In this exclusive interview with Femme Tech, the leading women’s technology publication, we’re thrilled to hear from Oyemen Okes, a Product Experience Sound Designer at Dyson. As a 2022 graduate of the Dyson Institute, Oyemen has already made an incredible impact, from integrating sustainability into early product concepts to leading sound design for Dyson’s future products.
Her journey into engineering began in school, where she combined her love of physics and maths with product design, and her passion for sustainability has played a pivotal role in shaping her career.
We’re excited to delve into Oyemen’s remarkable journey and gain exclusive insights into her role in shaping some of the most innovative tech products in the industry.
Your journey into sound design is quite unique, combining both creativity and user experience. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field, and how did your background in product design influence your choice?
My journey into sound design stemmed from my passion for music production outside of work. When there was a need within the company for a designer to create tones and sounds for Dyson products, I saw an opportunity to bring my skillset to the table. I now have full ownership over sound design projects, from design conception to product launches.
You’ve worked on developing acoustic specifications for the Dyson Airwrap attachments. Could you share some of the challenges and successes you faced in that project?
One of the biggest challenges in this project was adapting to the large-scale labs and equipment. It was my first time working in such an environment at 18 years old! I also had to navigate the pressure of deadlines, but with great support from mentors and teammates, we persevered. Through a process of trial and error, breaking things and rebuilding them, our iterative approach proved successful. Ultimately, we were able to release the Airwrap on time, and it’s been a hit ever since.
Sound design is a critical aspect of Dyson’s products. How does your music production experience inform your approach to sound design in industrial design projects?
Music production has significantly shaped my understanding of sound design, particularly through concepts of psychoacoustics: the psychology of how people perceive and react to sound. My background helps me analyse the emotional impact of tones and frequencies, ensuring we create sounds that resonate positively with customers. We run extensive trials at Dyson to refine tones and deliver the best customer-facing experience before products are released.
One of your favourite projects at Dyson was a material reduction study for vacuum cleaners. Could you tell us more about this project and the impact it had on both product performance and sustainability?
This project improved product performance while promoting sustainability. On the performance side, the study sped up manufacturing lines and reduced costs, creating a large-scale positive impact. From a sustainability standpoint, we minimised material usage, for example, by eliminating unnecessary outer packaging for retailers. I worked closely with US retailers to understand their requirements and collaborated with contract manufacturers to adjust production lines for efficiency and cost savings.
You founded the Umbrella Society at the Dyson Institute. Tell us about it!
The Umbrella Society was created to bring people together and celebrate differences, ensuring everyone felt “seen” and valued. Through casual get-togethers, members shared their stories and built connections in a safe and welcoming space. The society established a network of support, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity that strengthened the student community.
Your work bridges both creative design and technical engineering. Do these two disciplines complement each other?
Sound design is the perfect blend of technical engineering, commercial strategy, and creative design. On the technical side, it’s all about understanding system requirements, how components fit together, and meeting engineering specs. On the creative side, I’m designing tones and sounds that evoke emotions, using musical software that allows for innovation and experimentation. My role balances both disciplines seamlessly to deliver products that consider both form and function.
As someone with an interest in both product design and public speaking, how has your involvement in theatre clubs helped shape your professional development and communication skills?
I’ve always enjoyed public speaking, and my involvement in theatre clubs since the age of six has greatly contributed to my confidence and communication skills. My current role involves briefing key stakeholders (design managers, engineers, architects, and legal teams) from product conception through to launch. Theatre taught me patience, adaptability, and the ability to effectively convey ideas during meetings and presentations.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers, especially those interested in blending technical engineering with creativity?
Try everything out! Over six years, I worked across various roles before landing in one that encapsulates both technical and creative elements of design, and integrates my hobby in music production. Building expertise in various areas of design and engineering allows you to see the bigger picture during research and development, and when your passion aligns with your career, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Finally, as a musician, how do you think your passion for music and sound translates into your design work at Dyson?
It’s really shaped where I am right now. Being a musician has trained my ears to recognise trends and think outside the box. It encourages me to be expressive and push boundaries creatively while applying skills and knowledge gained outside of Dyson into my projects.
