Having previously helped BBC The Apprentice candidates create an Augmented Reality Cereal Experience and a Smart Toothbrush with in App Game, we were thrilled when they asked if we would help with the design challenge for Series 19.
We were told the task this year, would be a difficult one to help with.
The Task: A Children's Smart Piggybank and Accompanying App
The producers wanted candidates to impress Lord Sugar by creating a piggy bank connected to an app which could teach children about saving money. We talked through possible features with the series producers and eventually settled on a selection of features to really test the candidates and also push the boundaries of what we could develop in such a limited time - we would have to sketch, 3d model and prototype a piggy bank plus design and code a connected app - in less than 18 hours.
The piggy bank would feature a money slot to detect when money was added and a digital display to notify the owner that money was added either via the money slot or from the app. The app needed to feature an entertaining way to teach children about saving money and communicate with the display.
Task Development
We had hoped to use the £250,000 full colour 3D printers we used to make the prototypes for the Smart Toothbrush task, but the piggybanks would have been too big to print in the limited time. Luckily, the Bambu P1S 3D printer had recently been released. They were capable of printing high quality multi-colour designs - fast. We invested in 4 machines to ensure we got the job done in time and have been using them for our client's projects ever since. With the materials choices and high quality finish they provide, we couldn't live without them now.
We reached out to the design team to see who would be up for the challenge and the team stepped up
- Piggybanks - Ben and George
- App design - Pete and Charlie
- Electronics and app development - Nick
- Making sure it went smoothly (or trying to!) - Sulli and James
The team set about developing a system to ensure ideas could be developed into working prototypes within the 18 hours. They developed mounting features to make it quicker to add the electronics hardware into the designs. They connected the electronics to the apps via Bluetooth and they created in-app entertainment frameworks to cater for the wide range of ideas candidates might have. As we explored the various ways we could build the smart piggy bank architecture, we gained an even better understanding of developing connected products.
Once the team had created the system for doing the tasks, they practiced a couple of times to make sure it was possible to produce the prototypes within the available time. As it turned out - it wasn't possible. We went over by several hours on each practice, but we were getting quicker each time and were confident it would all come together on the day.
Filming day
Ben, Sulli, Nick and George all packed their bags (and the 3D printers!) and drove to an apartment in London to set up the 3D printers and then headed over the office to get ready for the task.
Charlie and Pete were based in the Salisbury studio so they had more time to get ready but the candidates were held up in traffic and filming started late. To make things even harder - an hour into the task and the candidates hadn't done anything! It was going to be a big rush to get all their ideas done with the remaining time.
Over in London, the designs were going well and once filming had finished, the team headed back to the apartment to put the 3D prints on. Since printing took hours, the team spent the evening watching Billy Elliot and eating Domino’s while the machines whirred away. As the evening turned into night and the 3D printers began finishing parts, the team started assembling the final prototypes and testing them to make sure they were reliable. They knew there wouldn't be time for any issues the next day when the prototypes would be used to get feedback and pitch for investment. And they definitely couldn't break when Lord Sugar reviewed them in the board room.
Luckily we managed to finish the prototypes in time and were really happy with the final results we produced. The same couldn't be said for the candidates though, who had a pretty tough time in the board room, you'll have to watch it to find out who was fired!
Developing financial education products
Financial education is evolving, and digital tools play a crucial role in helping children learn about money in an engaging way. The fintech industry is rapidly expanding, with parents looking for smart solutions to teach their kids about savings, budgeting, and responsible spending.
Through this project, we contributed to the next generation of EdTech, integrating gamification, parental controls, and real-time banking connections into an interactive saving experience. By blending physical and digital elements, we helped create a product that truly supports children’s financial literacy.
“There's always a risk making (two) apps in such a short period of time, and it's always impossible to second-guess the candidates' choices, but it's an incredible feeling having delivered the two fully working apps in less than half a day.” – Nick
Our work on The Apprentice showcases what we do best—bringing ideas to life with cutting-edge design and technology. If you’re looking to develop a connected product, smart device, or innovative tech solution, get in touch on 020 7354 5640 by email [email protected]
We’d love to hear what you think about the episode and the piggy bank designs - just remember - we could only create what the candidates asked for!
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