Polly Neal
Industrial Design
A skilled and highly motivated Industrial Designer with strong branding and research abilities; places user needs at the forefront of all projects to create innovative and useful design solutions.
Final year project
Sinbad - A Live Data Collection and Infographic Device for Rowing Boats
Sinbad - Data Collection Device
This image shows the Sinbad data collection device on the bow of a single scull. The athlete would stick the permanent base attachment to the hull via an adhesive strip on the product. To attach the products (data collector and athlete screen) to their relative stands, the athlete twists the Sinbad product onto the base via a diamond locking mechanism. The product buttons have a soft touch texture making it easy for the athlete to turn Sinbad on when on the water. The ergonomic form and small size make storing this device easily in a pocket or kit bag.
Sinbad - Branding Guide
My chosen specialism for this project was branding. I wanted to create a physical device as well as virtual infographic screens to present the data collected in an eye-catching and visual way. Rowing heavily relies on TV viewership for funding and therefore it was important to create graphics that were visually appealing and educational to encourage an audience to return. It was important for me to translate the product branding across both the physical and virtual to limit any disconnect. Through user and industry feedback I created a branding guide (pages shown in the image) that stakeholders would gain access to upon purchase. A small IP charge would be applied to set up costs.
Sinbad - TV Infographics
This is an example of the live data infographics that would be displayed on TV platforms worldwide. Initially, Sinbad would be introduced to the Paris 2024 Olympics but as the device gains traction, live data would be available on streaming services for amateur racing. I worked with users, stakeholders and an Olympic athlete to determine what data would be most important and interesting to view during a rowing race. As a result, Sinbad collects data on the following: wind speed and direction, speed to overtake, boat speed, 500m split time, distance travelled, stroke rate and stroke count.
Buoypro - Wearable Device
Buoypro is an open water swimming accessory that uses ultra haptic feedback technology to guide the user into a state of calm and safety if they get into trouble during training or racing. Gyroscopic's help to roll the swimmer into the correct floating position on their back if disorientated. Pulsating finger pads help to slow down and regulate breathing whilst in the water. GPS and depth gauge sensors alert local life/coast guards when the swimmer has been submerged underwater for a long period of time and of their precise location for rescue.
Buoypro - Storyboard
This is a typical scenario in which Buoypro would be used. The user would attach the wearable to their goggles for a hands-free swimming session. The product has been designed to minimise drag in the water and fit within the aesthetic of the Speedo brand. This project had a strong user focus. It was important to consider how the product would impact the user before, during and after use. Buoypro aims to create a calming and positive impact.
ta! - Gift Card and Screens
Answering a brief set by DCA, ta! is an interactive gift card that destroys the disconnect between employers and staff to create a positive relationship for those working from home. ta! is a physical product for the digital service Airbnb. Employers reward their employees using excess travel budgets saved as a result of the pandemic. Staff will get the opportunity to work away from home in local Airbnb accommodation as an individual reward or be gifted a virtual team experience through the service. Users would set up their preferences upon receiving the gift card so all experiences are tailored to them.
ta! - Product on Laptop
The user would attach the gift card to their laptop. ta! lights up when they have been rewarded. The user can remove the device from the magnet base and press the 'roulette' button on the back to randomly select their Airbnb reward. The device seamlessly links to their work schedule to ensure that the reward is redeemed. ta! promotes healthy team and home relationships as we move towards a more hybrid way of working.
The Walt Disney Company - Internship Work
This image contains a selection of work created and presented during my internship at The Walt Disney Company. I was responsible for collating product decks to show all approved products by our team. I often researched trends and created inspiration decks using Disney IP to present to licensees. As part of the internship, I developed products for Specsavers, Adidas and Skinnydip and became proficient in the Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Fox, National Geographic and Lucas franchises as a Disney brand ambassador.
Polly Neal
Final year project
Sinbad - A Live Data Collection and Infographic Device for Rowing Boats
Awards
Diploma in Professional Studies.
At The Walt Disney Company, our fundraising team 'The Sensational Six' won an award for the Most Creative Fundraising Campaign. As part of this, we created an interactive animated instruction video and bingo sheet to support our initiative 'The Great Disney Photo Quest'. The award was presented at a virtual and company-wide celebration ceremony at the end of our internship.
As part of my role as Stash Representative for my University Halls, I took part in a 'Stashion Show' event where my laptop stickers, designed with Ladan Clothing, were selected to be sold in the Loughborough Student's Union Stash shop.
Work Experience
The Walt Disney Company - A one-year placement at The Walt Disney Company working on the Footwear and Accessories Product Development Team. Worked with and managed licensees including Adidas and Skinnydip to develop and approve products for production using Disney IP. Ample experience in presentation boards and product decks. Completed frequent trend research using platforms such as WGSN. At the company, I pitched product and franchise launches to large retailers and co-brands such as Reebok, Specsavers and Pandora. I became well versed in Disney, Pixar, Lucas, Marvel, Fox and National Geographic properties as a Disney Brand Ambassador.
As part of my time with the company I successfully completed the Disney Internship Programme. The aim of the programme was to complete skill-based courses (that covered topics from presentation in the workplace to time management) on top of our work duties. We were expected to complete a series of follow-up activities post-session to go towards our programme completion.
Additionally, I took part in a Moment Makers fundraiser to raise money and awareness for Medicinema through a virtual charity initiative. Partnered with five other interns from around the company, our team 'The Sensational Six' created, organised and ran a 'The Great Disney Photo Quest', an initiative that encouraged children and adults to explore their local environment on their daily lockdown walks. Our team was recognised for our creative campaigning efforts at the end of the fundraiser.
My skills in communication, presentation and creation using Adobe software improved greatly throughout my responsibilities on the Footwear and Accessories team. I have gained a greater understanding of product development and the process behind transforming a CAD at pre-production into a fully manufactured product ready for distribution. I was often challenged with manufacturing issues during the approval process which I aimed to solve quickly and effectively to ensure IP was used correctly. A newly developed strength involves professionalism in a high-pressure environment.
The Mayborn Group Limited - An ideation workshop at the Mayborn Group Limited (owners of the Tommee Tippee brand) headquarters. I was tasked with sketching 25 concepts relating to products.
It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that allowed me to apply the sketching skills I have learned and developed at Loughborough University in the working environment.