Vaisala and Aalto University wrap up another successful PdP collaboration

Staying future-ready means combining fresh thinking with real-world challenges—something Vaisala and Aalto University have once again achieved through the Product Development Project (PdP). This year’s student team focused on making our HVAC products easier to install and maintain, with impressive results.

Student team reflects on growth and impact

For the student team, the experience was as rewarding as it was demanding.

“We had the opportunity to solve real-world challenges and work through the entire design process, from framing the problem and conducting user research to technical analysis, ideation, prototyping, and ultimately designing an end-to-end customer journey,” said student team Project Manager Yufei Chen. “Vaisala’s open-minded and supportive atmosphere gave us the freedom to explore and innovate.”

Mechanical Engineering student and Team Leader Eesha Naeem added that the journey offered both personal and professional growth: “Each challenge—from public speaking to risk management—added meaning to the work. Collaborating on real-world issues like this is what makes these partnerships so valuable and fulfilling.”

From ideas to methods: What Vaisala gained

From Vaisala’s perspective, Project Manager Noe Anttonen emphasized that the value lay not only in the final outcomes but also in the methods and mindset the students applied.

“For instance, the PD6 workshop, which was a rapid six-hour simulation of the full development process, clearly demonstrated the power of fast prototyping and iterative thinking,” said Anttonen. “Similarly, a detailed service blueprint visualization helped the team understand and explain multiphase processes both holistically and in detail, ensuring no element was overlooked.”

Product Manager Nevon Mansour praised the students’ creativity and attention to detail, especially in the casing designs: “It was inspiring to see the reasoning behind their ideas. The level of engagement and quality of execution was very impressive.” 

Co-creation as a culture driver

As a result, the project delivered tangible ideas for improving the installation and maintenance of HVAC products, on both hardware and software fronts. One key outcome was a mobile application demo, which received positive feedback. 

But beyond the actual deliverables, it was the shared journey that made the biggest impact. It fostered new insights, open collaboration, and mutual learning.

“This project was a great example of modern product development: cross-functional, user-driven, and bold in its exploration,” said Sauli Laitinen, Vaisala's Head of Design and Project Mentor. 

Projects like these go beyond student collaboration or corporate responsibility. They are strategic investments in talent, innovation, and continuous improvement. This year’s PdP delivered on all fronts: fresh perspectives, validated concepts, and a strengthened culture of curiosity and co-creation within Vaisala.

The final word goes to Project Manager Noe Anttonen: “If I get the chance to do this again, I’ll gladly jump in.”