Hello, I’m Denza
I am a graduating industrial designer with a passion for promoting health and vitality for those seeking a better lifestyle. My focus is on designing sports wearables with integrated textile sensors that enhance performance and minimize the risk of injuries.
My professional identity
My name is Denza Zeevenhoven, and I am driven by a passion to revolutionize the intersection of industrial design and wearable technology. As an industrial designer, I excel in a user-centered approach, always keeping the end user in mind. I believe that everybody deserves the personal care that is needed, and by designing wearables that complement the body and facilitate a deeper understanding of one’s own physiology, I aim to empower individuals to optimize their health and well-being. My iterative design process ensures that the product evolves with the user, adapting to their changing needs. Additionally, I stay up-to-date with the latest technologies in wearable design, ensuring that my products are as comfortable and effective as possible.
For me, it is crucial that wearables are more than just functional devices; they should make the user feel comfortable and not like a test subject wearing technology. This is why I am also deeply interested in the fashion side of wearables. I believe that integrating fashion into wearable technology can make these products not only necessary but also desirable. By focusing on aesthetics and user experience, I strive to create wearables that people want to wear, not just need to wear.
A critical aspect of my professional identity is the focus on technology and realization. This involves meticulous consideration of sensor placement and the potential to gather accurate data from users of different sizes and shapes. Ensuring that sensors are positioned correctly to accommodate a diverse range of bodies is essential for obtaining reliable data and providing meaningful feedback. This technical precision, combined with my commitment to user comfort and fashion, defines my approach to designing wearable technology.
Vision
Inspired by personal experiences and a quest for optimal well-being, I envision wearables that seamlessly integrate into every aspect of life. The future of wearable technology lies in the increasing importance of sensors and the growing interest in tracking various aspects of our lives. Embedding sensors directly into workout clothes will enable the tracking of movements, muscle activation, and form, offering real-time feedback that enhances workout routines and prevents injuries by correcting form and identifying muscular imbalances. My vision extends beyond reactive solutions to a proactive approach, aspiring to create a culture where being fit and healthy is the standard norm. This proactive stance will reduce reliance on medical interventions through the promotion of a better, more vital lifestyle.
By partnering with companies in Eindhoven specializing in printed electronics, I aim to streamline the process of mass production and rapid iteration, fostering close ties that allow for quick adjustments and improvements based on user feedback and technological advancements. As technology advances become more compact and flexible, the potential for accessible products grows exponentially. My goal is to pave the way towards a future where well-being is not just a goal but a fundamental aspect of daily life, empowering individuals to live their healthiest, most vibrant lives.
Reflection
Reflecting on my journey as an industrial designer, I can see how various projects have significantly contributed to my development, particularly in the areas of Technology and Realization (T&R), User and Society (U&S), and Creativity and Aesthetics (C&A). During my Bachelor’s in Industrial Product Design, my focus was mainly on T&R and C&A. This education emphasized creating production-ready products and functional prototypes using a variety of materials. I also honed my skills in 3D modeling and rapid prototyping, as well as developing Design DNAs and focusing on form.
However, during my Master’s at Eindhoven University of Technology, I wanted to develop my expertise in U&S more thoroughly. Since the start of my pre-master, I have been performing user tests to understand and integrate user needs better. This journey through various projects allowed me to deepen my understanding of how users interact with products, the diversity in user needs and preferences, and the importance of incorporating user feedback into the design process.
Vitality Project
In the Vitality Project, my primary focus was on U&S. We tested our prototype by engaging with students on campus, gathering valuable insights into user experiences and preferences. This project also provided an opportunity to develop my Business and Entrepreneurship (B&E) skills. I set up a business plan and contacted various stakeholders to collaborate on our project. We created a coworking space where students could receive free drinks in cafeterias as rewards, combining business strategy with user engagement.
Imagine Project
The Imagine Project was a multidisciplinary effort where I focused on U&S, C&A, and T&R. I learned the basics of sewing, which was a complex but rewarding skill that enhanced my creative abilities. We conducted first-person perspective tests, wearing our prototypes to observe public reactions and initiate conversations. Additionally, gathering materials from nature developed my creative skills and inspired innovative design solutions.
RLS Project
The research project “Through the Eyes of RLS” focused on U&S, C&A, and T&R. Creating a working prototype that accurately simulated the sensations of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) was crucial. We interacted with the target group and presented scenarios to gather feedback, which helped refine the prototype. This project highlighted the importance of user interaction and the role of aesthetics and technology in creating effective, empathetic solutions.
Exploring Wearables Project
In the Exploring Wearables Project, I delved deep into the use of EMG sensors, focusing on T&R and U&S. I created a prototype tested with a specific target group, gaining insights into muscle activity tracking. This project also introduced me to Math, Data, and Computing (MD&C) as I started tracking muscle activity, which was a new and challenging experience.
Final Master Project
My Final Master Project was a culmination of all expertise areas, particularly T&R, U&S, C&A, and MD&C. I gathered extensive data using Arduino and Processing, exporting it into Python for detailed analysis. I attended numerous events like LOPEC, Patch Factory, and Metafas, where I engaged with industry professionals and gained insights into the latest advancements in wearable technology. Performing numerous user tests provided valuable data, resulting in a prototype that effectively measured a specific muscle and offered significant user benefits.
Through these projects, I have developed a comprehensive skill set and a deep understanding of the critical aspects of industrial design. My focus on T&R, U&S, and C&A has been instrumental in creating innovative, user-centered designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By continually engaging with users and integrating their feedback, I strive to create products that truly meet their needs and enhance their lives.
Before
My journey as an industrial designer began with a broad education in product design during my Bachelor’s in Industrial Product Design. This foundational experience equipped me with the skills to create functional prototypes using various materials such as metals, wood, plastics, and other hard substances. I learned to 3D model these designs intricately, allowing for the rapid generation of small artifacts through 3D printing.
Continuing my education at Eindhoven University of Technology, I started with a pre-master program that introduced a new approach to learning, emphasizing reflection on the entire process for every course or project. The pre-master program and the first year of my master’s involved a lot of experimentation and exploration across different sectors and squads. While I always had an interest in wearables, finding my way into this specialized area proved challenging.
A turning point came during my research project, which aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a specially designed device in simulating sensations resembling Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and its potential to deepen the understanding of the experiences of individuals with RLS-like symptoms. This project helped me recognize wearables as a promising direction for my future career.
Building on this newfound focus, my next project combined my interest in wearables with my passion for sports. This led to the development of my vision: “Creating wearables that seamlessly integrate into daily life, particularly in the sports sector, to optimize health and well-being. By embedding sensors directly into workout clothes, these wearables provide real-time feedback, enhance workouts, prevent injuries, and foster a proactive approach to fitness, all while contributing to a culture where vitality and wellness are the norm.”
Most recently, I completed my Final Master Project, which addressed the issue of shoulder pains and injuries among weightlifters. The study compared data from a wearable prototype with sticker electrodes to a new version with dry electrodes, measuring five muscles in the back and shoulders. By identifying the most crucial muscle for preventing shoulder injuries, I developed a prototype with adjustable bands and dry electrodes. Engaging with end-users provided insights into the prototype’s practical usability and effectiveness. This understanding helps athletes and coaches tailor training routines to address strength and mobility imbalances, reducing injury risk and optimizing long-term success. Feedback highlighted the importance of muscle activation insights for personalized training routines to prevent shoulder injuries.
Now
During this project, I learned extensively about the business side of creating wearables through my time at the Fashion Tech Farm, where I spent five months. This experience was invaluable as it introduced me to a field that was new to me. I learned a lot from working with companies in this sector and participating in industry events. Trips to the LOPEC fair for printed electronics revealed the vast possibilities and untapped potential for EMG sensors. Attending the Patch Factory event at Traxcon highlighted the significant advancements in printed electronics, particularly in Eindhoven. Collaborating with Metafas, a company specializing in printed electronics, allowed me to test high-quality materials on my prototypes, demonstrating the importance of using top-notch materials for optimal results.
These insights showed me that starting my own company is feasible with the right resources and knowledgeable people around. Working hands-on with athletes inspired me greatly, seeing their drive and understanding their desire to minimize injuries, which are significant setbacks in their training.
Future steps
The next step in my journey is to establish my own startup, building upon my Final Master Project to develop a product that can prevent shoulder injuries. The results of my project revealed a significant need for a wearable that helps create better-personalized training routines by providing deeper insights into clients’ muscle activity. Presenting this project at Demo Day and the High Tech Campus event garnered positive reactions from industry professionals, physiotherapists, and athletes, who recognized the need for such a device and motivated me to push this initiative forward.
By continuing to refine and develop this wearable technology, I aim to bring a product to market that not only addresses injury prevention but also enhances overall training effectiveness. This startup will focus on leveraging the latest advancements in sensor technology and user-centered design to deliver a practical and impactful solution for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. My goal is to create a wearable that not only meets the immediate needs of users but also contributes to a broader movement towards proactive health and well-being.
Denza Zeevenhoven
I’m always excited to connect with fellow enthusiasts, professionals, and innovators in the field of industrial design and wearable technology. Whether you have a question, a project idea, or simply want to chat about design and technology, I would love to hear from you.
Please feel free to reach out and let’s start a conversation. Together, we can explore new ideas, collaborate on exciting projects, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.