Hello! I’m Deger – and in case you are wondering how to pronounce my name – it is pronounced as “de’er” as if there is no “g”. That covered, I am a PhD candidate in Studio-lab, and my research interest is in developing tools and methods for designers to use conflicting goals as an inspiring starting point to design. This research project is among the research portfolio of Delft Institute of Positive Design. The institute was established in November 2011 with the aim of initiating and stimulating the development of knowledge that supports designers in their attempts to design for human flourishing.

Deeply inspired by people’s innate contradictions and emotional dilemmas, my research investigates using emotion-driven design to motivate behavior that is consistent with virtues when they conflict with temptations. I conducted my graduation project on meaningful goal engagement in the domain of sustainable eating habits, and joined Studio-lab as a PhD researcher in November 2011 to build on the topic of my graduation project.