Research

Research in the field of Industrial Design should be design(er) driven in that it generates knowledge or tools that are relevant to designers or the design process. As simple as this statement may sound, we think that its implications are often overlooked. There are many types of designers and numerous ways to tackle a design problem. One therefore needs a design philosophy and clear research goals in order to support the ‘right’ designer in an appropriate way.

My design philosophy

A product design should focus on creating possibilities instead of solving problems.
Products should be authentic – the result of an original and free mind -, impassioned – a reflection of the values and beliefs of the designer (company) -, and adapted to the concerns of a user within his/her context.

Projects I am involved in

Design for Experience
ViP
Vision in Product design

PhD supervision

2010
Five of my current PhD students will (most likely) defend their thesis later this year:Gael Laurans, Beatriz Russo, Erdem Demir, Miguel Bruns and Anna Fenko

2009
Karana, E. Meanings of materials.
Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology.
Supervisors: Prof. dr. P.P.M. Hekkert , Prof. ir. P. Kandachar.

2008
Ludden, G.D.S. Surprise in product design.
Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology.
Supervisors: Prof. dr. P.P.M. Hekkert , Dr. H.N.J. Schifferstein.

2005
Van Rompay, T. Expressions: Embodiment in the Experience of Design.
Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology.
Supervisors: Prof. dr. P.P.M. Hekkert , Prof. ir. J.J. Jacobs.

2004
Govers, P. Product Personality.
Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology.
Supervisors: Prof. dr. Schoormans, Prof. dr. P.P.M. Hekkert, Prof. dr. Oppedijk van Veen

2002
Desmet, P.M.A. Designing Emotions (with honours).
Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology.
Supervisors: Prof. ir. J.J. Jacobs, dr. P.P.M. Hekkert