“Wait, what exactly is a bubble machine?”
That was me at the start of my first travelling exhibition project for Guinness. Coming from a software background, I was about to dive into a world where hardware, animations, and immersive experiences collide.
Click here to see the project 😉
The Mission
The goal was to create an interactive journey showcasing how Guinness beer is made. The setup? A mix of technology and creativity:
- 9 synchronized Smart TVs
- LED lights dancing in harmony
- A vibrating platform
- And yes – that mysterious bubble machine!
What Shocked Me the Most
Project management isn’t just about timelines and PM tools. It’s about:
- Building Relationships: Standing with your team during coffee breaks and joining smoking breaks (even as a non-smoker!) just to learn.
- Seeing the Impact: Watching clients’ faces light up during live prototypes – so different from software demos!
- Handling Logistics: Managing setups across 4 Malaysian cities (because damaged hardware doesn’t fix itself 😅).
The Biggest Lesson
Being curious might make you seem annoying at first, but it’s worth it. I asked endless questions during production:
- “Why this LED?”
- “How does this animation work?”
- “What happens if this breaks during transport?”
Now I know – the best project managers aren’t just managers. They’re eternal students of their craft.
The Takeaway
To all PMs switching domains: Don’t be afraid to ask “silly” questions. Your team would rather explain something twice than fix an issue that could’ve been prevented.
What’s your story of stepping completely out of your comfort zone?
