Identity
Hi, I am DETA, which is short for Douwe Terpstra. I would identify myself as an experience and interaction designer with a passion for music and sound.
I started learning to produce music at the age of 12. Where it first was only for fun, I later started using it as a form of expression. With my growing experience as a music producer, I subconsciously learned about perception, and how specific decisions can influence the way something is experienced. I learned how to alter parameters in such a way that it creates an experience that resonates with the feelings I want to communicate. During the study of Industrial Design, my experience with translating feelings and creating experience in music has sparked my interest to apply this into my designs as well. By expanding my understanding in this field of expertise, I learned to create immersive experiences and aesthetic interactions.
With my projects, I aim to bring value to the users everyday life. I like to resonate my values based on the taoisitic approach through my designs to cope with modern society whether it is an experience, product or event. Taoism is an ancient eastern philosophy which gives us ways to live in harmony with the world. Examples of possible applications are interactive experiences, which share the taoistic perspectives, to support a healthy mindset or designing products that support the user to maintain a balanced life in terms of working and self-actualisation.
Furthermore, I will always look for opportunities to incorporate music and sound in design and explore the possibilities to create interesting and innovative experiences.
Early in the design process, my strength is to explore the context and find possible design opportunities. When working in teams, I always have to make sure I do not already form a preference before I present it to the team as I need their input as well to make a well informed decision. Later in the design process, I excel in implementing an idea or concept in such a way that the initial idea is communicated through the design and experienceable for the user. During teamwork, I prioritise harmony. I find it important to create a safe and open atmosphere where everyone can share his/her own honest opinion. I believe that creating a collective vision is essential for a project to be successful.
Vision
The world we live in affects us in many ways. The way we feel is influenced by our environment, the people around us, as well as the activities we undertake. Over the years, technology has become more and more apparent/present in our daily lives. In this era, where the world seems to be focussed on efficiency and flexibility, it is hard to make time for yourself and listen to your needs. I think, in order to maintain a healthy body and mindset, it is important to make sure the balance is restored.
In current society, the pressure to work hard is rising and the dogged pursuit for being successful results in feelings of anxiety for many people (de Graaf et al, 2005). Through our phones, we are always connected with everything and moments of tranquility are scarce. Next to that, Overconsumption and overworking results in less time for leisure, social context, sleep, exercise and other activities to maintain the body and mind (Roach. B et al., 2019).
Technologies like AI (Artificial Intelligence) are now mostly used to feed consumerism to facilitate financial growth for the enterprise. However, I believe AI has the potential to support the user in creating a lifestyle in which the user is able to achieve their goals and fulfill their belongings rather than having the focus on money. I believe that designers have the responsibility to get this potential value for individuals out of new technologies.
Additionally, I believe that raising awareness around the subjects of overconsumption, overworking and the value of a healthy body and mind may help society shift towards a new standard in which activities to maintain the body and mind have a higher priority on our daily to-do list. By creating more room for these activities, humans can increase their quality of life and feel like they reach their full potential.
I would like to end with my belief that digital environments should be (re)designed in such a way that it is in line with our physiological and psychological needs. The workspace and the way we do our work could be redesigned to make sure that the way we work is closer to our nature and healthy behaviour.
References:
de Graaf, John, David Wann, and Thomas H. Naylor. (2005). Affluenza: The All-Consuming
Epidemic. Berrett-Koehler, San Francisco
Epidemic. Berrett-Koehler, San Francisco
Roach, B., Goodwin, N., & Nelson, J. (2019). Consumption and the Consumer Society. Global Development And Environment Institute, Tufts University.