William Johnson

University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM Exhibitions > 2025 > BEng students > William Johnson

OMNI is a portable home theatre kit, including a projector, sound system, screen, and case.

Hello, my name is Will. I chose to study Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering as I have always enjoyed practical work and hobbies such as woodworking and generally found satisfaction in creation and seeing my ideas come to life as a result of my own work. This degree afforded me the opportunity to combine my enjoyment in design and creativity with the logic and complexity of science and mathematics which I had found fascinating in school.

I have learned a lot from the course, finding particular enjoyment in learning the possibilities and limitations of different materials and manufacturing methods, and how this knowledge can be applied throughout the design process to ensure a product could be produced and function as intended. I also found bringing my product to life through CAD and prototyping to be particularly satisfying as I would be able to get a better grasp of how my concept would take shape in 3 dimensions, whilst easily tweaking and refining the more technical and detailed aspects of the design. Fundamentally, I am also very happy with how much better I am at sketching compared to when I started.

Upon completing this degree, I aim to take a year out whilst deciding where I should go next to start my career. I hope to continue applying my knowledge from the course through creative outlets in the meantime.

William Johnson, BEng Product Design and Manufacture

OMNI

OMNI is a portable home theatre kit, including a projector, sound system, screen, and case. The aim of this project was to provide an enhanced multimedia experience by combining premium picture quality and an immersive soundscape with portability and modularity, focusing on use both outdoors and in confined living spaces.

The projection device combines 2 speakers and a projector into a single unit using bayonet fits and snap hooks. Each speaker can be twisted off and placed facing the user whilst the projector is positioned opposite the projection surface. The projection angle and tilt can be changed by adjusting the front stands and the projection lens is focused using an infrared sensor and motor system. At full power, the projector battery can last for approximately 4 hours whilst each speaker is capable of around 7 hours. Media devices (e.g. phone) can be connected to the projector via USB-C or HDMI. The device has a rugged build, utilising an anodised aluminium extrusion and ABS-PC end caps to form a solid exterior, along with rubber gaskets and ePTFE filters to prevent the ingress of dirt or water.

The screen uses 4 cross/side bars composed of anodised aluminium tubes, shock cord, and snap buttons to create a solid frame, on which a polyester screen is mounted and kept under tension to create a smooth surface.

The case uses an ABS shell, the interior padded with memory foam and lined with a soft polyester, whilst the exterior is covered with a thick polyester fabric and uses a PU zip and hinge. This combination of materials ensures both the screen and projection device are protected from damage due to impact, scratching, or dirt and water during transportation. A padded barrier divides the interior into 2 halves to prevent collision between the two units.