New department chair for Human-Centered Design

Richard Goossens to lead Health and Technology Convergence
After almost five years heading up IDE’s Human-Centered Design Department, Professor Richard Goossens will be taking on a new challenge as the programme director for the Erasmus MC–TU Delft-Erasmus University Health and Technology Convergence which combines the expertise of these three institutions. It’s a role for which Richard is uniquely qualified, with his many years of research experience at Erasmus MC, where he worked as a PhD student and researcher; and at TU Delft, where Richard has spearheaded the Medisign track.

Richard, comments: “Of course, I am not leaving the faculty and am looking forward to connecting our staff and students in the unique Erasmus MC-TU Delft-Erasmus University healthcare programme.”

And as for the question of who will be filling Richard’s shoes? Richard confirms that he feels “very happy that Pieter Desmet, will be my successor. I think he will be superb, with his inclusive mindset, patience and wisdom. Since he is a ‘product’ of our own faculty I think he can guide us perfectly into the upcoming years.”

Pieter Desmet: putting people at the heart of Delft design
Professor Pieter Desmet, who started his journey in Delft in 1990 as a design student says: “I’m honoured to take the next step in my journey as Department Chair of Human-Centered Design. With more than 120 people, HCD has a significant impact on the global landscape of human-centered design education and research.

A lot has changed since I was a student. Design is no longer only about products; as designers we also create services, procedures and even systems. At HCD we represent the human side in these design challenges. For the coming four years you can count on me to uphold the human side within our department – for the teachers, researchers, and students, who, together, are the heart and soul of human-centered design.” 

Pieter will start his new role on 1^st September 2020.