Welcome to my Portfolio
Hi, I am Annique and I am currently doing my Final Bachelor Project at Industrial Design on the University of Technology in Eindhoven.
Professional identity
In every single project or course, I have done as a designer, I have always felt drawn to exploring new topics, skills and ways to implement those new skills or knowledge into my design processes. Although there are certainly topics I gravitate towards more frequently, I do tend to seek new things to learn in every project I take on. This is closely related to me being flexible in my processes and projects. Whenever something unexpected happens during the design process, I am able to quickly adapt. Having broad interests and being flexible are two of my biggest strengths as a designer.
In my own time, I try to teach myself how to work with new methods, tools or materials, by actively seeking out the right information. However, I always try to seize the opportunity to learn from others. During group projects, I find it extremely valuable to learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses and use everyone’s strength to help each other become better designers. Every team member has a unique background and can share their own perspective, showing various views or approaches during the process.
Using a sewing machine for my FBP
Furthermore, I am a very analytical and practical person. Whenever I am faced with a complex problem, I try to observe, research and analyze as much as possible and try to view the problem from multiple perspectives to systematically comprehend the problem. However, this practical approach can withhold me from thinking outside the box in the brainstorming phase, because I disregard idea’s too early when they seem unrealistic. On the other hand, my practical thinking helps me make quick decisions about the best steps to take in the realization phase of the process. I try to keep the process and end product realistic, compare different techniques and design options and determine the most practical and fitting solution. These analytical and practical skills, combined with my creativity, allow me to move a step closer towards the solutions of complex problems.
To eventually test the value of the product, I believe that the users are the best source for retrieving the most accurate and valuable feedback, especially with a physical representation of your idea. Having an interactive prototype will give users the opportunity to interact with the different features and the design as a whole, without them having to use their imagination, will aid in the retrieval of more valuable and realistic user feedback in relation to my designs.
Volunteering at a summer camp made me appreciate collaboration and how much you can learn from working in a big group
“As a designer, my wish is to use my knowledge and skills to create inclusive designs that increase the independence of marginalized groups.”
Vision
In the future, I would love to work on creating more inclusive user experiences. Although the user groups for inclusive designs might be niche, the impact of those designs can be so much larger than another latest version of a product, which will be updated every few years. By acknowledging and tackling some of the struggles of people with for example a visual impairment, they might finally get to experience daily live with fewer obstacles they face on a daily basis. My ultimate wish is to use my knowledge and skills to create inclusive designs that increase the independence of marginalized groups.
When working with a niche or specific user group, I believe you can use this to your advantage, by collaborating with the users and understand the specific struggles they face. I think that working closely with users while also applying knowledge from usability research as a basis for decisions, will help with the creation of more personalized solutions and services. With the option for personalization, I wish to make marginalized groups feel more heard and understood.
In order to make the products last, I wish to make any designs durable, so the user is able to use the product for a long time. When creating an inclusive design with and for the user, the impact of a product can be increased and therefore their time wanting to use the product. I believe that, with an improved user experience and thus the longevity of a product, a more sustainable impact can be made with my designs.