Hi, I'm Mike!
I'm a Digital Product Designer from the Netherlands
What I'm currently doing right now
Manager Operations at Albert Heijn
Since january - 2012
Currently I work at Albert Heijn, where I hold a prominent management position. My journey started out on the store floor, working as part of the team and eventually stepping up as a team leader. This job has given me a real hands-on understanding of teamwork, leadership, and connecting with customers.
Founder of Rose Avenue
Since october - 2022
I have established my own start-up brand called Rose Avenue. The brand's focus is to fill a specific gap in the market by offering high-quality clothing at fair prices for both producers and workers. An integral part of our approach is dedicated to minimizing our global footprint and reflecting our commitment to sustainability.
Freelancing
Since april - 2021
I'm open for freelance work whenever feasible, actively helping, reaching out to stakeholders and users in need of assistance for resolving design issues. My approach involves stepping out of my comfort zone to empathize with their needs. My design process centers around diligent research, attentive listening, practical validation, and iterative refinement of the designs. I am also comfortable with coding if required, showcasing my enthusiasm for continuous learning. For example this portfolio is created by me.
“I love creating empowering experiences, through thoughtful design that matches
Mike — An ending quote during the graduation presentation.
the user goals and needs.”
From passion to reality
When I was a kid, I had this big passion of making stuff that's cooler and easier to use. It all kicked off when I was playing with Lego bricks – I'd build these crazy structures. And in games like SimCity and The Sims, I'd cook up whole cities, houses and infrastructures. It was a blast.
As I got older, I got into creating things online – being creative to make websites, logos, and cool interfaces for my very own gaming community. That got me hungry to learn more, so I taught myself coding – HTML, CSS, and Javascript – the building blocks of the web. But you know what? There was still this itch to bring something to life.
Eventually, I decided to study programming. I finished the course successfully, but there was still something missing – a burning desire to create meaningful stuff. That's what led me to enroll at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, where I dove headfirst into Communication and Multimedia Design.
While finding my way as a young designer, I stumbled upon the world of User Experience (UX) design. I loved the idea of creating applications that people actually find useful and enjoy using. It's like crafting solutions that make life a bit easier.
Design ambition
What lights my fire as a designer? Products that aren't just about bells and whistles, but genuinely help people out, to improve the daily quality of life. My passion lies in designing and enhancing user experiences, and I find satisfaction in creating meaningful and functional solutions for users.
My ultimate goal is to become a well-rounded designer who can work on all aspects of a project. I pay close attention to detail and am excited to keep learning and creating unique and engaging user experiences.
Design Workstation
Study degrees
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Communication and Multimedia Design
In Communication and Multimedia Design you focus on the entire design process. You will take courses in the field of technology, design and interaction design. It is important that the product fits the people who will use it.
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Minor: User Experience (UX)
The minor: User Experience Design (Act I & II) teaches you to design web and mobile interfaces: interfaces that provide a good user experience and make a positive contribution to the user’s overall experience.
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Software Applications (IT)
The Computer Science Department (IT): here you will learn to build the foundation behind every application, game(s) and upcoming new technologies such as Big Data that will help society becoming better.
I've worked with
Design Portfolio
In 2019, I established my own website named Mizzie, as the foundation for my portfolio and freelance design endeavors. Over the years, I have diligently worked on creating and further developing my initial portfolio website and crafting a range of products that align with my identity as a designer.
My main ambition has been to leverage Mizzie as a platform to establish my own freelance design company while gaining valuable experience by engaging with new clients and users. Presently, Mizzie is all about building up my own brand and showing off my design work as a designer.
Highlights
A gallery showcasing the highlights from my journey as a upcoming (product) designer.
📧 Get in touch with me!
I'm open to taking on challenging projects anytime. Whether you're interested in collaborating with me or have any questions, please don't hesitate to drop me a message!
business@mizzie.nl