VISION
Design should be useful, simplistic and contribute to the daily life of the user. In the present, but also with a focus on the future. In my vision I focus on my user. I think it is important to involve the user into the design process, since they know most of their struggles. Also, I think it is important to focus on the context and future consequences for the user. New designs should not only focus on the added value it will bring right now, but also on other implications and then still be valuable and sustainable.
Because of fast developments of products and technology we might lose our user and the implications for society as a whole, out of sight. Technology develops faster than users are able to handle and keep up with. The user should not follow technology but technology should follow and adapt to the users. We lose sight on what is optimal for our user, who we design for. Products should match the wishes of users and be simple. I think designers should respond to the needs users and society have. Technology can lead us in achieving this.
Beside user focus, I think it is important to create a multidisciplinary collaboration in which I collaborate with all stakeholders involved to be able to design for a positive impact on all.
If we fail to consciously think about the future we create as designers, we might create negative, indirect side effects for users. Material flows are limited and consuming leads to climate change. Therefore it is important to not only consider wishes consumers currently have, but also creating a sustainable future. Besides global implications, I also believe that it is important to match fully to the needs and wishes of a user, in order to increase the success of a product. To be able to achieve this we should involve the user in the design process. Steps should be taken with the user and focused on their needs and wishes. To create a better world we should listen to and respond to user- and societal needs.
As a designer I am user centered, I create simplistic designs that contribute to the users daily life and future society with a multi-stakeholder collaboration. To me a useful design contributes to the daily life of the user and society. Focusing on their lives now, by involving them in the design process and focusing on their future, is an important responsibility of a designer.
PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY
Ever since I was young I have always been curious. Curious for the things happening around me. From people, social interaction, to products, or cities. I always like to look at things around me, and wonder how things are used or what the value of a certain product is for people. Or I think about what will make it better.
I am good at observing things around me and analyzing them. I am able to look at things with a critical view. What is currently good about it?; What could be better?; How and why? Asking myself these questions constantly stimulates my creative mind. I always like to introduce new ideas.
Coming to solutions in collaboration with my users will help me to address their pain points and fulfill their needs. By doing research (interview, observations, online) of my users I am able to better understand their needs. This collaboration will help me to work with my interest and quality to observe my user. In collaboration, it is easier to find out how people feel and what they need. You can be a part of what is bothering them.
I simply like to collaborate with others, as well as with my users in a design process. This way of working fits my personality.
As a person I am also very emphatic. This helps me to make decisions in my design process. I try to replace myself into my user and try to understand them better. Looking through they eyes of my user is something I do through observation, interviews and research. I learned that it is not possible to design a product if you feel no connection with the problem and context of the problem. Therefore: Being empathic is necessary to be able to understand my user. Observation and communication are important aspects in achieving this. Empathy also helps in the communication with my user and helps me to further develop my designs and to respond to the needs of the users.
Recognizing problems from users and responding to this with suitable solutions drives me to create designs. By bringing added value to the life of users on short and long term.