Late, but better than never. As I’m writing this, we’re in lockdown for COVID-19. It’s easy to look at all the bad in the world and forget the good. In that light, it was time to reflect back on 2019 and some of the great times I’ve had.
If you’re curious about my previous yearly reviews, please find them here: 2016, 2017 & 2018.
One thing I notice when looking back at the previous yearly reviews is how my own behaviour has changed. Earlier, I was a lot focused on productivity and tracking the corresponding data in order to improve myself. These days, I notice I tend to live a lot more in the moment - and I like to believe I’m happier because of it. You’ll see that reflected in 2019: more travel, more feeling alive.
Impact
At the beginning of 2019, I started contracting for Internet Architects as UX lead. Back to my original love: design. That has given me the opportunity to shine again in something I know I’m really good at - and simultaneously work for some interesting organisations with complex design problems.
Federal Public Service Policy and Support (FOD BOSA)
Who would have imagined that I’d do work for the government some day. Interesting enough, the federal agencies are more agile than you’d expect them to be. Similarly, they tend to be more innovative. It just takes time and political buy-in.
I’ve worked on a really, really cool and innovative project. If all goes well - it might be some of the most impactful work in my career. But, as is typical with government work, I can’t show it.
Brussels Airport Company
One of the more interesting organisations I’ve worked for is Brussels Airport Company. I’ve noticed in my own work that I tend to venture more and more beyond the realms of digital design. The mix of physical services, together with digital layers offers a lot of interesting design opportunities and corresponding challenges.
I’ve worked mostly on their digital service offering: including their digital marketplace and their new loyalty programme.
Coffice
For a new coworking space & coffee shop in Mechelen I designed their new website. You can find the result here (plus, it’s really worthwhile to pass by when you’re in Mechelen).
Art and History Museum
No doubt, one of the coolest clients I’ve worked for ever. It’s my first museum I’m working for and immediately one of the largest ones in Europe. Their collection is exceptional. It includes archeologic pieces such as an Easter Island statue, a native American totem, Roman mosaic, a Merovingian tomb and a lot more.
Specifically I’m supporting the museum with service design thinking. One of the major projects we’re tackling is wayfinding within the museum.
Cake
In 2018 I wrote about a fintech app I’ve started working on. By now - it’s live! It’s named Cake and it intends to be the first profitable banking app for you. Cake brings together all your bank accounts, gives you insights in your financial data and helps you optimize your daily income and spending. I’m responsible for the UX of the app. Go check it out!
Other Startups
As usual, I’ve also done a whole bunch of design work for other startups. You’ll probably find it on my Dribbble at some point.
Example of a dashboard design I’ve worked on for a startup
Travel
Beyond my work - I’ve also traveled quite a bit. I’m highlighting a few of my favourite moments in 2019:
Paris
Early in 2019 I went to Paris. It was a short and intense trip - with a lot of different things I’ve seen and experienced. My personal favourite experience was eating at L’Arpège, Alain Passard’s restaurant and at that point, nr. 8 of the top 50 restaurants in the world.
The menu was unique in the sense that vegetables were always the leading ingredient. Furthermore, it was an endless menu with some of the best plates I’ve ever had in my life. It was so good I would hop on the Thalys to go back just for this restaurant. It’s not a question if I’ll be back, but rather when I’ll be back.
Another unique experience was a car auction by Sotheby’s. It had gorgeous cars: old BMWs, Porsches, Ferraris and many more. My personal highlight was seeing a Carrera GT for the first time in my life.
If you’re doubting for a birthday gift - this will do.
Parc Broekhuizen (Utrecht)
Sometimes you just need to relax. Parc Broekhuizen is exactly the place for that. It’s a gorgeous, historic estate surrounded by a century old forest. Whenever I’m thinking of a place to relax, think and plot new plans - this is the place I would drive to.
Malaga
Together with friends, I’ve traveled around Malaga. For me, one of the highlights of 2019 was Caminito del Rey (King’s little path). A gorgeous hike, between a narrow gorge in El Chorro. With a river flowing through the canyon and untouched nature in between.
As a very limited amount of people can access the path at any given point, you experience a tranquility rarely seen in life. Honestly, the photos don’t do any justice.
Other Places
Gorgeous Siena in Italy
I had the chance to travel to Italy (go back to one of my favourite places in the world: Siena) as well as New York. I’ve covered New York in detail before - but one of my favourite places was The Modern.
The Modern is a Michelin-starred contemporary American restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art. Besides L’Arpège and Voltaire, it was one of my favourite culinary experiences of the year.
Reflecting on it all, I tremendously enjoyed 2019. I hope I can relive some of its glamour in 2020.
Be well, all.