With two years industrial experience in product development and graphic design I am a skilled design graduate capable of implementing a human centred approach in order to create projects with a meaningful real world impact. I consider my skills to be in design research and user experience; uncovering the root cause of a problem area and working with key stakeholders towards a solution that works for all users.
Combining my abilities in product design, human psychology UX,UI and visual representation I created the Flare Cycling project. Flare was selected by Sarah Weir, Chief Executive of the Design Council, as one of the Top 5 'Ones to Watch' from New Designers 2018 and was awarded Best Researched/Most Innovative Project at the University of Sussex, where I finished at the top of Class of 2018.
Flare has featured on Reuters and the BBC, was selected for the Global Grad Show Dubai 2018, shortlisted for the Creative Conscience Award and currently in further development for pilot schemes in the UK, with interest from US and Australia. More information can be found at flarecycling.com
Alongside my passion for design I thoroughly enjoy endurance sports, having combined my interests in swimming, cycling and running to complete an Iron Distance triathlon in Summer 2017 in 12:27:24, consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile ride and 26.2 mile run.
As exemplified by my experience and interests; I have a dedicated, hard working attitude, quickly learn in new environments, deal well under pressure and design with reason.
Projects
- Flare CyclingFLARE CYCLING A New Tool For Cyclists Flare is an app-integrated front bicycle light that allows cyclists to press three buttons that map Poor Road Surfaces, Road Danger or Junction Danger. The map is updated on the users smart phone via Bluetooth and is publicly available to:? focus council resources on the worst hotspots (and save money), put pressure on decision makers and allow riders to judge a route for hazards. Find out more on my online portfolio here: https://jakecsthompson.wixsite.com/
Work history
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Graphic Design AssistantMartlet Group
Brighton, United KingdomFull Time
Graphic Design, Product Development and Marketing Assistant.
I have worked as part of eCommerce and Marketing team at i-Ride UK/Orro Bikes/Fox Wilson from August 2016 til present. i-Ride is the UK’s leading distributor of specialist bicycle brands (including in house brands Orro Bikes and Fox Wilson). They are a small-medium organisation that requires a wide breadth of day to day roles:
Graphic Design: Editorial, Print, Online, Campaigns
Product Development: Frames, Jerseys, Socks
Videography: Lifestyle and Action
Photography: Landscape, Lifestyle and Product
Social Media: Content Generation and Management
From my time here I have learned the value of working in an area in which one is passionate and the ability to apply a human centered approach to design projects that are typically outside those that are taught at Product Design degree level - that is to say graphic, editorial and product development. Working in a fast paced professional environment for two years has allowed me to learn and hone a broad range of skills that are integral to my design process now.
Skills developed
Daily use of InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and other packages in Adobe Suite.
Handling multiple cross-discipline projects with tight deadlines.
Ability to work within project teams and singularly.
Notable achievements
Elite Dealer Brand development and 600pg catalogue 2019
Motivational wall displays
The Martlet Dealer Magazine 2017
Increase in Orro Bikes social media reach by over 300% in first 6 months.
Regular content generating photoshoots, behind and in-front of camera.
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Duty ManagerUniversity of Sussex Student's Union
- Brighton, United KingdomFull Time
Duty Manager for SU bars at the University of Sussex.
Roles were broad and often conducted under high time and customer pressure, they involved:
Large team & floor management.
EoD Financials
Customer Service
Technical product knowledge and management
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Skills
- UX
- UI
- Analytics Research
- Adobe Indesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Cad Solidworks
- Digital Marketing
- User Insight
- User-centered Design
Education
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1st Class (Honours) Product Design (with Industrial Placement)University of Sussex
Brighton, United Kingdom
Product Design degree focused on live project experience in industry from a user centred perspective.
Finished top of the Class of 2018.
Awards
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Outstanding Performance in Product DesignUniversity of Sussex
Awarded for the highest Product Design mark.U
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Most Innovative Final Year ProjectUniversity of Sussex
Awarded by School of Engineering and Design to the most innovative Product Design project.+ Show more