Merel
My interests
Accessibility
Designing for accessibility is very important to me. I believe everyone should be able to use and enjoy digital products, regardless of their abilities. I want to create designs that make life a bit easier and a lot more fun.
VR, AR, XR
I love discovering new ways in which people can interact with digital products, beyond the traditional screen. So it won’t come as a surprise that I am interested in designing for VR, AR, and XR. In my spare time, you’ll find me testing out new VR apps on my Meta Quest 3 and smashing cubes in Beat Saber.
Biohacking
Using tech to enhance our bodies and minds offers some unique challenges. It’s an area in which my knowledge is still limited, but improving well-being to help people make their day-to-day lives more enjoyable is something I would like to explore.
Artificial intelligence
I'm really excited about the potential of artificial intelligence in UX/UI design. AI can make user experiences smarter and more personalized. I want to explore how AI can help create interfaces that adapt to user needs and make interactions smoother and more intuitive.
My youth
From a young age, creativity has always been my happy place, whether drawing, painting, or building sandcastles. So naturally here I am, still doing the same thing.
I began as a visual designer, loving the artistic aspects, but soon realized I wanted more. I discovered I had an itch to tackle challenges and find solutions. Which led me to user-centered design. Nowadays I combine my creativity with functionality to tackle real-world issues.
Core principle
Make.
Life.
Simpler.
Ever get annoyed when things don’t work as they should? I’m right there with you.
As a designer, I’m here to turn those issues into smooth, enjoyable experiences. Making life a bit easier and a lot more fun.
Experience
UX/UI Designer
Freelance
24' - Present
Freelance & Intern UX/UI Designer
Digital Impact
23' - Present
Visual designer, animator and supervisor of design interns
Deftiq
20' - 24'
Visual designer, concept artist and art director (remote)
Kong Game Studio
19' - 24'
Education & certifications
Bachelor of Science,Hogeschool Rotterdam
Communication & multimedia design
21’ - 25’
The A11Y Collective
Web accessibility, the basics
23’
Hogeschool Rotterdam
Deftiq
23’
MBO BOL Level 4,Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam
Kong Game Studio
16’ - 19’