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Hi
There!
I'm Julia and I'm an industrial designer passionate about design about designing products that enhance children’s play and well-being.
Extracurricular activities
Board year
From 2020 to 2021, I served as the chairman of the student hockey association Don Quishoot. In this role, I maintained contact with external stakeholders, led my board, facilitated and presented at meetings, and ensured the smooth operation of the association. My term was unique compared to my predecessors, as I navigated the challenges of a board year during the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience required me to be both flexible and creative, constantly exploring new opportunities and alternative activities without a script to follow from my predecessor.
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Start-up Fitit
Alongside three fellow (former) Industrial Design students, I extended one of our projects into a start-up called Fitit, where we create sustainable children's toys. You can explore our offerings at www.fitit.fun. In addition to product design, this venture has introduced me to various aspects of business, including marketing and advertising, building a web shop, and managing a newsletter and social media. This experience has truly transformed me into a versatile jack-of-all-trades.
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Design competitions
Prototypes for humanity
2023
My team and I reached the finals of the Prototypes for Humanity contest in Dubai with our prototype, KUKUA. This portable growth monitoring device is specifically designed for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) working in rural areas of Kenya, enabling them to effectively track child growth and health in underserved communities.
TU/e contest
2021
As part of our startup, Fitit, I participated in the TU/e Contest, a competition designed for enterprising engineers. Through this experience, I connected with successful entrepreneurs and international companies that provided valuable support and guidance. This opportunity significantly contributed to Fitit’s growth and enabled us to enroll in the Launch program at TU Eindhoven.
Dutch Design Week
2020
Through our research project, we were invited by the university department to showcase our design, Kompassie, at Dutch Design Week. In response to the impact of COVID-19, we developed a new approach to social interaction by redesigning existing online communication tools to enhance user engagement and connectivity.
Siemens Design Challenge
2020
With the results of our bachelor design project called FLUX, my team and I advanced to the finals of the Siemens Design Award in Munich with our innovative prototype. We developed a flexible cooking solution aimed at shaping the future of culinary experiences.
3M Science Challenge
2018
The 3M Science Challenge is a contest for high school students. My team and I invented a paint that normally is not visible unless it comes in contact with carbonmonoxy.
I strongly believe we can create more meaningful designs if we prioritize authentic experiences over market trends. Most products are made for the buyer, causing products for children are not always designed for the needs of the child itself. In my designs, I try to prioritize the perspective and experience of children.
My goal is to design visually captivating products that instantly spark curiosity, encouraging children to explore all the interaction possibilities playfully. I want children to engage with my designs in various ways, where there are no rights or wrongs in how they choose to play.
I believe in the balance between 'smart' tech and hands-on interaction. Not every product needs a screen to be engaging. Some are simply more fun with a tactile touch. In today's screen-centric world, I see the challenge of sparking physical play in the next generation of kids.
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