Future statement
A future of increasing uncertainty forces us to take a more proactive stance in tackling the problems of today. Whether it is an increasingly unstable financial future for Gen Z, governments around the world struggling with change, or companies becoming more and more powerful, I believe that entrepreneurship as a force for good can and should be a prominent part of the future. We will see an increasing call on entrepreneurs to initiate change and create sustainable solutions.
I seek to facilitate technology that has the potential of elevating people to higher levels of independence. To achieve this, we must consider the broader context in which a technology will be used. Strategic designers can play a crucial role in this by bridging viability and feasibility.
Figure 1 depicts an application-driven design, where usability research is the driving factor behind the ‘gear shifter’ metaphor in this interaction.
Process & Method
The convergence of technical expertise and an entrepreneurial spirit, in combination with a well- organized design process, is a breeding ground for innovation.¹ As such, I seek to use my design background to facilitate this. It is my job to (co-) facilitate an open environment in which everyone can give and receive honest feedback, which is a key condition for a successful design process.
Figure 2 depicts how I position myself within a team. As a strategic designer, I use my design skills to facilitate creative thinking throughout this spectrum. Every team member plays a crucial role in what I call the harmony of innovation, with specialised knowledge and broad perspectives working together in harmony.
¹ Farjoun, M., Ansell, C., & Boin, A. (2015). Perspective – pragmatism in organization studies: meeting the challenges of a dynamic and complex world. Organ. Sci. 26 (6), 1787–1804.
In society
I believe that technology should not interfere, but enrich the narration of our everyday lives. Human design should be the foundation of how we innovate, and find its way along our interaction attention continuum.²
As a strategic designer I have the unique ability to bridge viability and feasibility, allowing me to navigate a broader opportunity construct. My polyvocal mindset helps me to challenge dominant conceptions in both the field of engineering and the field of business analytics, powered by a designer’s way of thinking.
"I believe that entrepreneurship is more often than not the key to a design success."
² Bakker, S., & Niemantsverdriet, K. (2016). The interaction-attention continuum: considering various levels of human attention in interaction design. International Journal of Design, 10(2), 1-14.
What is Value?
All in all, defining how design influences the narration of our everyday lives is a matter of continuous improvement, discussion, balancing, and making tough decisions. Central to my approach is defining what value means for an organization, based on the organization’s DNA and mission.
