MSc Industrial Digitalisation student named one of UK's top 100 digital influencers

MSc Industrial Digitalisation student Elen Parry has been named as one of BIMA 100's top digital influencers

A student on the MSc Industrial Digitalisation course who has been championing computer-aided design, 3D printing and product innovation has won a digital influencer award.

Elen Parry was named in the Student and Apprentices category of the BIMA 100, a selection of leading lights of the industry as chosen by judges from the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA), which represents the country's digital and technology community.

Her win was announced on Wednesday evening at an awards ceremony held at London's OXO Tower II, following her nomination by the University's Director of Digital Innovation, Paul Bason.

Product design consultant

Elen is advocate for disruptive development practices and has been combining studying with work at the University’s PrintCity digital innovation centre as a product design consultant.

She said:

It was great to be in a room with so many inspirational people who are doing amazing things.

BIMA100 is all about people making a difference, and that was the main message through all of it.

I've come out of the event with more connections and feel part of a community.

I'm very grateful to Paul Bason (University Director of Digital Innovation), for nominating me, and the support of the University has been fantastic as always.

The PrintCity team don't stop working and are keen for me to do even more.

HeX buds

As a product designer, Elen created a prototype 3D-printed earbud concept to the fight disability stigma that she called HeX buds.

The stylish earbuds are wireless audio headphones that double up as an advanced hearing device from which everyone can benefit.

Before embarking on the MSc Industrial Digitalisation course, Elen completed a three-year BA Three Dimensional Design course at the University's Manchester School of Art, gaining a First, and obtained a job through the University's Jobs4Students service as a 3D print room assistant working at the PrintCity.

Ambassador for innovation

She has a Autodesk Women in Leadership scholarship from the US computer-aided design software company Autodesk and travels extensively as part of her ambassador role and studies, recently mentoring female student ambassadors at Autodesk’s 2018 design slam in Las Vegas.

At the Industry 4.0 Summit and Expo held in Manchester in April she was a speaker on a panel discussion on the theme of Upskilling for Industry 4.0.

Paul Bason said: “Elen’s success in being named as one of the BIMA 100 illustrates how the emerging generation of creative professionals have an instinctive ability to work across disciplines.

“Companies tell us they need creative problem solvers who combine skills in a number of areas with aspects of emotional intelligence and business awareness and Elen is a great example of this and thoroughly deserves this recognition.

“In the future, innovative university initiatives, like PrintCity and the new School of Digital Arts (SODA), will ensure that there are many more graduates who excel where creativity and technology overlap – something that will be essential for the future success of the region.”