Problem Solver

Joel Bryant

I am a creative and inventive person with a passion for innovation in product design. I am fascinated by how products/technology can influence the society that adopts them. I can find solutions to problems using novel techniques often found from other industries or disciplines. I am used to working with/for people with other expertise and skill sets. I have some experience in management practises.

Areas Joel Bryant is Knowledgeable in:

All products and their use including interface, aesthetics, service design, function and requirements. Any product that has a user interface. Innovation through the use of new or existing technology applied from other industry/disciplines. Market gaps and product positioning. Requirements capture. 3D modelling in CAD SolidWorks to represent photo realistic images of concepts. Production of images/boards to show use of product.

Techniques Joel Bryant Uses:

Research on similar Technologies/Actions
Role-Play Technique
Formal Interviews with Users
Informal Interviews with Users
Questionnaires
Market Research
Understanding Target Market
Understanding Market Gap
Logical Reasoning
Creative Thinking
Knowledge Base

Joel Bryant's Problem Solving Skills:

  1. Sketching
  2. Multi-Disciplinary Team Working
  3. Idea and Concept Generation
  4. User Interface Design and Operation
  5. CAD Adobe Photoshop
  6. Inter-Disciplinary Consulting
  7. CAD SolidWorks Modelling and Rendering
  8. Identifying Tacit Needs
  9. Innovation through Separate Disciplines
  10. Researching
  11. User Requirements Identification and Collection
  12. Presentation Boards, PowerPoint Presentations

Joel Bryant's Problem Solving Experience:

  1. A brief that asked specifically for the final product to meet both the manufacturing and user requirements for a female razor was set. The problem was how to include the flexible head (performance) and safety cover/clip (perceived hygiene) in a disposable razor without adding additional components or increasing material needed (environment/manufacturing cost). I solved the problem by demonstrating a one-piece design using a ‘living hinge’ that allowed the head to flex in one direction and to fold under itself in the other direction to provide a cover. This design had the potential to reduce the components and material needed, simplify the manufacturing process and provide the features required by the user. Other benefits included the blades being lifted off the surface and away from water whilst being stored in a folded position. An additive (d2w) to the plastic (Polyethylene or Polypropylene) was also recommended to enable the product to fully degrade naturally.
  2. This collaborative project saw our creative discipline engage with two other departments using scientific knowledge from Cranfield Health (science) and the technology from Micro-Manufacture (engineering). One significant problem was that the design of this self-test medical product had to enable the user to carry out the procedure (including blood sample) without making a mistake. A micro-needle made it possible to withdraw blood painlessly but the problem was how to administer the micro-needle safely and securely. I solved the problem by designing a pop up/down action (similar to tamper evident button on a jar lid) which allowed the concealment of the needle, the perfect depth of penetration, ‘feedback’ to the user on correct operation, familiarity (pushing a button), one handed operation and ability to be easily mass-produced. Other significant contributions of mine to this project included the design of the correct aesthetic to communicate the products purpose and use.