Arts Thread

William Hawken
Design Products MA

Royal College of Art

Graduates: 2023

Specialisms: Design and Technology / Sustainable Design / UX Design

My location: London, United Kingdom

william-hawken ArtsThread Profile
Royal College of Art

William Hawken

william-hawken ArtsThread Profile

First Name: William

Last Name: Hawken

University / College: Royal College of Art

Course / Program: Design Products MA

Graduates: 2023

Specialisms: Design and Technology / Sustainable Design / UX Design

My Location: London, United Kingdom

Website: Click To See Website

About

William Hawken is a British Product Designer whose deep-rooted passion is technology, specifically in how it can enable unique experiences and aid us in fulfilling our passions and hobbies. His journey into Product Design is an unconventional one. He studied Computer Science at an undergraduate level, later becoming a Software Engineer at IBM. He later progressed to a role that was split between Software Development and UI/UX Design, where he would create prototypes for a variety of clients, showcasing the latest innovative and industry-leading technologies. His transition into Product Design was born out of a desire to improve upon his many frustrations with current consumer technology. He enjoys the conveniences that modern-day technologies afford but is disappointed in how wasteful the industry is.

etc speakers - a framework for sustainable consumer electronics design

What if, instead of treating consumer electronics as disposable goods, we considered them timeless products that can last a lifetime? My project, ETC, explores how we can reframe our relationship with technology. I use wireless speakers to illustrate how our consumer electronics can grow and adapt with us while maintaining their desirability and functionality. My project consists of two main components: - An ecosystem of speakers and modules which afford easy upgrades, repair and reuse. - An online platform that facilitates the ETC speaker's continual lifecycle, including initial purchase, repair, upgrades and module creation.