Joep Frens

Joep Frens is an Associate Professor at the Industrial Design department of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He leads the New Futures research squad and chairs the Examination Committee of Industrial Design. His work bridges design practice and academic research, focusing on rich interaction in growing systems through hands-on making.

• MSc in Industrial Design from TU Delft
• PhD in Interaction Design from TU/e (2006)

His research explores rich interaction and ultra-personalization in everyday products. Key themes include:

• IoT design with generative and distributed systems
• Embodied vs. digital tools for user engagement
• Feminist HCI principles in physical product personalization
• Energy interfaces for domestic comfort

Recent publications examine ultra-personalization across safety footwear, workwear, and breast pumps, highlighting risks and opportunities in digital fabrication. He also investigates radical modularity in IoT through narrative design workshops.

• Nierenberg Chair of Design at Carnegie Mellon University (2014-2015)

Joep supervises design research projects and collaborates with labs like Wearable Senses Lab. His teaching includes courses on IoT design, exploratory making, and digital craftsmanship.