From a young age, I have been a passionate maker. My early years were spent exploring handicrafts and building with LEGO, which later evolved into an interest in integrating technology and digital tools into my creations. Between my bachelor and master studies, I worked in a laser-cutting shop, and later as a production assistant at Studio Tast, a design studio in Eindhoven. Here I deepened my appreciation for the rapid manufacturing techniques that I used there, inspiring me to buy two 3D printers, and use laser-cutting and CNC milling for both study related and personal projects.
This hands-on approach forms the foundation of my design philosophy: function over form. I tackle challenges by identifying problems, finding solutions, and designing products around those solutions. Physical prototyping is central to my process, allowing me to bring ideas to life quickly, test them with users, and iterate based on their feedback. This mindset reflects my belief in the principles of Human-Centered Design, where focusing on people and their unique challenges is essential to creating meaningful and impactful designs.
In both my daily life and studies, I have a strong desire to help people. As an industrial designer, this translates into a focus on solving the everyday challenges that people encounter. For instance, my Final Bachelor Project addressed difficulties faced by individuals with fine motor skills by designing an accessible lock mechanism, while my Final Master Project focused on helping insomniacs improve their sleep through guided breathing exercises. I take pride in incorporating the perspectives and needs of users into my designs, ensuring they are at the heart of my creative process, because I believe that understanding problems from multiple viewpoints leads to deeper insights and more effective solutions. This collaborative approach is something I genuinely enjoy as well, as I love to exchange ideas, listen to diverse opinions, and learn from others.My strong sense of responsibility often leads me to take on leadership roles within a team. This led me to pursue a board year as chairman of the Student Esports Association Zephyr. During that year I honed my skills as a mediator and facilitator. By fostering open communication and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard, I am able to resolve conflicts and build consensus. These interpersonal skills also valuable for me as designer. Not just when working in a group, but also during user evaluations, where creating a comfortable environment enables participants to share their genuine thoughts, providing me with critical insights to refine my designs.
As an industrial designer, I strive to integrate my hands-on approach with a user-centered mindset to create impactful solutions to real-world challenges. Looking ahead, I am committed to expanding my expertise in technology, continue collaborating closely with users, and seeking opportunities to create meaningful and lasting improvements in people’s lives.