Steven Fokkinga, PhD

I build tools, develop frameworks, and do research to help organizations understand what people really need—combining deep expertise in user psychology with hands-on technical ability.

For fifteen years, I've worked at the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. First as a researcher (PhD, cum laude), then as a founder (built and led a team of 10), now shipping AI-powered tools and author of Emotions by Design.

What makes me unusual: I don't just research; I build. When our qualitative research method couldn't scale, I taught myself to code and built a digital platform that transformed our business. When I saw an opportunity in AI-powered research, I architected and shipped an LLM tool now deployed at TU Delft. When we needed a physical product for behavior change, I took it from concept to production to B2B sales.

I've led research and innovation projects for Mercedes-Benz, Danone, Samsung, Henkel, and the City of Rotterdam; developing methods and frameworks now used worldwide. My work has shaped how a national news broadcast presents stories, how a city serves its citizens, and how global teams design for behavior change.

I care about depth. About getting to the real need behind the stated preference. About building things that actually ship. And about working with people who take their craft seriously.