Every so often, you get to sit down with someone whose perspective and contributions recalibrate the ways you approach your own work.
Marten Kuipers is one of those – a multi-faceted professional: Senior Designer & Art Director at DEPT®, Judge at Awwwards, Webby Awards & Lovie Awards DIA Designer of the Year 2022, speaker and now founder of the “Speakeasy conference – The digital hideaway where we share stories and connect creatives from all over the world.”
“Design isn’t just about what we create today; it’s about setting the stage for what comes next”. He spoke at length about the importance of looking beyond the boundaries of one’s own field to find inspiration. While many designers confine themselves to the familiar, he believes the future belongs to those who are willing to explore the unexpected. Whether it’s drawing ideas from nature, photography, or even the patterns in architecture, his process is rooted in discovering connections that others might overlook. In a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation, this human-centric, exploratory approach feels more necessary than ever.
The conversation often returned to the idea of balance. As digital experiences become more sophisticated, the challenge for designers isn’t just to make something visually stunning but to ensure it’s functional and intuitive. Marten framed this balance as a question of knowing when to push boundaries and when to rely on simplicity. He used the example of e-commerce design, where a checkout flow should be straightforward, while a product page can be a space for storytelling and engagement. This thoughtful approach—blending creativity with practicality—underscores the importance of designing not just for today’s users but for the habits and expectations of the users of tomorrow.
Marten is also deeply invested in the broader design community and its potential to drive innovation. His initiative, Speakeasy, is a reflection of this commitment. By creating an open, inclusive platform for creatives of all backgrounds, he’s fostering a space where new voices and ideas can flourish. Marten’s vision of the future is one where the design world becomes less about competition and more about collaboration—a future where every voice, regardless of experience or notoriety, has the potential to contribute meaningfully.
Perhaps the most thought-provoking part of our conversation was Marten’s reflections on the impermanence of digital design. In a field where work can be erased or replaced in an instant, he sees a responsibility to create something with impact—something that resonates, even if only for a moment. This means thinking beyond aesthetics to consider inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. As we discussed the future of design, it was clear Marten sees these values not as optional add-ons but as essential building blocks for creating meaningful, lasting experiences.
Talking with Marten was very pleasant and inspiring; we thank him for his interview and encourage you to watch the video or listen to the podcast on Spotify.