BACKGROUND // OneWeb's mission is to provide internet access to the most remote corners of the world with the expectation that improved connectivity with the rest of the world will empower and benefit those who previously had no access.

With board members like Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Group and Dr. Paul E, Jacobs, Executive Chairman of Qualcomm, CEO Greg Wyler's vision was distribute an array of low altitude satellites to create a internet signal accessible from solar panel powered receivers located in the center of a community, that would subsequently broadcast a local wifi network.

BRIEF // We were engaged to take this vision and create a physical prototype that would allow Wyler to demonstrate the process of setting up a solar panel terminal on stage at an upcoming conference. From a mechanical perspective, the high fidelity prototype had to function as the real system would as well as embody a sleek new aesthetic...and accomplish this in a month's time.

TEAM // Industrial Design; Mechanical Engineering

ROLE // Mechanical Engineer

SKILLS // Solidworks Master Modeling; Surface Modeling; Lathe

RESULT // With such a short timeline, the project was rather high intensity. Time constraints also meant that we really only had one shot to make sure this thing worked.  This translated to a mixture of large format, high resolution rapid prototyping and re-purposed mechanisms to create robust design that provided a seemingly effortless interaction for Wyler while on stage presenting the project.

As a core member of the design team, my role was in realizing the domed terminal base itself. Located between our Industrial Designer and Model Shop, I was responsible for understanding the client's desires, interpreting and detailing out the industrial designer's vision for aesthetic and working with and in the shop to help ensure everything came together perfectly.

Here's bit of Wyler's presentation and a glimpse at the prototype in action: