I have over a decade of experience designing digital products, leading teams, and setting direction. I've worked with clients of all sizes, on projects of all shapes.
Most recently I worked for Ghost, designing and building tools for writers, journalists and publishers.
Before that I helped mould the design studio Bakken & Bæck into what it is today by building teams, shaping strategy, and delivering products—from zero to one.
I'm open to new opportunities, contract or permanent. If you are in need of someone with my profile, please reach out.
I'm especially excited about working with (consumer-facing) companies in the space of publishing, sustainability, culture, music, film, or design tooling. Run a research or innovation lab? I'm all ears, too.
As Partner, I was involved in setting the company's strategy. As CDO, I focused on our Product Design work and team—from securing projects to hiring new team members, and from elevating our reputation externally to enabling Product Designers to do their best work.
Set up shop in the Netherlands and built a local, multi-disciplinary team of up to 20 people to help the company take root. Mentored Product Designers and other team members. Designed digital products and websites.
My contribution as a designer is holistic: I deliver thorough flows, polished user interfaces, and quality prototypes. I sweat the details, but make sure everyone understands the bigger picture.
I have a strong interest in typography and a love for storytelling, and I'm as comfortable designing complex flows as I am putting together a marketing website.
Designing and building tools for writers, journalists and publishers
While at Ghost I designed an upgraded publishing workflow, turning a dead end into an opportunity for publishers to share their work with their audience. I contributed design and code to the new onboarding, and worked on the integration of custom fonts. I was involved in exploratory brand work, and designed and built numerous improvements throughout the product.
Improved publishing flow in GhostTaking personalisation one step further with custom fonts in Ghost
Whether leading his own projects or working as part of a team, Daniël's work is always exceptional. The thought process behind his designs is truly outstanding, and his attention to detail ensures a high-quality result. As a collaborator, his communication skills made the process a true pleasure.
Conceptualising and designing IKEA's circular rental platform for office furniture
At Bakken & Bæck I led the digital product design for Circle, IKEA's circular rental solution for office furniture.
We conceptualised, designed and built a digital solution that enabled small businesses to design, experience and explore their space in mixed reality. Working with a team from SPACE10, we took the product from zero to one through rapid iteration.
IKEA's circular rental solution. Interior design by Astin Le Clercq, CGI by Santi ZoraidezPhoto by Osma Harvilahti
UI for IKEA's circular rental solution. CGI by Santi Zoraidez, animation by Olle Engström
I oversaw the design direction for the digital product, crafted UI with another Product Designer, bridged the gap between product and brand, and managed client communication.
Over the course of one summer we laid the groundwork for what would grow into Nornorm, a successful stand-alone business venture.
Pexip
Streamlining a suite of video-conferencing software
In collaboration with Pexip's team I led design on the (re)design of their web, iOS and Android apps, modernising their video-conferencing offering and creating Pexip Room to expand the company's tools to Logitech hardware for meeting rooms. Our deliverables covered everything from the onboarding to the in-call experience, down to the controls in the settings.
Pexip Room
Pexip UI on web
I crafted UI based on Pexip's existing brand guidelines, oversaw the product direction together with Pexip's Product Design Lead, and managed the client relationship. Together, we defined the direction of the iconography and sound design, commissioning external collaborators to deliver us a set of icons and sounds to use in the product.
Pexip icons, designed by Hemmo de Jonge
Daniël is the best designer I've worked with so far in my career. Impeccable attention to detail and a great problem-solver. He's also very friendly, easy to work with and delivers on time despite tight turnaround times.
I've hired, managed and mentored teams of up to twelve Product Designers with varying levels of experience—balancing their personal goals and needs with those of the business—for over five years.
What really sets Daniël apart is how much he cares about the people he works with. He creates a positive, supportive environment where everyone can thrive. If you're looking for someone who will bring expertise, dedication, and a genuine care for his colleagues, Daniël is your person.
Curating and crafting a printed, seasonal literary magazine
Together with Iris Cuppen I've curated, edited, designed and published three issues of TRANSCRIPT, a seasonal literary magazine. It features literary essays, short stories, poetry, and visual works by renowned artists. Each issue is printed in a limited run. Its design is meant to be understated and elegant, leaving ample space for the stories and artworks it contains to take the spotlight.
For the launch of every issue we've hosted an event where some of our contributors read their pieces to what has grown into a small and caring community.
TRANSCRIPT Magazine (issue one)TRANSCRIPT Magazine, featuring work by Thomas & Jurgen
TRANSCRIPT Magazine in store in Amsterdam
Writing & Storytelling
I've always had an interest in writing, and write regularly. I work well on teams with other writers and have a keen eye for storytelling, which has proven beneficial when designing digital products or marketing websites.
Most recently I've acted as the copywriter and editor on the NoGood art book, due for publication this summer, helping turn Thomas' thoughts about his illustration process and work into a cohesive whole.
