Electronics & Programming

For me, design is about integration. Integrating knowledge about users, contexts, technology into a product. Making 'working' concepts is an essential skill for a designer. Not only is there a great amount of knowledge to be gained in the act of making, a prototype also allows for evaluation with users.

Evaluating products with people is essential for a design process. People should experience products. But people can only experience products if you confront them with working prototypes. Working prototoypes allow people to experience what you have in mind for the future. And when people experience new interactive products, they can provide adequate feedback on the design.

In the years I have familiarized myself with several methods to prototype my ideas. I have experience with electronics and several programming languages. This allows me to develop my ideas into working prototypes. It also allows me to discuss with, for example, mechanical engineers, electronic engineers or software engineers the best way to develop these new products.

My experience with programming languages spans from PHP to JAVA, C and ActionScript. Further I have experience with interfacing tools such as Arduino, Phidgets and Microcontrollers.

Lately I have added CAD-modelling to my prototyping skills. CAD-models in combination with 3D-printing facilities allow for rapid prototyping. The benefit of this skill in the design process is obvious: it allows to create complex forms in a short amount of time.