Simone G. de Waart

Expertise area(‘s): CA & BE
Squad: Sensory matters Cluster Making With..

Research focus, project topics I’d like to coach
“I like projects focused on the sensorial expressivity of embodied materiality in interaction. Besides i am interested in how design can support a sustainable society. So, in short these are my main topics: explorative materiality and the relation to the development of bio- circular materials. The link between these  topics is that interaction over time has much to do with product connectivity and can contribute to the longevity of products. It's actually more about the emotional connection that you make with your product and environment through a long-term interaction and engagement.”

What is your vision on education/coaching?
I prefer to work from an open exploratory making approach, where materials, craftmenship, supported by technologies have a central position from the start. Students will recognize the approaches when they follow the courses Interactive Materiality or Design and Sensorial form,  Materials, their performativity and immaterial value forms the starting point for explorations and defines the design space. So I don't work from a problem solution point of view, but the discovered opportunities within the design space define the final solutions for products and systems.  

"Usually, students contact me after they followed one of my courses in the bachelor or master or when knowing me from squad projects. If they appreciate my methodology, coaching style and my work, they are interested in having me as their mentor. They oftentimes already have a project direction in mind that I appreciate and if we find out that this topic also corresponds to my interest and expertise, we have a match.”

Students about Simone's coaching style:

"I chose Simone as my coach because of her extensive knowledge of various materials, her broad experience in entrepreneurship, and her expertise in business. Additionally, we had a personal connection. Simone is highly involved, and her coaching style aligned well with my development needs.

During our weekly coaching meetings, I could bring all my questions to Simone, and she always provided me with new insights to work on. She thinks proactively, is patient, and has extensive experience running her own company.  Graduating can be a challenging process, but Simone expertly guides you through it with her feedback and critical questions. What I particularly appreciated is that she not only provided guidance on the creative and systemic process but also helped me place my material research in a broader, future-oriented perspective.

Are you interested in creating new materials and bringing them to market? Then Simone is an excellent choice as a mentor. She often gave me that extra push to elevate my project and challenge myself further. Moreover, Simone has a broad network, which could provide valuable connections if they align with your project."

Ellen de Ridder MA graduate

"For my final project I really wanted to freely experiment with materials and search for my own way of working. I arrived at the right place with Simone because she gives you the freedom to draw your own plan and tried to support that by pouring it into a suitable structure together.
If you ask for a concrete value judgment, you will probably end up with more questions and options (to be able to come to such a value judgment yourself).
What I was eventually able to gain is self-confidence in myself as a designer and a clearer picture of who that designer is. I created the reins in collaboration with Simone to investigate that. I learned that there is not one right process to follow and it is worth investigating what your process is that strengthens your work."

Charlotte Bording, BA graduate

Network
“Creativity and Aesthetics is my main expertise and next to that Business and entrepreneurship. I bring in a large network of clients that we are working with in practice. I value the connection with the market in student projects (DLE track).”

Exemplary graduation projects of students I coached:

FBP project Charlotte Bording: Bloomn