Just click me if I’m in the way
Hi! I’m Thomas, a UX designer with a passion for User Research.
I transform hunches to actionable insights. With over 100+ user interviews conducted I love testing risky assumptions, or better said, I love hanging out with unpredictable, irrational, complicated humans that are gaining value from the products and services that I design.
Throughout my career I’ve collaborated with a diverse set of brands, including Philips, Signify, CM.com, and Sendcloud. With a Master of Science in Industrial Design, and a PhD in Interaction Design, my projects always have a strong focus on a deep understanding of the people using a product and creating frictionless experiences that are pleasant and memorable.
Occasionally I code and create websites, logos, and visual identities. I have been creating designs professionally since 2012, starting as a freelance graphic designer, I’m currently working as Senior User Researcher at Sendcloud, collaborating with 5 feature teams focusing on automating the shipping process for e-commerce retailers.
UX designer
I design with empathy and enthusiasm. I thrive in complex design challenges with multiple stakeholders, and I never shy away from a new challenge. I build relationships with designers and stakeholders to establish design practices that people want to work with and be a part of.
Assumption validator
I continuously track user needs to quickly identify and validate opportunities, helping us stay lean and competitive. I prioritise testing the riskiest assumptions first with creative experiments. Moving from hunches to confident, user-informed, and actionable insights.
User researcher
Humans are the best. I love hanging out with unpredictable, irrational, complicated humans that are gaining value from the products and services that I design. With a PhD in interaction design, I have deep knowledge of mixed method research methods. GOOB is my jam: I only start designing after hanging out with the people that will use my designs.
Design thinker
Uncovering big ideas gets me super excited. I love bringing cross-disciplinary teams together to collaboratively explore solutions and solve problems. I have extensive experience planning and facilitating workshops.
More of a paper person? Download my CV.
I am a design researcher with particular interest in how people experience interactive IoT systems in their future everyday. With these complex systems, design becomes part of a stakeholder network that jointly creating value for people. I regard people as humans (not users) and considering their aspirations, believes, and experiences. By exploring the context in which these people behave through observations and actively involving people in research, I aim to design technology that fits people’s routines and practices.
I am a creative thinker and a team player specialising in human-centered, qualitative, and in-situ research, with a particular interest in understanding the role of technology in everyday life. I approach research hands-on by realizing high-end prototypes and evaluating them with people in their everyday life.
Experience
Nov 2020 – Nov 2023 • 3 years
Senior UX designer
CM.com – Mobile Marketing Cloud
Read moreMixed methods research, UI design, developing & working with DLS
Education
Doctorate Industrial Design (PhD)
Eindhoven University of Technology
2015 – 2019
Doctoral dissertation: Designing for the Internet of Lighting
Master Industrial Design (MSc.)
Eindhoven University of Technology
2012 – 2014
Graduation project: Music as a Gift
Bachelor Industrial Design (BSc.)
Eindhoven University of Technology
2007 – 2012
Graduation project: Tessella
Volunteering
Organiser & Graphic lead
Tangible & Embodied Interaction conference 2016
2016
Read more
Treasurer & founding member
Stukafest Eindhoven Culture Festival
2012
Treasurer
Study Association Lucid
2010
Tools
Honestly, I’m tool agnostic. Give me the latest fashion and I’ll make it work
Hobbies
🎸
Music
Playing Guitar & Bass guitar, mostly with my band Bag on Wheels
🌎
Travel
I travel as much as I can. Check my Polarsteps.
🎲
Boardgames
Yes, I’m a nerd. I’m disappointed if a game is done within 2 hours.
🤿
Scuba diving
If I would be reincarnated, I want to be a fish.
🎛
Home automation & DIY Electronics
My wife doesn’t always like it, but I do!
Contact
I’m always looking for interesting projects and eager to hear about new opportunities. Email me at twerff[at]gmail.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn