'I design packaging that is sustainable, user-friendly and beautiful.'
"The combination of working with technology and creativity came together within Industrial Design & Engineering. Because of the small scale of the programme, it was easy to get to know everyone personally and I quickly felt at home.
The design process
When designing a product, you are involved from beginning to end: you have an idea, then you sketch a design and analyse how a product works. Once the product is developed, you think of how to market it while continuing to do research and look for ways to improve the product.
Business contacts
Because you do assignments for different companies, you learn how things work in such firms. I carried out an assignment for EMSA, who make products to keep food fresh and drinks hot or cold. I also designed a juice dispenser for Vespa, the well-known Italian scooter brand. In this way, you learn to recognise typical design elements of a brand and transform them into a new product.
From containers to detergent packaging
The assignment for EMSA was: 'come up with a new product'. I worked in a multidisciplinary team: Industrial Design students took care of the creative part; Mechanical Engineering students looked into the technology of sustainably manufacturing the product; Technical Business Administration students investigated how to market the final product. We made an extra-large family picnic thermos jug with four built-in cups.
I became increasingly interested in designing packaging that is sustainable, user-friendly and attractive. During my bachelor’s assignment, I researched how to make detergent packaging sustainable. I wanted to use as little ink as possible because this makes recycling more difficult. Did you know that black plastic bottles cannot (yet) be recycled? I designed packaging for Robijn that was less harmful to the environment. I chose plastic that was not contaminated by coloured ink, so I preserved the quality of the material. At the same time, I wanted the packaging to be attractive. It was a challenge to make it more sustainable without removing all the identifiable components at once. For instance - introduce a removable label to make recycling easier.
Extra curricula
During my programme, I shared my experiences via Open Days. I also became chairperson of the Student Union. This is a student organisation within UT that is dedicated to the personal development and welfare of students. I encouraged students to become active in sports or cultural associations, but also within UT itself. Student participation is an important asset at UT. Lecturers and staff are always happy to discuss your input which creates an atmosphere of appreciation and stimulation. And alongside helping many students on their way, I also learned a lot myself.”