Aaron Bruce
Product Design
I love to upkeep an active lifestyle so that I can bring a focused energy to my design projects.
Final year project
RopeMate — Improving the safety of dynamic rope use by mountaineers and climbers
RopeMate — a damage detection device for dynamic climbing ropes
Dynamic ropes are vital for climbing safely and should be retired - if damaged - before they fail. However, signs of wear can be overlooked during an inspection and lead to a fall, the most common cause of climbing injury. With the number of climbing accidents due to increase in parallel with the sport's rising popularity, climbers need assistance identifying damage to avoid serious harm.
Automated Rope Inspection
A chuck mechanism supports a rope as it is pulled through the device by a drivewheel. Spring-loaded followers track its diameter at four points around its circumference and trigger an alarm when displaced by damage such as cuts or friction burns.
Adjust for Size
The user can calibrate the device to check ropes from 7mm to 13mm in diameter.
Prototype Development
Building and testing mechanical and electrical aspects of the design were essential to proving its feasibility.
Designed for Manufacture
The prototype CAD model was modified and refined to account for current manufacturing methods and processes.
Electromechanics Project — Coffee Machine
An AeroPress coffee machine prototype was designed, built and tested for a group project, incorporating our knowledge of mechanics, electronics and embedded systems acquired over the course. The machine houses a custom made coffee grinder and programmed LCD interface.
Electromechanics Project — Coffee Machine Interface
Bespoke animated graphics were programmed to illustrate when the machine was boiling, brewing, grinding or plunging.
Social Media Content Creation — Loughborough Students Men's Hockey Club
For two years at the university, I volunteered as media secretary for Loughborough Students Men's Hockey Club, creating regular content for their platforms across graphics, photography and film. In May 2022, we won the Athletic Union's Media and Marketing Club of the Year Award.
Aaron Bruce
Final year project
RopeMate — Improving the safety of dynamic rope use by mountaineers and climbers
Awards
UXathon20 — Best Client Relationship Award
Loughborough University Athletic Union — Media and Marketing Club of the Year 2022 (Men's Hockey)
Work Experience
I worked at Bruce Associates for my placement year, an independent design consultancy specialising in corporate communications. I expanded my graphic design skill and experience by working on several projects for corporate brands. Tasks undertaken included website front end design and development, print design and artwork design of presentation and social media content, and motion graphics. I gained valuable project management, production and client experience participating in regular meetings and communication with the client teams comprising senior managers or directors at FTSE 250 companies.