MY VISION
How I view the world
The interesting part of the world
This should change
So, this is what I design
These are my techniques
We are taught to love to accumulate stuff. The industry brought us in a constant state of need. Abundance is the reaction of human greediness caused by a constant chase for a model of happiness designed by others. There is an economic focus on achieving self-centred interest, which lacks the attention to interests for the better good for all.
I like to see the design as a reaction to society. Design reflects our present state. But at the same time, it can stimulate us to evaluate and reflect. We design solutions for the problems we face today. However, how do we solve problems we are yet unaware of?
In my opinion, it is too hard to know whether you are making conscious decisions. There is little transparency in the production process of the things we buy. This causes a great distance between the source of the materials and the final product. This distance makes us forget to appreciate, understand the value and care for our things.
I trust that circularity is the best alternative to a healthy future economy. Designers have the power to actively push the market towards a sustainable economy of things. I believe design can stimulate a shift in consumer behaviour or from ignorance to awareness.
People should become more conscious of their impact on the world. I believe that more transparency about the manufacturing of goods and a higher engagement of people (consumers) into making things can nurture a sense of responsibility towards consumption.
To strive towards this future, I design for self-expression (Open-up), self-improvement (DOUBT) and craftsmanship (LILO). I believe that by empowering people to trust their intuition, they come closer to their authentic self. Authenticity comes with a strong individual morality which I think is important. It’s about who you are.
I design for self-improvement, as I believe that design has the power to change behaviour. It’s about whom you want to be.
Craftsmanship is a method to make sustainable living more self-evident. It gives a comprehension of the work which is put in the things we own. Craftsmanship empowers individuals to prolong the lifespan of their things.
My designs are tangible and interactive. My methods include empathizing by first-person experiences, co-creating with stakeholders, explorative making, and reflecting. With these methods, I try to exchange perspectives. By empathizing with the other, I learn about their worldview. When I ask them to participate in co-creation or interact with my design, they might get a sense of my perspective.
MY IDENTITY
Where I'm from
My interest
My motivation
What I design
How I work
What I continue to do
I was born in the urban areas of Holland and raised on a little farm next to the forest. As a result, I am an industrial designer with a modern mindset and close relation with nature.
I have an open, but critical view of design innovation. We must continue to explore what innovative techniques we can discover, however, we should be more cautious with the application of this knowledge in the real world. That is why ethics play a crucial role.
Everything in the world has been designed by someone to fulfil a want or need, but who's responsible for what happens next with those things? As a designer, I feel responsible for the things I put out in the world and I believe that we all should share responsibility. Designers, manufacturers, consumers.
There is a famous saying that bettering the world starts within. And I choose to believe that. I am an activist for a more sustainable and transparent way of living. I do this by crafting & repairing, conscious buying and having an environmentally friendly diet.
Through my design practice, I believe that teaching people to create and make will make them look at their things differently. One example is the LILO project where I developed a new concept that makes sewing easier for beginners. By this, I hope to make sewing more accessible for a larger audience. If more people learn to sew, they might appreciate their garments more which could prolong the longevity of the clothes.
My work ethic characterizes itself by flexibility in collaboration, curiosity for new perspectives and constant evaluation throughout the process. I am a collaborator. I like being part of social ecosystems. My ability to look at concepts from different perspectives, allow me to make connections between people.
In the future I continue to be bold, take risks and be honest. Feeling guilty about the history of humanity does not contribute to innovation. It is time to look beyond and be optimistic.
THE FUTURE
I have not made up my mind yet whether to continue my studies or find employment. I like to continue studying, but I am not sure what outcome I want to pursue. If I would start a master's program, I want to do it with intention. I'm considering the Industrial Design masters at the TU/e and TU Delft. I'm also interested in gaining work experience. Most likely as a junior employee or trainee.
In the short term, I will be travelling in the upcoming winter. I do not have a long-term plan for my career. I know that I want to continue my practices in Industrial Design. I like to have an open mind to what comes on my path. I am not afraid to take a risk and want to follow what feels good.