Tessa Steenkamp

Tessa Steenkamp (MSc) is an interaction designer focusing on interactions within cities rather than within software. She trained as an industrial designer at the Eindhoven University of Technology, and specialised in emergence and urban systems, receiving her MSc in Emergent Technologies and Design at the AA School of Architecture in London.

Currently, she works as an Experience Designer at UNSense, daughter company of architecture firm UNStudio. UNSense is a research and design company, using technology as a tool for humanising the built environment. Recent projects included the design of human-scale safety measures for The Hague’s International Zone, and convivial versions of e-commerce for the town of Waalwijk, a major logistical hub serving the Netherlands and Europe.

During her time as a Service Designer at the City of Amsterdam, Tessa initiated ‘OpenStad’ (‘OpenCity’). This government innovation programme creates digital tools for making local democracy more interactive, giving citizens more insight in – and power over – their direct living environments. Previously, Tessa worked as a designer and maker for Studio Roosegaarde in Rotterdam, and Umbrellium in London. 

Tessa will be a speaker in the session ‘The Hacking City‘ (Friday 11-13h)