1. Designer & Engineer
Shannon McDevitt
I am fiercely passionate about design and materiality. I use design thinking to solve
complex problems. I combine technical understanding with creative brainstorming. I am
very fortunate to have worked with companies such as P&G, Samsung, and Herman
Miller. I am excited to annouce New Hope EcoTech is currently a Finalist for the INDEX:
Design to Improve Life Award and I can’t wait to see what happens! Some of my work is
under NDA but keep reading to learn more about my work and my process...
2. When you are part of a group activity, practicing on your own
can be lonely and discouraging...
How might we improve the individual practice experience for
members of choreographed groups?
Research
Interviewed ice skaters, dancers,
members of marching band
and coaches about their typical
practice routines. Observed users
at practice and performances.
Graduate Thesis Project
3. Graduate Thesis Project
Video is already being used
as a useful tool but access to
feedback is hard to get when
practicing on your own.
Recording video typically
requires two people so it
is typically not used when
practicing alone.
Key Insights
Teammates must be in unison
with each other and on time with
an external audio track; audio
and video are equally important.
Brainstorming
Generate a lot of ideas and filter through
the ideas to test for proof of cencept.X
5. New Hope EcoTech
rethinking recycling in Brazil
Co-founder of an inclusive recycling start-up in Brazil.
NUvention Innovate for Impact Course
6. Brazil has one of the most successful recycling rates in the world but 90%
of Brazils waste is collected by informal recyclers known as catadores
Research
Led two weeks of in country research in
Sao Paulo, Brazil. Interviewed recyclers, co-
ops, and other stakeholders to develop an
understanding of the recycling systems in
Brazil and build empathy for all stakeholders.
Built out rapid prototypes and tested concepts
with users in the field.
Solution
Developed a software platform to track the
flow of waste from the catadores to the final
recycling and processing facilities. Catadores are
compensated for the material they collect and
the service that they provide, similar to formal
recycling workers. See more at redeciclo.eco.br
UPDATE: New Hope Ecotech recently won the First Runner Up prize at The Mai Bangkok Business Challenge and is currently
a Finalist for the INDEX: Design to Improve Life Award.
Working with members of a Brazilian co-op to understand their work
and their community better.
Sythesizing research insights to generate a journey map that highlights
user needs and opportunity areas.
NUvention Innovate for Impact Course
7. Erie Family Health Clinic
Designing for Diabetic Patients
Diabetes Management for Erie Family Health Clinic
9.3% of the American polpulation has diabetes and approximately
86 million Americans are living with prediabetes
8. How might we provide an effective and implementable health
experience for Erie patients that are living with diabetes?
Solution
Developed a multi-phase solution that
consists of cards to inform patients about
healthier options at fast food restaurants.
For the long-term solution we partnered
with Care Message to explore possible
solutions for Erie patients using text
messaging.
Diabetic patients at Erie need information,
education and continuous communication
and care but medical staff are in high
demand and have limited time and
resources to devote to minor day-to-day
issues.
Research Methods
• In-context interviews and observations with
patients and healthcare providers
• Blood glucose testing to understand user
routines
• Journey mapping
Diabetes Management for Erie Family Health Clinic
9. Tablet Case
for Jail Education Solutions
How might we make learning safe in jail?
Product Design Internship
10. Solution: Prototypes were used as MVP model for investors and to demonstrate usability in a jail
atmosphere. Initial pilot program is taking place in Philadephia.
Process
Worked with stakeholders inside the penal system
and to understand safety concerns. Developed
early stage concepts and prototypes to learn key
insights, refine concepts and bring them to life
using 3D printing. Researched material options
for the case and glass screen protector and
integrated them into further refined concepts.
Challenge
Develop a tablet case that reduces the risk of
misuse associated with having tablets in a jail
environment. Risks include:
• Sharp corners, broken glass or sharp internal
components
• Overall weight or use as a blunt object
• Must allow tablet access for servicing.
Prototyping Methods
Foam Core modeling was used to test overall
size, weight and different closure methods.
Solidworks to model the overall weight
and understand packaging constraints.
3D printing used to test concept and feel of designs.
Understand manufacturing challenges before tooling
is required.
Product Design Internship
11. A better hospital experience
with Northshore University Hospital
How do children
experience hospitals?
24 Hour Design Challenge
12. How might we engage hospitalized children in patient centered
care, especially during family-centered rounds?
Challenge
Focus on patients between the ages of
6-12 that are not able to have a parent
present during family-centered rounds.
Solution
My Balloon Adventure is a fun and
interactive way for children to compile
questions and thoughts for the medical
staff ahead of rounds.
Prototyping Methods
• Foam core modeling
• Simulated hospital room experience
• 3D Modeling with Solidworks
Built out a full scale prototype of a hospital room and
tested prototypes with children in a hospital context.
Research
Interviewed children who had previously
been hospitalized, parents and hospital
staff. Discovered effective and engaging
communication is crucial for parents and
children to understand their care plan.
24 Hour Design Challenge
14. The Challenge
Design and build a piece of kinetic art in three weeks with a $100 budget.
Solution
Designed and built a functioning art installation that
cycles water and lights to create the illusion of rain. Built
tiered compartments in the top to separate the cycling
water from the electrical components. Went through
multiple iterations to refine the final design.
Prototyping Methods
• Foam Core Modeling
• Laser Cutting
• 3D Printing & Solidworks
• Lathe
• Arduino
• Sand Blasting
Kinetic Art Project
15. Some of my other work...
Herman Miller Samsung
Developed materials strategies based on technical, aesthetic and
environmental requirements. Worked with manufacturers and
suppliers to bring new ideas to market.
Built empathy and understanding for people who have
experienced cell phone loss/theft through user interviews.
Designed a solution to help mitigate the feeling of loss.
Launched an Etsy shop selling custom designed, hand-made
jewelry using unique materials and manufacturing processes
such as laser cutting and 3D printing.
Conducted stakeholder interviews in Spanish to understand
water sanitation practices and the parevelance of water borne
disease in the greater Jarabacoa region.
SAMM & Co Jarabacoa Water
