One of my earliest projects was a small yet significant endeavor involving a laser cutter and wood materials. The goal was to design a cube that could be assembled without glue, using a building block system that allowed the pieces to click into place. This innovative approach resulted in a sturdy and functional structure.

The design of the top part of the cube was particularly fascinating. When lights were placed inside, it cast intriguing shadows, adding an element of visual interest and showcasing the potential of thoughtful design. This small project was my first experience with prototyping and sparked my eagerness to explore the possibilities of different materials and production processes.

This initial project taught me the value of precision and creativity in design, inspiring me to delve deeper into the world of industrial design and continually seek new ways to push the boundaries of material and technique.

My first venture at Fontys in Venlo led me to the creation of a sleek, minimalist lamp. Tasked with both designing and prototyping, I embarked on a journey blending creativity with practicality.

Inspired by contemporary design trends, I curated a mood board to guide my vision. The lamp itself is a testament to simplicity, crafted from metal with plastic threads intricately woven throughout. What sets it apart is its versatility; a unique connecting part allows its two sections to be adjusted, offering adaptability to different spaces.

This project wasn’t just about making a lamp; it was about learning and growing. Through hands-on craftsmanship, I gained valuable insights into the intersection of form and function. Each step, from concept to creation, taught me the importance of attention to detail and the power of innovation.

This project stands as a foundational chapter in my design journey, where I not only honed my skills but also discovered the joy of bringing ideas to life.

The “Imagine” project envisions a sustainable future for fashion by returning to traditional methods. Inspired by the local food sustainable initiatives, an analogy is made towards the fashion industry. 

Through an exploratory approach, samples were made by foraging, collecting, or using old clothing. These samples were analyzed and combined into two artifacts, one artifact representing the spring season and one the autumn season. 

The results were tested from a first-person perspective, which gave the researchers a clear image of how it feels to wear the artifacts. By wearing the garments for a day, the researchers had the opportunity to observe the reactions that others have, and to start conversations about the artifacts. The results of this study are relevant to fashion designers or industrial designers that are researching ways to make the fashion industry more sustainable by returning to the old fabrication techniques.

In the Vitality project, our goal was to encourage students on the TU/e campus to adopt healthier habits, specifically by increasing their daily walking. To achieve this, we introduced Steptagon, a tangible artifact designed to visualize students’ weekly step counts.

Steptagon served as a physical representation of students’ activity levels, lighting up to reflect their accumulated steps throughout the week. By earning points on the accompanying Steptagon app, students could redeem rewards such as free drinks, incentivizing them to walk more.

The central button of Steptagon, meticulously crafted through 3D printing, was designed to facilitate student interaction. Its intuitive design encouraged students to engage with the device, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability for their physical activity.

One of the key strategies behind Steptagon’s effectiveness was its social aspect. By observing their peers interact with the device and earn rewards, students were motivated to join in and participate actively in the campus-wide initiative.

Through the Vitality project, we aimed not only to promote physical activity but also to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among students, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more vibrant campus environment.

This research study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a specially designed device in simulating sensations resembling Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and its potential in providing a deeper understanding of the experiences individuals undergo when they have symptoms similar to RLS. The study involved two sets of participants, including individuals with prior experience of RLS and those without. Through the use of a band-like device, participants were exposed to sensations intended to mimic RLS symptoms. 

The results revealed that the device successfully recreated core symptoms of RLS. The findings also highlighted the potential of inclusive design in raising awareness and fostering empathy. The study offers valuable insights, but it is crucial to recognize its limitations. The band’s constrained tension area highlights the need for further research to enhance the device’s design. Exploring alternative devices and involving a diverse sample of individuals diagnosed with RLS would expand our understanding of the device’s effectiveness and its potential to raise awareness and promote empathy for individuals with RLS

This design journey began with a focus on natural materials, exploring their intriguing properties in the context of interactive materiality. Even seemingly ordinary materials like shells and litter revealed surprising reactions, prompting a shift towards studying the liquid-to-solid transition. We experimented with materials such as Oobleck, water and hot glue, water and wax, and water and litter, showcasing the dynamic nature of this transition. Further exploration into States of Matter and Particle Movement inspired diverse ideas, including the creation of a DIY lava lamp.

The theme of cohesion and adhesion emerged, enhancing our understanding of material forces that dictate rigidity and flexibility. This phase led to integrating magnetic materials, notably small metal balls and magnetic powder. The final prototype combined these materials, featuring a two-layered plate for user interaction. The technical implementation involved iterative prototyping, hardware integration, and software development, resulting in an immersive and engaging interactive material experience.

Below is a video demonstrating the interaction.

In my final year of the Industrial Design Master’s program, I focused on a project that combines my interest in wearable technology with the goal of enhancing health and vitality. This year has been crucial for specializing in designing innovative solutions to improve sports performance and prevent injuries. The M2.1 project, titled “Wearable Technology for Injury Prevention in Weightlifting”, reflects my commitment to creating wearables that improve people’s health and well-being, specifically in sports.

This study investigates the use of wearables equipped with electromyography (EMG) sensors in weightlifting routines to prevent sports injuries. By using a mixed-methods approach that combines experimental and observational elements, I examined the effectiveness of these wearables, focusing on usability, comfort, and their impact on performance. The research involved healthy adult participants who regularly engage in weight training, particularly with free weight exercises.

During the project, I developed and tested two versions of the wearable, addressing issues found in the initial design. Semi-structured interviews provided detailed insights from participants, revealing different training habits, levels of injury awareness, and varied responses to the wearable prototype. The feedback emphasized the importance of user-centered design, with suggestions for improvements such as better cable integration and the addition of accompanying apps.

This project adds to the ongoing discussion about using technology for sports injury prevention, highlighting the need for continuous refinement and user involvement. The results indicate that wearables with EMG sensors could enhance safety and performance in weightlifting, with further advancements and user-focused improvements.

The final chapter of this study also includes preparation for the Final Master Project (FMP), showing the design process and planning integrated with my Personal Identity & Vision (PI&V).

Through this project, I have developed my skills in various aspects of product design and confirmed my dedication to creating wearables that make a positive impact on people’s lives. My goal is to continue exploring and advancing this field, designing products that help individuals lead healthier, more active lives.