How can we support and inspire queer young adults within Dutch society to be confident in choosing a haircut that suits their personal identity without having to think about gender norms and stereotypes?
Many marginalized groups, and specifically the LGBTI+ community, have difficulty choosing a hairstyle that they want because they feel like it is not considered “acceptable” to have a hairstyle outside of your gender norm. Commissioned by SOBKOLT, we are creating a digital product to help queer young adults choose a hairstyle that they want.
Date: 24-4-2024 t/m 16-6-2025
Client: SOBKOLT
Grade: 9
Design proces
Research
After reading the assignment and creating a schedule, we focused on research in week two. During this week, I conducted desk research and facilitated a group interview with queer young adults. In the interview, I led discussions around the topic of queer haircuts. The participants shared their personal experiences and expressed their needs.
Below are the key insights from this research:
Co-creation
To involve our target group more deeply in the research—and to hear their creative solutions—I organized a co-creation session with a group of seven queer young adults. To guide the session, I used the Round Robin and Crazy 8 methods. The target group is very diverse, so it was valuable to see how different individuals view the problem and, especially, the possible solutions.





Concept Testing
To test our concept, we created a prototype using a mirror, LED lighting, and a speaker. This setup allowed us to simulate the effect of the interactive mirror. The test showed that the respondent appreciated seeing recognizable elements in the conversation with the mirror. For example, the user mentioned they would enjoy hearing quotes or voices from well-known shows or public figures.
During our exhibition, organized by Rotterdam University, we had the opportunity to present our concept to stakeholders and other interested parties. Our focus was on letting visitors experience the concept firsthand. We created this experience using light effects around the mirror and a speaker that played quotes from popular drag race shows. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a fresh new look provided with colorful hairspray. It was exciting to see the enthusiasm and appreciation from the guests.
Our solution
An interactive mirror that helps queer young adults feel more confident in their hair choices by providing affirmations during and after the haircut process.
The mirror offers vocal affirmations when the user looks into it. With the use of AI, it can engage in a conversation, creating a personal connection and delivering meaningful, personalized affirmations. Atmospheric lighting is activated when the mirror is in use, changing color based on the actions the mirror performs.
The mirror of affirmation
“Mirror your pride. Affirm your beauty”
Graphic Lyseum Rotterdam
During this project, I also had the opportunity to supervise students from the Graphic Lyceum Rotterdam. They were given an assignment related to our project. As part of the collaboration, we involved them in our design process and gave them the chance to contribute ideas to our concept. Under our guidance, they also designed lifestyle products that aligned with both our concept and the identity of SOBKOLT.
Reflection
This period was the first time that our team set up our own design process. This required a lot of initiative, which is why I was very glad to be in a team where all three of us were motivated. Personally, I really enjoy setting up and carrying out a project, and I also liked guiding the students from the Graphic Lyceum. Although it could be a challenge sometimes, I tried to keep them informed through meetings and worksheets.
Within the project, I learned how to work under pressure. Because we had such a short amount of time. I worked with a tight schedule, but I also had to remain flexible for any changes. Finding respondents in such a short time was difficult, but we managed. With more time, I would have liked to get to know them better. Co-creating ideas together with them brought many new insights and was very helpful to me throughout the process.
If I had more time, I would further develop and test my prototype. By letting AI hold a conversation with people, the mirror already becomes personal. However, many people expressed a need for deeper connection. For example, many respondents mentioned that they find inspiration for clothing styles and hairstyles from various forms of media such as celebrities, films and series. This could be a great way of connect on a deeper level.
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