Alumni

Dave Robinson

Winning the 'Design for Oral Healthcare' brief in 2005 opened many doors and set me on a path in the medical design and development industry, creating products that really makes a difference. My RSA award, an internship within GlaxoSmithKline gave me exposure to a talented team of individuals with wide and varying expertise in Pharma and Consumer Healthcare. Following 4 years at GSK I moved to Team Consulting. A career focused in the healthcare sector has given me a deep insight into the industry. I?ve learned how to design, engineer and manufacture complex, innovative products that meet the stringent regulatory requirements. In this constrained environment I advocate the user at every stage of the design process and strive to create products that are simple and elegant.

What are you doing now?

Team Consulting are recognized globally as experts in the design and development of medical devices. Team combine their expertise and experience in industrial design, engineering, human factors and industrialization to develop medical devices from early concept through to commercial launch. From their office in Cambridge, I have helped clients develop a range of innovative products to meet stringent regulatory requirements. Working within this environment has given me the opportunity to work on a myriad of projects and sectors from large complex Medtech equipment to hand-held drug delivery systems in a variety of roles. My job is to thoroughly understand what clients are trying to achieve and identify creative solutions to solve their problems. As a Industrial Designer at Team it is my responsibility to create a product vision that balances the multiple demands of the market, regulatory, and technical requirements, while acting as an advocate for the user at every stage of the design process.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals / give your career an edge?

I was attracted to study at Northumbria because of its excellent international reputation for nurturing design talent and allowing them to develop into skilled design professionals. Studying at Northumbria has provided me with truly flexible design skills and a passion to use design to make a difference to people and the way they live. The fluidity of the course has allowed me to form my own path within design and allowed me to explore my own passions.

What was the best thing about your course?

Throughout my four years at Northumbria I was regularly exposed to commercial design experiences through live projects and internships with leading international companies such as Electrolux, Philips, Nokia, Kinnier Dufort, Durex, Special Agent and Alpine.

Who inspired you the most, and why?

Other Students. I was in a particular competitive year. I learned a lot from other people on the course. We'd share ideas and techniques.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now/throughout your career?

Flexibility and confidence. The courses free flowing structure allows you to find bespoke approaches to problems. The course provides you with the confidence to know you'll get to a great solution if you follow you intuition, while providing you with the processes to fall back onto.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

During my degree I worked as an intern for Hayco and Vtech as an Industrial Designer. In both positions I worked alongside Marketing to develop product concepts from their Hong Kong in-house design studio. I would then travel to China where I would work with Engineering teams translating the concept into industrialized products

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?

If you work hard, Northumbria can provide you with the fundamental skills to go out into the world and make a difference. No matter where you want to make change, you'll have the skills to the shape the world.