Each month we introduce you to one of our partner agencies in Partner in the Spotlight. Giving you a look behind the scenes. Sharing some Dutch digital design insights. Or telling you about something that they believe the world needs to know. This month we talk with Adventure Club - a design and innovation studio based in Helsinki , Amsterdam, Turku and Berlin. Tjeerd van Lotringen, managing director, and Mario Porpora, design director - both based in Amsterdam - chat about who Adventure Club are, why it is time to move to the next level, and the impact of (digital) design. Let’s meet Adventure Club Amsterdam.
A quick introduction: Tjeerd Lotringen and Mario Porpora
Tjeerd joined Adventure Club Amsterdam as managing director at the start of 2022. He has an affinity with the Nordics, and worked in Copenhagen for three years. No surprise that Tjeerd was keen to head up Adventure Club Amsterdam with its Finnish roots. Being surrounded by a multi-national bunch of creatives inspires him. He previously worked for VICE Media.
Mario, who has worked for Adventure Club since its early beginnings in Amsterdam, finds a great sparring partner in Tjeerd. Originally from Italy, with a degree in data visualisation and roots in graphic design, Mario lives and breathes Adventure Club Amsterdam. Loving the firmly rooted design culture in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
Together with the team, they are working on and driving their ambitious growth plan, focusing on further developing and sharing their international culture of creativity and digital ambitions - innovative and bold: truly establishing the Adventure Club culture and moving Adventure Club to the next level.
Tell us more about Adventure Club
‘We are an adventurous crowd, always looking out for our people, our clients and our planet. We are not scared to get ourselves out there to explore new routes. New routes of creativity and digital technology. Having this great international mix of people enables us to do just that - mixing up different cultures, views on the world and personalities. An international playground where we experiment, create and innovate. We have our own rules and ways of working - always involving and collaborating with our clients. This way we build innovative and impactful adventures.
Also, our Finnish origin combined with our office in design-oriented- Amsterdam makes for an agency that wants to create a positive impact - on the planet, business, brand, but also on (digital) design. It is in our DNA. On top of which, being based in Amsterdam makes us more central to many clients and talent.’
Digital adventures
‘Our digital adventures are always human-centric. Humans are driven and inspired by great narratives. We are digital storytellers who cultivate stories that define a brand message and connect with people. We determine which narrative is the right one for both brand and user. We determine how to narrate a story: what digital tools to use to tell a story in the most effective and impactful way. Always with business, brand and user in mind.
We gather all elements - from ideas and vision to technology and execution - to create digital adventures. A close collaboration between client, techies and creatives. We are in this together.’
Right here, right now
‘Until now we have often stayed behind the scenes - focusing on what matters to us most: to create impactful digital experiences for our clients and their customers. Regularly working at our clients as part of the team - the ultimate in partnerships in order to truly understand the brand, business and customer journey.
However, we now feel it is time for us to show and share our more independent side, our own Adventure Club culture. Bold and outgoing. With people from all over the world. Still concentrating on telling impactful digital stories - with a focus on business, brand, user and planet. Sharing our DNA and expertise with the world. Inviting people to join our club and be part of our adventure(s). Moving Adventure Club Amsterdam to the next level.’
Adventure Club’s view on digital design
‘Nowadays we cannot imagine a world without digital. It is digital first. Digital technologies allow us to share intangible information like data in a more approachable format, and reach a large audience. However, how we can make a difference now and create the most impact is by making digital design more human.
Using digital design as a medium to tell digital stories. Creating an environment - a (brand) culture where people can connect - with each other but also with brands. It is time for digital design to take it up a notch, and add a human touch. Using digital technologies as tools to enable this.
We have recently started a passion project called the Amplify series - a collaboration with Thoughtworks. This is a series of open sessions where we share, discuss and raise awareness regarding the use of digital technologies by designers. Creating an environment where we can interact and exchange opinions and expertise amongst peers - all part of the Adventure Club culture.
The first session was about AI x design - asking the question whether designers should be afraid of AI, or embrace it.’
The impact of Dutch (digital) design
‘The Netherlands is a breeding ground for design. All types of design, not only digital. People love to come here for inspiration. Also, it is a country where it is relatively easy for people to integrate. It is an open and welcoming culture. Also for designers.
Furthermore, the Dutch attitude towards work and life is a healthy one: there is life outside work. This, in general, makes for happy people. Happy people create better work.
Also, the Dutch attitude to design is almost always functional. This attitude contributes to the fact that Dutch digital design is at the forefront of digital design. There is a genuine interest in technology in order to make things work (better). This naturally includes digital technologies. Many digital tools are created here in the Netherlands. Look at the Blender Foundation, Framer and Sketch. All created here in the Netherlands. With that same open(-source) attitude.
Adding these things up, it makes sense that the Netherlands is a top destination for designers from all over the world. Creating an environment where ideas are developed looking at different perspectives, cultures and backgrounds. An environment that breeds inspiration, diversity and inclusivity. A perfect place to be for Adventure Club.’