Peter van de Graaf

Joris is one of our best graduates. Driven, as evidenced with extracurricullar work both technically (composites for the Nuna 9) and socially (function at ZHTC, fundraiser). Joris has boundless energy and focus for the task at hand. He is also a very nice guy, easy to coach and cooperate with. His graduation work was excellent, and I have no doubt a future employer will add a very worthwhile colleague to his team. Bon voyage, Joris!

Anne van der Graaf

I got to know Joris in the context of two larger projects during his student-career with IPO Windesheim, in which a product is developed and delivered to a real client. These projects both intended to engage students in multi-disciplinary team work. I have further coached, worked with and observed Joris in various classes as a lecturer at Windesheim Zwolle.

Joris brings to the project his expertise as a student of Engineering, but has shown an admirable talent in moderating the dialogue between experts of different professions and cultural backgrounds e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Economics and Industrial Product Design. He is an engineer (bachelor level) who has specialized in innovation, system approach and creative workshops facilitation.

Joris brings a profound empathy for the ‘end users’ – the people that the project result is aimed at, and significantly contributes to the team process by being able to include and adapt all the members’ contributions into the total encompassing design. Joris is always open and welcoming, and his sharp reasoning often brings along an ‘unthought of’ insight or break through. A surprising point of view, carefully derived from original but extremely useful literature or research makes that his project are not ‘just good’ but often excellent. I have observed Joris developing his ‘young professional’ competences ahead of his classmates: he has a sense of ‘project ownership’ and is self-relying in his project approach, often helping team-mates organizing the work or the timing and tone of voice in communication to stakeholders.

Being asked to comment on Joris’ contribution and qualities, I have not the least hesitation to name him an outstanding personality and quite talented in finding both creative and realistic solutions. I highly value his design visions. Personally, I enjoy Joris’ truly professional behavior, his fine humor and his way of thinking which at the right time becomes a source of creativity for his team. I observe he is respected by his team members and gets esteemed for his empathy and enthusiast dedication. I think these qualities are what help him deliver a successful project time after time. I was not surprised to hear of his interests in a master program and am confident he will be a successful candidate who will enrich his professional potential during these years.