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About me

Professional Identity

Hello, I’m Bente, I am a design enthusiast passionate about creating user-centered solutions that focus on functionality. I use a data-driven design approach, where every decision is informed by research, analysis, and a commitment to real-world results. This stems from my love for exploring, whether it is through traveling, connecting with people or gaining new experiences. I am always on busy with my wide scope of interests, from sports, to motorcycles, creative projects, and exploring nature. I use the unique perspectives I gain from my personal passions to create First-Person Perspective designs, often focusing on mental & physical well-being.
I have a long history as a top-athlete, which has given me a deep appreciation for pushing mental and physical boundaries, which can be seen in my designs and work ethic.

The technical aspects of design is what gives me energy, whether it's refining electronics, exploring materials, or diving into the physics of making a product work seamlessly. Throughout my design process I use making as a way of exploration. This helps me think more creatively and outside of the box, aligning perfect with my problem-solving mindset. 
My designs have improved users' ability to manage stress, express themselves, enhance mobility, and experience greater ease-of-use. Showing my dedication to creating designs that not only meet the users need, but also the unread needs, which are needs a user is not aware of.

Collaboration central to my work,  my outgoing nature and good social skills make me a good team player and communicator. These traits help me engage with users and colleagues, gaining an understanding of their needs, goals, and challenges.
I value the opportunity to share my insights and designs, often sparking conversations that deepen understanding from both sides. I would consider my use of visuals one of my communicative strong suits. In group projects, I often take a leadership role, where my critical eye and perfectionist drive ensure that all aspects of a design align cohesively.

Within User-needs, I am particularly passionate about designs enhancing  ease of use, balanced with market feasibility using technology focused designs and a data and making focused approach.
This balance drives me to deliver designs that are functional, cohesive, and market ready.

Vision

Nest smart thermostat

''A functional design is good when it falls to the background and users do not even realize they’re using it.''

I envision a future where design seamlessly integrates into daily life, utilizing intuitive, technological advanced products, connected to the users' needs and goals. This future uses the technological potential to enhance real-world experiences, and prioritize functionality to better individual and societal well-being.

 

I foresee is a shift in how technology is used: Currently, technology is often seen as a source of distraction from the physical world [1], even bringing many mental and physical health risks [2]. Users are becoming increasingly aware of the hold technology has on us, stating that technology may be creating more issues than it addresses [3], [4]. This is why i see technology change from being a source of distraction to becoming an enabler of deeper engagement with the world around us. Functional design falls into the background, using Augmented reality and Smart systems, serving its purpose so seamlessly that users barely notice it, allowing them to focus on what truly matters. This can already be seen in designs like the non-intrusive nothing phone [5], Google nest's intuitive self-regulating thermostat [6], or Adaptive transparency in Apple airpods [7].

 

Designers have a responsibility to look beyond immediate solutions and envision the long-term 
impacts of their designs. In my vision, design uses adaptable systems that evolve with users’ needs. By combining my social skills, creativity, and technological advancements, I aim to contribute to a world where design actively enhances the quality of life for individuals and communities.
 

This future is one where design is not only functional but also has the users well-being in mind, enabling individuals to live richer, safer, and more fulfilling lives while strengthening their connection to the world around them.

[1]       M. L. Hanin, “Theorizing Digital Distraction,” Philos Technol, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 395–406, Jun. 2021, doi: 10.1007/S13347-020-00394-8/METRICS.

[2]       Keer Lisa, “Digital Distraction and Its Impact on Your Health,” Massachusetts General hospital . Accessed: Jan. 10, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.massgeneral.org/news/article/digital-distraction-and-its-impact-on-your-health?

[3]       “Tech causes more problems than it solves ,” Pew Research Center, Jun. 2020, Accessed: Jan. 10, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/06/30/tech-causes-more-problems-than-it-solves/?

[4]       “‘Overwhelmed’ office workers admit their lives revolve around tech devices - and NOT the other way round | The US Sun,” The sun , Jul. 26, 2024. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.the-sun.com/tech/12547441/overwhelmed-office-workers-lives-revolve-tech-devices/?

[5]       “About us – Nothing Netherlands,” Nothing tech. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://nl.nothing.tech/pages/about

[6]       “Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen).” Accessed: Jan. 10, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://store.google.com/us/product/nest_learning_thermostat_4th_gen?hl=en-US

[7]       “AirPods Pro 2 - Apple (NL).” Accessed: Jan. 10, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.apple.com/nl/airpods-pro/

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