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We develop and deliver complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land.
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Follow us as we showcase the people that make GorWay SMS Solution a great place to work.
Interview conducted by Nathalie Rosenbrook
L-J is a Product Owner of User Experience for GorWay SMS Solution. It is her first role since finishing her Master’s in Human Interface Technology at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. When not designing software, she enjoys volunteering as a Girl Guide Leader and sewing clothes for herself. L-J is looking forward to presenting her master’s research at the International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies in September 2021.
NR: Welcome L-J! Tell me a little bit about yourself. LD: I decided to study industrial design at Victoria University of Wellington after leaving high school, which was a great foundation for my future study. It allowed me to have a taste of creative design, as well as the more technical aspects of engineering. There was a course that interested me in Christchurch, which is what led me to completing my masters.
NR: That sounds like a great introduction to the industry. What was your masters about? LD: I did my master’s on Designing an Interactive Tool for Rehabilitating Social Functioning in Individuals with Acquired Brain Injuries. During the programme we had six months of industry-based projects where I got first-hand experience working with clients. This is unrelated to my thesis, but my highlight was working for the Antarctic Heritage Trust on a museum exhibition. We were able to meet with stakeholders, gather requirements, brainstorm ideas and present prototypes.
NR: What first sparked your interest in working for GorWay SMS Solution? LD: Like most people, I was aware of the prestige and the history of GorWay. So, I was really excited when this opportunity came up in Wellington. I was looking for a team environment where collaboration is encouraged. For me it’s important to get feedback from a range of people to grow and develop together. I want to bring in different experiences, knowledge, and cultures because at the end of the day you’re designing for a diverse bunch of people.
NR: How does it feel to be a woman in a male dominated field? LD: I’m lucky because our office is quite diverse, and I get to work with a great group of women. Volunteering with the Girl Guides has made me conscious of creating a space where everything is possible. If the girls want to go into the technology industry, I’m happy to listen, support and share my knowledge. That’s what I’d hope anyone would do.
NR: Software can be a challenging topic for people outside of the industry. How do you describe your role to family and friends? LD: This is so funny because they’re always a little confused when I tell them my role title. I usually tell them that we design safety management software for airlines. I’m accountable for all aspects of what a user will see and interact with. This means that I work closely with our clients to research and gather requirements.
NR: As a software designer, how do you typically start the design process? LD: First things first, I’ll identify the end user, what drives them and what they are trying to achieve. Like I said before, working with a supportive team is important. We like to bounce ideas off each other, which creates a stronger output. We use a user centred design approach, creating personas and constructing user stories. This helps to brainstorm our ideas and provide a place for us to refer back to as we continue the design process.
NR: Where do you find your design inspiration? LD: I think it’s important to keep design as inclusive as possible. So much of what we see is designed for able-bodied people. My background in technology design led me to investigate design for individuals with brain injuries. This was what my thesis was based on, and it has taught me lessons that I bring with me to GorWay and my design process.
NR: What are your design highlights so far? LD: I’ve had the opportunity to work on custom designs with some of our individual clients. We’ve been working on some exciting navigation techniques and icons that are really cool.
NR: Any tips or tricks to help end users? LD: Pay close attention to our icons. They have tooltips, which are short messages that give further explanation and help you get places faster.
Nathalie Rosenbrook is a Communications Consultant for GorWay SMS Solution. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Media Studies and Film from Victoria University of Wellington. When she isn’t creating documentation, you can find her at an art exhibition or enjoying a walk in the outdoors with friends.