About me

Steven Fokkinga (1983) was born in Baarn (The Netherlands) and obtained a master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering from TU Delft (The Netherlands) in 2009. His graduation project explored the possibility of using negative emotions in product experiences, a topic he is exploring further in his PhD-project. In this project, which is carried out under the CRISP program, he will collaborate with KLM, the Design Academy Eindhoven and the Design against Crime Lab in London.

Steven is co-founder and co-director of the Delft Institute of Positive Design (DIoPD). The DIoPD wants to make the next step in product design and user experience: to investigate the role that products can play in human flourishing and happiness. To make this step, designers need to radically change their perspective on the role of products in people’s life. Instead of seeing products as mere commodities that solve problems and fulfill needs, they should focus on what products can add to the kind of things that make people truly happy.