ABOUT
ME
Mijn naam is Charell, en ik ben een sociaal productontwerper met een 'confetti-brein'. Een paar jaar geleden werd mij verteld dat mijn brein functioneert als confetti; een plek waar ideeën worden gelanceerd als uit een confettikanon. Voor mij symboliseert "confetti" vreugde, levendigheid en diversiteit. Het vertegenwoordigt de verscheidenheid aan mensen en ideeën in de wereld, net zoals confetti er in verschillende kleuren en vormen is. Het herinnert ons eraan dat diversiteit een kleurrijke samenleving creëert en dat dit gevierd moet worden.
Welkom in mijn wereld!
TOOLS I LIKE TO USE :
HARD
SKILLS
01. PRODUCT DESIGN
My Bachelor’s degree of Applied Sciences in Industrial Product Design has equipped me with practical skills that are directly applicable. This, combined with my Master’s degree in Industrial Design, allows me to design from two different perspectives and merge these practical abilities with academic knowledge.
03. SOCIAL SCIENCES
My interests revolve around psychology, behavioral sciences, and human-centered design. I am convinced that combining these disciplines with creativity and aesthetics elevates their worth. To further this, I took courses like ‘Design for Behavioral Change’ and ‘Design for Social Innovation’ during my master’s program.
05. DATA ANALYSIS
What truly excites me is discovering new patterns and gaining insights from (qualitative) data. Investigating hypotheses is rewarding, gaining new insights and learning something that leads to improvement is even better.
02. SOFTWARE
I am familliar with various software programs. These include graphic design software such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, and Figma, as well as 3D modeling programs like SolidWorks and Fusion360.
04. RESEARCH
I use, combine, and adapt various design thinking tools and methodologies to gain deeper insight into the needs and preferences of users, as well as to conduct usability testing. This includes both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
06. PROTOTYPING
I prefer starting the prototyping process early in projects, initially working with low-tech prototypes. However, I have the technical skills to build more advanced prototypes and enjoy learning new materials or methods.
My education and personal experiences have shaped me as a designer. Growing up with a mentally disabled sister and dealing with my own mental health challenges have taught me the importance of listening beyond hearing and truly understanding the core needs of individuals. I seek to involve users, experts, and other stakeholders early on in projects. By adopting a collaborative approach, I can co-create meaningful, inclusive, and effective solutions.
I am a passionate and empathetic designer who believes in the power of design. With my skills, creative mindset, and willingness to push boundaries, I am committed to understanding and meeting the needs of users while working towards social change. I am ready to use design as a tool for positive transformation, creating a more inclusive society with fewer taboos and more happiness.
PORTFOLIO
Get a glimpse into my confetti brain, a place where ideas and project are as colorful and varied as confetti.
TRUE COLORS
FINAL MASTER PROJECT
True Colors is a journal-style toolkit that aids individuals in reflecting on their emotions methodically. It allows them to externalize, label, and gain a better understanding of their emotions, providing a novel approach for visualizing emotional layers.
Project status: currently working with the mental health professionals involved in this project to determine next steps, as they are eager to implement it in their own practice.
DE PAUW
DESIGN FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION
De Pauw is designed for those with mid to late stage dementia, who often struggle with time perception and memory formation. Despite these challenges, they can still engage in the present. Pauw offers a multi-sensory experience that keeps people with dementia and their loved ones in the moment. Its interactive nature generates a harmonious sound, fostering a sense of unity and positivity.
LANTY
DESIGN INNOVATION STRATEGIES
Lanty is designed to reduce the negative effects of nightmares on children and their parents. It features a huggable device and a storybook, creating an immersive experience through ambient light and music. These guide the child's dreams towards positive, comforting themes.
Lanty is equipped with a sound detection system. When a child wakes up during the night, it generates familiar sounds and light to create a soothing environment. Lanty's objective is to improve the well-being of refugee children who have endured traumatic experiences.
SANDY
INTERACTIVE MATERIALITY
The project aimed to create a shape-changing, interactive interface for relaxation through material exploration, resulting in SANDY. SANDY is a material made of Super Sand, small stones, and iron powder, providing magnetic properties and a soft texture. Interaction with SANDY generates unique patterns through Ultrasonic Distance Sensors, Servo motor-powered gears, and a range of magnets.
CONTACT
I enjoy exchanging ideas and thoughts. Chatting about my work and what I do? Absolutely love it. Whether you're interested in collaboration or simply curious about my professional adventures, please contact me!
