My professional identity as a designer is shaped by a combination of technical expertise, creative exploration, and a deep desire to create products that stimulate meaningful connections and personal growth. Beginning with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, I developed a strong foundation in designing and building machinery. This experience taught me precision, problem-solving, and system-oriented thinking. However, I quickly realized that the structured and utilitarian nature of mechanical engineering, while valuable, did not align with my deeper interests. I wanted to move beyond purely technical solutions to explore how design could enrich human experiences and connect with users on an emotional level.

This shift in focus led me to pursue a master’s degree in Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology. Here, I was able to combine the technical rigor of my previous education with a more creative and human-centered approach. My engineering background has remained a valuable asset, providing me with the technical knowledge to create reliable and efficient systems, which I now blend with the creative freedom to design richer, more personal products. For example, my mechanical engineering skills played a crucial role in developing the weight-detection system for a tangible interface, allowing me to integrate technical functionality into a user-centered design.

A pivotal part of my journey has been my relationship with social media and how it shaped my understanding of personal identity. When I was younger, I often found myself caught in the cycle of seeking validation online, removing pictures that didn’t receive enough likes, or feeling left out after seeing posts of events I wasn’t invited to. At the age of 19, I decided to stop uploading to my personal social media accounts entirely, and this decision changed my perspective. I began to focus on activities that were meaningful to me personally, regardless of whether they were "shareable" or popular. This shift allowed me to meet people who valued my authenticity and to explore places and experiences I might not have pursued otherwise. It was a turning point that shaped my belief in designing for individuality and stimulating self-expression.

As a designer, I strive to create products that help users focus inward and reconnect with what truly matters to them, free from the pressure of external validation. My professional identity is rooted in the idea that design should not only solve practical problems but also enrich lives by stimulating personal growth, emotional connection, and authenticity.

As a designer, my vision is to address societal challenges by creating products that encourage individuals to reconnect with their personal identity and focus on their own lives, rather than being drawn into the curated and often superficial world of social media. In an era where online personas dominate our attention, evoke comparison, and reduce self-esteem, I aim to design solutions that promote self-reflection, individuality, and deeper emotional awareness.

Social media has reshaped how we view ourselves and others, often pushing people to present highlights of their lives while hiding struggles and imperfections. This has created an environment where users are increasingly disconnected from their true selves, seeking validation and comparing their behind-the-scenes realities to others' polished narratives. I believe design has a critical role in counteracting this trend by empowering people to focus inward, reflect on their personal journeys, and rediscover the value of their unique experiences.

One direction I aim to explore is the integration of design for self-reflection into everyday products. By creating tools that encourage people to reflect on their past, I want to help users form stronger connections to their personal identity. For example, products like Reminiscence Radio, which link physical artifacts to soundtracks associated with personal memories, exemplify how tangible interactions can evoke moments of introspection. Such designs allow people to step away from the performative pressures of online platforms and engage with meaningful, personal experiences.

Another area of focus is designing systems that help people balance their digital lives with meaningful offline experiences. By integrating technology in ways that prioritize real-world connections and self-discovery, I hope to promote healthier habits and deeper personal fulfillment. For instance, tools that track personal milestones or facilitate memory-building activities could serve as alternatives to the fleeting satisfaction of social media likes and shares.

Looking forward, I want to tackle broader societal issues related to identity, mental health, and the influence of technology on human interaction. By creating designs that encourage introspection and celebrate individuality, I aim to contribute to a cultural shift where people prioritize personal growth over external validation. This aligns with my belief that technology should support human well-being, stimulating deeper connections to oneself and one's community rather than amplifying pressures to conform or perform.

In summary, my future as a designer is driven by a desire to explore how design can inspire people to focus on their own stories, reconnect with their past, and embrace their true identities. Through thoughtful and reflective products, I aim to challenge societal norms shaped by social media and create tools that encourage authenticity, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. By addressing these pressing societal challenges, I aspire to contribute to a world where people value their personal journey as much as they value their connection to others.