TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE (US, DRS, CA)
I have done a number of projects for vulnerable groups that required a certain empathic approach, like; children, people with autism, dementia, and diabetes. It is an area of research in which I can contribute with my knowledge of user-centered design. Although, I am mostly attracted by public contexts because you are designing for ‘’the everyone’’. It invites me to think beyond the user-centered experience and to design something more based on psychology and phenomenology. I rather describe it is as transformational experiences, better defined as experiences that fundamentally challenge a person’s assumptions and preconceptions, as well as their beliefs and values, which affect how people understand themselves, others, and the world. In that sense, I think one of my strengths is the ability to apply this in context and to keep speculating and philosophizing. To design an experience that fits not only the ‘now’, but also the ‘then’. As a final note, I am not afraid to take philosophical paths, and I will probably take a few during my masters, nor aesthetic nor psychological.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (US, TR, DRS & CA)
I define environmental sustainability as a way to conserve natural elements to support independence, health, and wellbeing, now and in the future. Throughout my internship at Studio Floris Schoonderbeek I learned how to use natural elements as a part of the design, but also to re-invent what is already there, using rapid-prototyping techniques and doing field researches. Whereas my intern project is further developed and eventually nominated for Dutch Design Awards 2021. After this intern, I wanted to resume this perspective on my surroundings and bring it to a more international and multidisciplinary level, which made me decide to go to a Landscape architectural office in Scotland. During this FBP, I expanded my knowledge by working within a larger environmental context. An area where I learned more about methods like ‘biomimicry’ and ‘biophilic design’. The project challenged me to take a more futuristic-perspective and to design a concept that complements the environment in a sense that it’s flexible/modular, circular, and sustainable enough to grow along with its environment. The project is rewarded with a 10.
STORYTELLING (CA & US)
I like to collaborate with people and to try to come as close to the client and user as possible. During my graduation, I learned from many people from many countries who helped me along the way. It challenged me to communicate my conceptual work in such a manner that it is attractive, yet communicative. I like to create digital images and sketches that compliment my story in a ‘romantic’ way, and in order to do so, I learned to communicate my work through both visuals and narrative.