Hi, I’m Esmée Bakker—an imaginative, curious, and driven industrial design engineer. My passion for combining creativity, technology, and human-centred thinking drove me to study Industrial Design Engineering at the University of Twente. From a young age, I’ve always loved crafting things and exploring ideas. Industrial design engineering has allowed me to turn these passions into a career, where I can conceptualise innovative ideas, communicate them effectively, and create meaningful products that make a difference.
One of the aspects I enjoy most about product design is collaborating with diverse teams to work toward a shared goal. I find that when people with different backgrounds and expertise come together, it sparks fresh perspectives and leads to truly great ideas.
I’ve always been curious about how things work, and my studies have only deepened this fascination. After five years of learning the ins and outs of product design, I can’t help but look at everyday objects and wonder about the mechanisms inside and the process behind their creation. To me, every well-made product tells a story—from its initial concept to design, manufacturing, and launch. Being part of this journey is what excites me most about being a design engineer.
Throughout my studies, I’ve discovered what truly fuels my ambitions: creating sustainable designs that minimise negative environmental impacts. I’ve become deeply aware of the side effects of production—such as energy consumption, overproduction, and waste emissions—and decided that I want my work to help address these challenges. By educating myself on sustainable design practices and implementing them in my projects, I’m actively contributing to a better future.
Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s in Industrial Design Engineering, focusing on Sustainable Technology and Developments. During my first year, I had the opportunity to study Sustainable Design at Aalborg University in Copenhagen—an experience that aligned perfectly with my goals. Now, I have finished my Master’s thesis, which explored ways to incorporate sustainable practices into the development process while addressing the complexities of offshoring manufacturing. This project has been incredibly rewarding and could provide valuable insights for organisations aiming to embrace sustainable change.
Looking ahead, I hope to build a career where I can make a meaningful impact through innovative and sustainable product design. I’m excited to explore new ideas, embrace opportunities, and see where this journey takes me!
Esmée