Back

From user to product

October 13, 2025

At Spark, Talitha Brenninkmeyer translates user insights into smart, functional designs

Talitha joined Spark as an industrial designer. She brings with her a specialization in the medical field, with a strong focus on understanding the user.

How did you find your way to Spark?

“My strength lies mainly in understanding the user. I see myself as a bridge between the user and the final product. When you truly understand the user, the design steps naturally fall into place.

Over the past four years, I’ve done a lot of user research. By listening carefully to what users experience and need, you can define what a product should do. That makes a product not only functional but also meaningful. Still, I missed the creative and technical execution, the actual design work. That’s why I wanted to join a design agency, where I can translate insights from user research into ideas, prototypes, and tangible products.

My choice for Spark was very deliberate. Spark excels in the functional development of products, not just in the early concept phase, but also in the technical detailing and realization. How do you make a product sustainable, reliable, and truly successful,  both in the short and long term? That’s something I want to contribute to and learn from.”


How were you welcomed at Spark?


“Very warmly and openly. The team is incredibly approachable, no question is too small or too strange to ask. Everyone encourages you to keep asking, to stay curious and critical. That attitude helps us improve both ourselves and our work.”

News item image

How has it been so far?


“What I really enjoy is the diversity, both in the products we work on and in the skills within the team. I’ve already been involved in several different projects, which quickly gave me a broad perspective. Everyone has their own area of expertise and is open to sharing it. From my very first week, it was clear who to turn to for which topics. And beyond that, people are personally interested, they genuinely want to get to know you.

I also love seeing how Spark collaborates with clients, as true partners. It’s more than just delivering a project; it’s about building a relationship based on trust and mutual advice. These long-term partnerships mean you get to know your clients better and can help them more effectively. That’s inspiring to me.”

Which product do you wish you had worked on?


“The ZiuZ ApolloZ. It’s a product in the medical and pharmaceutical world. The design is strong and visually fits perfectly within its environment. At the same time, the usability is very well thought-out: the system automates processes, yet still gives the user a sense of control. I think that’s brilliantly done.”

What would you like to learn in the near future?


“Mainly the technical side of product development. I want to better understand how to bridge the gap between design and production methods or materials. How can you optimize a design so that it’s easily manufacturable? By making smart choices early in the process, you can save a lot of time and effort later on.”


Who or what inspires you in your work?

“Mostly the users themselves. Whether it’s a vascular surgeon or a patient, I see them as experts. By observing and listening carefully, you discover valuable insights. I also find inspiration in nature and other disciplines. Finding analogies and translating them into design challenges often leads to unexpected ideas.”

What are your dreams for the future?


“It would be fantastic to see a medical product I’ve designed actually being used in a hospital or out in the field, and to witness the impact it has. Because medical product development often takes years, that would truly be a milestone for me.”


And what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

“I’d love to get back into silversmithing: working with silver and gold to create jewelry. I find the material aspect of it fascinating. I also enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and hiking in the mountains. I love visiting museums and art exhibitions, and I draw myself as well.”

Get in touch

Name

Email

Message

Send

Thank you.

Your submission has been received. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again.
Close Cookie Popup
Cookie Preferences
By clicking “Accept All”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts as outlined in our privacy policy.
Strictly Necessary (Always Active)
Cookies required to enable basic website functionality.
Cookies helping us understand how this website performs, how visitors interact with the site, and whether there may be technical issues.
Cookies used to deliver advertising that is more relevant to you and your interests.
Cookies allowing the website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language, or the region you are in).