About fizzgig

I never thought I liked moving - I still do - but new surroundings are nice... after a short while. I like to adapt, apparently.

Stockholm was my home from the autumn of 2009 until the summer of 2011 and I finished my Human-Computer Interaction master at the university of Stockholm. Most people with some background knowledge of this region ask why I did not go to the technical university (KTH) and the answer is quite simple: been there, done that. Not that I did not like it, far from it.

People back in the Netherlands seem to underestimate the university of Twente, which is in Enschede at the far eastern border of the Netherlands. I really enjoyed it there and that shows in the number of years I took to complete my bachelor program. I can whole-heartedly recommend people to study there; the city is nice, the people are quite friendly and the university is a goldmine for both outstanding education and undertaking all kinds of activities outside of your studies, but within the university community.

Normally I am categorised in the "a bit weird" category. I like the cold over heat, and am a morning person, which seems to be a dying kind. I like the outdoors, but can remain comfortably inside to work on non-important things. Snowboarding, (ice)skating, sailing, running and walking seem to fit me. Biking as well, but I did not list that for I am Dutch after all. I really love a challenge if it is a puzzle of some sorts and I really love to puzzle if it is a challenge of some sorts.

I have a strong opinion, especially when I am convinced, but nothing cannot be countered with a good argument. But, nothing is as fun as an argument over arguments. Stubborn with a tendency to agree with you if you are right. My thesis reviewer "complained" I can sound quite convincing, especially when I am.

Opinions can be formed about almost anything, but my main subjects of choice can be found in my master's subject: people and computers. Another reason to choose a non-technical university for HCI is because technical aspects are just one aspect. Finding the middle ground is the hard part as always when people are involved. It is easy to get lost in designing an architecture and to forget the front-end. Front-ends can be annoying as hell, but not without good reasons.

My background is not all technical; I try to keep an open mind, because interdisciplinary work has always been more fun and productive. From high school I tried to be creative-minded as well. Combine that with computers and opinions and digital layouting pops up. I have enjoyed creating many a magazine or paper and combine that joy with interaction design nowadays when it comes to websites.

I like to work and I like to push myself in certain ways, but I have always valued what I have in life. I do like to dream, but am perfectly happy with just dreaming. One step at a time is a good pace, but keep an open eye for opportunities as well, because implementable dreams are fun.