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DkIT alumni shares Dragon’s Den success

30 October 2024

DkIT Mechanical Engineering Graduate and Dragon’s Den (UK) participant Colin O’Brien recently returned to the Institute to speak with and provide inspiration to current Mechanical Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Business, and Accounting & Finance Students.

Colin spoke to students at the launch of this year’s Product Design & Marketing Projects module, and provided a valuable insight into how his career in Product Design has developed. He discussed in detail, the design and commercial development of the Rollaer cabin suitcase. Colin’s invention, luggage with durable wheels that can navigate multiple terrains, was successfully premiered in early 2024 on Dragon’s Den UK.

 



Addressing students during a Q&A session, Colin shared his top tips for success, including how technical ability combined with passion and doing whatever it takes to identify what the market actually needs are fundamental to any new design enterprise. Old fashioned hard work and an honest recognition of any skills gaps are then key to growing that business. Colin’s career trajectory also demonstrated that embracing engagement with professionals of different disciplines is fundamental to success in the global marketplace.

The Year 3 Product Design & Marketing Projects are a collaborative annual assessment conducted by the School of Engineering and School of Business & Humanities. Now in its 15th year, the collaboration lasts 8 weeks and offers small teams of mechanical engineering and accounting students the opportunity to partner up on a design project with a distinct market focus. The aim is to introduce interdisciplinary awareness and engage in market driven, user focused design projects. Design examples for 2024 include a Powered Urban Goods Transport Device and a Powered Lift for Animal Handling.

Colin’s design career came full circle when he was presented with the first product that he collaborated on the design of  -  his own Year 3 Design Team Project (developed in 1999) – a petrol fuelled mobility scooter for urban transport.

 

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