VISION

I see the world as a complex, ever-growing entanglement of relations and interdependencies. Design, too, is part of this network. Yet the pace of contemporary design often distances us from these connections: decisions are made quickly, sometimes even without considering their wider consequences.

The textile industry reflects this acceleration. Fast production cycles, low costs, and constant new collections have made slowness feel unproductive, even undesirable. But I believe that slowness is essential. It creates room for sensitivity, attunement, and awareness of the many actors involved in making, from materials and tools to people and environments. By embracing slowness, design can challenge dominant narratives of speed and progress, and instead foster responsibility and care.
My own focus lies in textiles and the tools and techniques used to create them. These practices are inherently time-consuming and require patience, precision, and attention. In this way, they stand in stark contrast to the speed of the textile industry. By engaging deeply with tools and processes, I learn from their histories, their material specificities, and the communities of knowledge that surround them. Working in this way creates space for reflection and allows design to emerge gradually, rather than being driven by pressure for novelty.

My vision is to cultivate design practices that foreground responsibility, awareness, and care. I imagine futures where slowness is recognized as a strength, where tools and techniques are valued not only for efficiency but for the insights they offer into how we might design more responsibly.

PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY

I care for people and for the environment, and I believe design should do the same. To me, this is more than choosing sustainable resources - it is about responsibility. I do not see myself as the sole author of a design, but as a mediator and facilitator among many actors. My role is to bring these actors together - people, materials, tools, and techniques - and to take responsibility for the decisions I make along the way. Every choice, big or small, carries consequences for both the present and the future.

Making is central to my identity as a designer. It is not only a means of production, but also a way of thinking, questioning, and reflecting. My processes often begin exploratively: through hands-on experimentation with textiles and tools, I discover direction and meaning from a first-person perspective. This situated approach keeps me sensitive to context and embeds responsibility into the work itself.

By grounding my practice in making, I position myself within the very systems I critique. Where the textile industry pushes acceleration, I work to slow down. Where it prioritizes novelty, I strive for attunement. In this way, my practice becomes a careful, accountable, and ongoing negotiation with the world around me.

SMART GOALS

1. Interactive Loom Prototype
I will design and build a fully functional, digital, and interactive loom that integrates electronics (Arduino/ESP32, sensors, actuators) and CAD tools (Fusion 360 for laser cutting and 3D printing files). Specifically, the loom will:
• Control each warp thread individually (Jacquard-like system).
• Use sensor data to generate weaving patterns automatically.
• Automate front and back warp beam tension.
• Allow manual weft insertion and reed compaction while the loom handles decision-making.
Additionally, I will design the loom as a high-quality, museum-like prototype with a sleek, modern aesthetic that incorporates transparent acrylic, wood, and metal to showcase electronics and mechanisms.

Measurable:
• Produce three iterations of loom prototypes.
• Achieve a fully functional technical loom capable of generating patterns from sensor input.
• Ensure the final prototype demonstrates both functionality and an exhibition-level design finish.

Achievable: I will build upon my existing knowledge of programming, prototyping, and previous loom-making experience (M2.1). I will use accessible tools (Fusion 360, laser cutter, 3D printer, vinyl cutter) and set aside time for iterative development.
 

Relevant: This project supports my research-through-making approach, allowing me to explore the intersection of craft, technology, and design.
 

Time-bound:
• Begin prototyping early in the semester.
• Complete three iterations of loom prototypes within the semester.
• Deliver a final functional and exhibition-ready prototype by the end of the semester.
 

2. Designing an Engaging Demo Day Setup
Specific: I will design and create a large, engaging, and interactive Demo Day setup to present my Final Master Project. The setup will not only showcase my prototype but also communicate my research in a clear and inviting way. It will include:
• A finalized prototype + samples + small hand-out booklets
• A thoughtfully designed physical setup that attracts and engages visitors.
• A video (filmed and edited) to support the presentation.
• An A0 poster
• A Demo Day page

Measurable:
• Three weeks before Demo Day to prepare the setup.
• Deliver all five required elements (prototype, setup, video, poster, platform content).
• Ensure the presentation is interactive and visually engaging, not just functional.
 

Achievable: I will use my eye for detail and design skills to ensure the setup is visually polished. My semester planning allows dedicated preparation time, making the goal realistic.
 

Relevant: This goal supports the success of my Final Master Project by ensuring not only a strong prototype but also a compelling presentation. It challenges me to communicate my work effectively and professionally.
 

Time-bound:
• Begin setup preparation three weeks before Demo Day.
 

3. External Expert Evaluation
Specific: I will include an external party in the evaluation of my loom design by reaching out to experts such as Jos Klarenbeek, Textielmuseum Tilburg, Weverijmuseum Geldrop, or Enschede Textielstad. The evaluation may involve interviews, visits, or a weaving session. I will approach them with a clear research direction and a working prototype to guide the discussion.
 

Measurable:
• Reach out to at least one external expert for evaluation.
• Conduct one or more sessions (interview, visit, or hands-on weaving) to gain professional feedback.
• Document the feedback and apply it to the development of my project.
 

Achievable: I will leverage my existing network and access to textile institutions. By preparing a second prototype and clarifying my research direction, I will ensure I can approach experts with a meaningful proposal, and clear expectations.
 

Relevant: Engaging external experts supports my research by providing professional validation, technical insights, and broader perspectives. It also strengthens my professional skills in communication, collaboration, and external engagement.
 

Time-bound:
• Define research direction and complete a second prototype by end of October.
• Reach out to experts at the end of October.
• Conduct evaluation session(s) before Demo Day.