Future

As a person, I believe in helping people. A lot of current industrial design arguably does not do this. Why do I need another newer smartphone when the last model will work just fine? Why do I need a lighter gaming mouse? Why should we even design games maxing dopamine and screentime, when one could use this time for more fulfilling activities, making them happier long term?

I’ve tried to learn about many different skills, making me able to help others as broadly as I can. All the hard skills I’ve acquired can be passed on to others, being able to go in-depth in them where necessary for others.

Next to this, I am good at pointing out flaws and giving feedback on design, noticing this with boulder routes, as well as with teammates in industrial design. Combining these two with my brain working better when not locked to a single task, but being able to switch rapidly between tasks, becoming a teacher is a straightforward choice. Furthermore, I’d argue this might be the best way to make a direct positive impact as a designer. I am starting the teaching master for ontwerpen & onderzoeken (Design & Research) in September.

My love for physical design and creative work has not left me, however. I am currently working as a routesetter at a bouldering gym. Routesetting is creating movement on the wall. New moves can be built. New aesthetic compositions can be thought of, keeping all body types/users in mind. Routesetting is design.

Although I will probably be teaching in the future, I will always be learning. Learning from the experience of life and the people around me, reflecting and looking inside, and always tinkering with a new project. It is impossible to fully know what the future will bring. However, with skills as a designer and a future teacher, I may find myself designing for behaviour change and learning in the future as well. No matter what happens, I will strive to get the most out of myself.