Design lies at the core of everything we create—whether it’s a product, a system, or a solution to a complex problem. But how do you create a design that not only works but truly resonates? And how do you know when you’ve achieved a good design? In this presentation, I will share personal insights into the art of effective design, drawn from two of my key projects: Koala and a more recent clinical reasoning system. I will share the unexpected challenges that I faced on the path to these designs and the pivotal lessons they taught me. I’ll also share a variety of smaller examples drawn from my own life. Together, let’s explore what it truly takes to create successful designs.

Biography: Rob is an accomplished software architect and researcher, recognized for his contributions to software architecture and software product lines. He earned an MSc in Applied Physics in Eindhoven and a PhD in Computer Science in Groningen. He spent most of his career as a principal architect at Philips Research Laboratories, first in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, and later in Cambridge, MA, USA. His research has covered robotics, computer vision, machine learning, formal specification techniques, software architecture verification, software product lines and clinical information management systems. He is well-known for the Koala software component model, designed to handle variability in software product lines, enabling efficient software development for resource-constrained consumer electronics. His work has significantly influenced the software product line community, advocating composable architectures in product populations. Later in his career, he developed systems for clinical trial matching with the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX, and systems supporting clinical pathways with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston MA. Since his retirement, Rob has been an independent consultant, advising companies on software architecture and product line development. In his free time, he is active in music and a passionate wildlife observer and photographer.