Overall Development
In the Expertise Areas (EA)
User & Society (U&E)
I have learned how to use my emphatic personality to switch to the perspective of different users. This helps me to understand their needs, desires and challenges. I have also learned and conducted different user evaluation methods (interviews, focus groups, user tests, surveys, user experience curves, cognitive walkthroughs etc.). I learned that I found these UEMs crucial to make informed design decisions and validate the concepts.
Technology & Realization (T&R)
As a designer, I use my T&R skills to explore, demonstrate and evaluate innovative concepts/experiences. Physical low-fidelity prototypes, for example cardboard models, and digital models allow me to make quick explorations. High-fidelity prototypes, for example 3D prints in combination with electronics, allow me to demonstrate and communicate final concepts. Both types of prototypes enable me to evaluate concepts with users.
Creativity & Aesthetics (C&A)
C&A is an expertise area that is intertwined within almost all steps taken during a design process. In the early stages of the design process, I use it in the form of exploring concepts; I prefer to explore in the form of sketches (Procreate), low-fi prototypes and digital models. In more final stages, my C&A skills can be seen in the graphic designs were I communicate my design process; while using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
Business & Entrepreneurship (B&E)
I have learned how to build and maintain business networks. I also learned a broad variety of business canvases (value propositions, future cones, service blueprints, etc.) I use these canvases mainly to find the pains of stakeholders regarding current products/services and to find opportunities.
Math, Data & Computing (MD&C)
The real world is a chaotic and messy reality. I use my skills in MD&C to get a grip. I do this by analyzing data I gained out of UEMs. When analyzing qualitative data, I use different analyze models like the Thematic Analysis and Affinity Diagrams. When analyzing qualitative data, I use Python to create visualizations and tables. When applicable, I use my expertise in MD&C also to predict the physical attributes of a design, by making digital twins and simulations.
Design & Research Processes (D&R)
I am skilled at using and adjusting research processes in design. I choose methods efficiently for specific tasks and broader knowledge. I can bring together and organize information from various sources while considering different viewpoints or perspectives on a topic. This expertise is vital for solving design challenges and making meaningful contributions to the design and research community.
