Before embarking on my studies at TU/e, my final years in school were filled with many creative industrial design activities. Notably, I have been a key member of my school’s first FLL team, with which I have participated in many FLL competitions. My participation in national and international championships like those exposed me to a myriad of other projects from around the world. Witnessing the diverse ideas and approaches employed by different teams broadened my understanding of the expansive nature of design. It was eye-opening to realise that there is a wealth of innovation and creativity beyond the boundaries of my school and immediate environment. Attending events where individuals from various continents shared their ideas and visions of the future further solidified my interest in pursuing a career in industrial design.
 
Reflecting on my past activities during my bachelor, I acknowledge certain areas where I needed growth. Initially, I tended to dive into projects without much forethought or planning. This often resulted in a lack of organisation and difficulties in problem-solving when unforeseen issues arose. As a consequence, some projects would stagnate or fail to reach completion. This pattern became particularly evident during my internship, where I had my first experience working in the field as a professional. As a result, this experience taught me the importance of being proactive and planning ahead and how to do it.
 
Many of the projects I worked on demanded interactive concepts, leading me to develop coding skills in Python and Processing. You can check the projects: Lost&Found., Ktiles, HomeVoice, AutoPlant, SUM Sanus. This proficiency allowed me to create interactive prototypes and gain expertise in integrating sensors, actuators, and building circuits. While these skills are not sufficient for producing a final product, they enable me to create prototypes that provide a tangible and immersive user experience—an area I specifically emphasised in my Professional Identity and Vision. Given the ever-increasing integration of technology into our lives, these skills hold great importance.
 
Moreover, both digital and physical prototyping have played significant roles in my development as a designer. You can check my internship and the projects: Lost&Found., Satisfier Machine, Oribaggu, Mnimi, Atempo, Catawiki redesign. This growth in prototyping techniques has not only expanded my technical abilities but has also influenced my design philosophy. For instance, my internship experience heightened my appreciation for 3D technologies, revealing their significance in rapid prototyping, final product manufacturing, and addressing environmental concerns.
 
Another area of growth lies in my approach to design processes. By exploring different design approaches, I have refined my own methodology. Rather than solely focusing on materials, I now begin by examining user needs and desired features, incorporating a more user-centric approach. This shift also intersects with my increased expertise of late in Business and Entrepreneurship. Although I may have not personally prioritised the business side of my projects in the past, I have now started to appreciate the use of various business models and tools as sources of inspiration and reflection. Techniques like benchmarking aid in defining ideas and understanding the design space. You can check my FBP report and the Strategic innovation advice report for project 2.
 
Lastly, through my bachelor, I have developed a preference for working in multidisciplinary teams. I recognise the importance of collaboration in crafting realistic concepts. Collaborating with people possessing diverse expertise allows me to focus on my core interests within a project while simultaneously managing the entire design process. This approach enables me to leverage the strengths of others to address aspects of the project where I may lack expertise.