a school to receive feedback. Seeing the computer lab stocked with our product made me feel proud that it had all come together; it was something tangible that the whole team had achieved.
I’m now working on a project to develop RM’s new Mini PC. This will take up minimal desk space, in response to one of the key concerns expressed in feedback.
Simon Carp is a product development engineer at RM Education plc. He has a BSc in industrial design from De Montfort University.
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