Mercedes LeipoldtConcept Developer

Mercedes works at Waag Futurelab as a concept developer and researcher in the Life research group. Her focus is on sustainable innovation and citizen science, aiming to empower local communities through the democratization of technology while questioning the norms of today's society. With a strong belief in the impact of (social) design, Mercedes is dedicated to tackling complex societal challenges with creativity and collaboration.

Previously, Mercedes worked at the municipality of Rotterdam, where she led initiatives in citizen participation, user-centered design, and co-creation to enhance public space management. As program manager for Reyeroord+, a living lab in the Reyeroord neighborhood, she pioneered a bottom-up design approach that brought together citizens, city-makers, designers, start-up entrepreneurs, social workers, and civil servants to shape a sustainable future neighborhood. This innovative program recognized that physical transitions - such as those related to biodiversity, circular economy, climate adaptation, and energy transition - are deeply intertwined with social issues. By addressing these challenges together, the program facilitated impactful public space experiments that directly engaged the community in their living environment. 

Mercedes studied Industrial Design Engineering at the Delft University of Technology and holds a Master Degree in Integrated Product Design.