Harley Widdowson
Full-cycle Industrial Designer
About Me.
A Human Factors Engineer with a foundation in commercial product design and specialist experience in complex submarine systems. I bridge the gap between agile, consumer-led innovation and the rigorous, safety critical requirements of strategic defense programs. With a proven track record as a team leader, I excel at applying Humanist Design principles to high-consequence environments, ensuring operational effectiveness and human reliability I am dedicated to advancing my expertise in Human-System Integration to deliver intuitive, high-reliability solutions that optimise human performance within complex, safety-critical environments.
Explore my work
Experience
Mar 25 - Present
BAE Submarines - Human Factors Engineer
As the HF Lead for a major area in the boat design for the SSN-AUKUS programme, I manage human factors integration through regular design reviews and the resolution of technical issues. Utilising Def Stan 00-250 as a primary technical framework, I conduct assessments on complex systems and spatial environments, collaborating with engineers and submariners to find solutions that satisfy conflicting design parameters. For site safety work concerning industrial manufacturing equipment, I have utilised Hierarchical Task Analysis to identify human-error-prone tasks with credible consequences, and propose practical safety improvements. I have also focused on evolving the team's physical mock-up capability by introducing CAD and CAM workflows for the creation of foamboard models, aimed at increasing accuracy, reducing cost, and improving the sustainability of the process. In addition to my work on SSNA, I provide practical assessments for the Dreadnought and Astute programmes currently in-build. I also take an active role in mentoring early careers staff, involving them in observations to develop their technical understanding.
Oct 24 - Mar 25
BLE Smoke & Fire Curtains Ltd. - Design Engineer
Specialised in the rules-based configuration of life-safety systems, using DriveWorks and AutoCAD to translate bespoke requirements into BS EN-compliant fire curtain CAD models ready for manufacture. Focused on gravity fail-safe reliability and human survivability in emergency scenarios. I gained experience in regulatory-driven design by initiating the development of electrical control cabinets according to strict safety standards, ensuring system accessibility and operational integrity despite adverse environmental conditions.
2021-2024
Lattice Training Ltd. - Head of Product
Led the department's growth from one member to a team of five. Designed, sourced, and launched 16 new products in my first 24 months, doubling yearly revenue each year. Defined brand guidelines, contributed to business and brand strategy, established domestic and overseas supply, and managed all aspects from sales to production.
2019-2020
Walker Bros Ltd. – Industrial Design Engineer
Creating mass produced point of sale free standing display units, for global retailers. Utilising design skills learnt at University to consistently develop complete solutions for individual constraints, whilst minimising manufacturing costs. Developing new product innovation and workflows.
2017-2018
XL Refrigerators - CAD Designer
Working as a placement student for XL Refrigerators where I was
responsible for the 3D modelling, technical drawing and the rendering
of all the bespoke displays XL manufacture.
Education
2014-2019
University of Huddersfield
First-class degree (Hons) Snd
in Product Design BSc
Acolades
2020
Most Innovative Design Award
3M Buckley Innovation Centre Design Challenge
Presented by 3M
2019
Most Tenacious Designer
Class of 2019 University of Huddersfield
2019
Shortlisted New Designers
Pentland Brand - for final year design project 'Treggo'
2018
1st Place IACE 24 Hour Design Challenge
Held at the University of Huddersfield, interdisciplinary teams were given 24 hours from brief to present a concept.
2012
Arkwright Engineering Scholar
An Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the most esteemed scholarship of its type in the UK, designed to inspire students to pursue their dreams and change the world as an outstanding engineer of the future.