Remke Timmermans
Designer - researcher - anthropologist
I combine my background in design and anthropology and apply methods from both fields to understand complex contexts and to imagine alternative futures with the people affected by the design outcomes. My approach to design is bottom-up, grounded in empirical research and building on principles from design justice and feminist design, emphasizing equity throughout the design research process.
I am a social designer, design researcher, and anthropologist with an MSc in industrial design (TU/e) and an MSc in Anthropology and Development Studies (Radboud).
With my design "Skill families" which is part of my final master project "A Place Worth Living In" I won the Social Design Talent Award. I'd love to explain you more about the co-design project here.
A Place Worth Living In
People in asylum reception centres must wait months, sometimes years, for a decision on their status. During that waiting period, they are not allowed to work. That brings boredom, loss of self-esteem, and a sense of stagnation. The concept of the interactive installation “skill families” responds to this. Residents can share their skills and talents in the installation with other residents and visitors.
In the redevelopment plans of the AZC Oisterijk, a location has been designated as a meeting space for residents and neighbours. I designed "Skills families" for this space. The interactive installation was developed together with the residents of the AZC and will continue to be developed in collaboration.
The concept can also be used at other asylum reception centres. In my graduation research, collaborating with morgenmakers, I combined my anthropological and design backgrounds. Bringing experiences and methods from both fields allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the needs and experiences, which informed the design of the 'skill families' installation.
Design research projects
A collection of design research projects developed during my master's in Industrial Design and Anthropology & Development Studies.
