Leonie Winkelmann is a designer and researcher specializing in circular and systemic design, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Product and Communication Design from FH Münster, Münster School of Design and a Master’s degree in Integrated Design from the University of the Arts Bremen, where she focused on systemic design.

Her approach is reflected in projects like Systemdriven AI Design, which explores design methodologies for AI-driven and resource-efficient solutions, based on three core principles: standpoint, sustainability and element relationships. Another example is Leezenflow, a green wave assistant for cyclists, designed to enhance urban mobility by promoting sustainable transportation. Both projects highlight her commitment to planet-centric, universal design and the role of design in shaping more sustainable futures.

Since 2021, she has been actively involved in VDIDlab, the youth organization of the Verband Deutscher Industrie Designer (VDID). Here, she co-organizes events and initiatives that support students and early-career designers in gaining industry insights and networking opportunities.

Currently, Leonie is a research associate at FH Münster in the Creative Technologies Lab, focusing on design methodologies for sustainable and intelligent systems and a Designer at Zauberzeug GmbH, where she contributes to UX, product and system design for robotics and AI-driven solutions.