Alumnus Profile: Tom Harvey
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Degree:(BEng (2000) HONS, BSci (Hons) (2000))
Last Position: Director of Engineering, Synaptics Inc, US
IF you’ve ever used an iPod Scroll wheel, a laptop TouchPad or a mobile phone with a touch interface, then it is likely you are already familiar with some of Tom Harvey’s work. This engineering alumnus has recently returned to Australia from the USA, where he led the development of a new generation of mobile phone touch screen technology, as Director of Engineering at Synaptics Synaptics is a leading worldwide developer of human interface solutions for mobile computing, communications and entertainment devices. Tom Harvey shares his story.
"For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about designing & building things. However, it was only when I was 16, after teaching myself to program, that I first experienced the thrill of transforming an idea into a real functioning 'thing'. Before then, it was always the bitter-sweet experience of having a great idea followed by the disappointing realisation that I could not build it myself. After this first taste of success, I was hooked. A few years on, I experienced the associated high of developing a successful product in the real world; identifying an unmet need, defining the product and its value, creating a brand, selling it into the market and then seeing my product on the shelves, in the hands of people on train and in the street.
University
I chose to study both computer science and electronic engineering because I wanted the breadth to develop complete products; software, because it’s fast and flexible to develop and defines the look and feel of so much of a product, and hardware, because with it you can develop products that you can touch or hold in your hand. I chose Melbourne University because I wanted the best theoretical grounding possible.
I was active and passionate about engineering while at University, something I look back on as helping me tremendously in my career. Each semester and every summer break, I worked in the industry to get practical hands-on skills. The design skills I obtained, plus the fact that I worked at big name companies such as Ericsson and NEC, meant I could hit the ground running as a graduate engineer from day one. Back in the Dept of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, I did things like; secured industry funding for final year projects, designed & developed new laboratory projects for students and was a founding member of the IEE young members section. The point I am making here is that the exposure to the high-tech industry coupled with relationships forged in the Department, fast-tracked my career.
Europe
I left for Europe the day after my last exam; I was so keen to get experience working in a different culture and environment. Once I landed, I quickly found out that Cambridge, UK was the place to be, with a mixture of start-ups, high-tech consultancies and established tech firms. My plan paid off, I had a wide choice of positions to choose from.
I chose to join a small start up, recently acquired by Synaptics Inc - if you have used an iPod scroll wheel, notebook touchpad or a touch control on mobile phones then there is a good chance you have touched a Synaptics capacitive sensor. I worked at Synaptics as a design engineer on all sorts of exciting projects around the world; from a touch-sensitive touchpad located in public telephones in China (that recognises Chinese characters with a swipe of the finger), to novel input technologies for mobile phones in Korea. I worked directly with many customers from top mobile and notebook manufacturers and over time began to lead the projects and customer engagements. In early 2004, after receiving some formal leadership training at the Center for creative Leadership (CCL) in San Diego, I started my first team in the UK developing touch sensors and software for mobile phones.
USA
In 2005, after 5 years in Cambridge, I was approached to start up a new product line at headquarters in San Jose, California. This time the full lifecycle; I defined the product range, built multiple engineering teams from scratch, managed a large part of its development as well as lead the roll-out product to our customers. This product was (and still is) very successful and is integrated into many mobile phones, laptops and LCD monitors. One of the biggest successes was the touch interface for the LG Chocolate phone, which won numerous awards and was an extremely high volume runner.
In 2007, I became Director of Engineering at Synaptics, responsible for leading the development of a new generation of clear touch screens for mobile phones. This technology, made popular by the iPhone, is extremely exciting and promises to change the way we interact with mobile devices.
Change
In early 2008, after our first child was born, my wife Monica and I decided to move closer to family. We have recently arrived in Melbourne where we plan to settle. After 8 years it is great to be back. The University, as an influential player, has been an important resource for me getting to know the high-tech industry here. I am currently looking for a job in Melbourne, where I can continue to do what I am passionate about; taking exciting ideas and developing them into compelling products."
By Tom Harvey
