Yesterday I joined Oogcafé Roermond, a monthly gathering hosted by the @Oogvereniging, a Dutch nonprofit that supports people with visual impairments. I wasn’t there as a guest, but as a designer, bringing along something close to my heart – the tools I’ve been shaping for years at Sensory Cooking.

The event was led by @Patricia Overman, a blind lifestyle coach whose energy and warmth immediately set the tone. Together, we created a small world where cooking without sight wasn’t a limitation but an exploration. Patricia shared her tips and recipes, while I introduced our knives, cutting board, and other tactile tools. Watching people touch, test, and ask questions was a joy. Some closed their eyes to feel the shape of a handle or the groove of a board; others smiled as they realized how natural it felt.

One participant told me, “I have more hope to cook for myself now.” Those words stay with me. As a designer, that’s the goal – to make something that restores a sense of independence and joy, especially when life changes.

gadgets

What I love most about events like this is the connection. We weren’t just showing products; we were sharing cooking tips and experiences through handy tools. The tools are a bridge to a more independent life. The Oogcafé is about community and trust, and it reminded me why I design the way I do: to make tools that feel like an extension of your hands, things that bring comfort and pride to the kitchen.

If you’re curious:

• Patricia’s recipes and tips are at onzichtbaarlekker.nl.

• My tools and philosophy live at sensorycooking.co.

This wasn’t just a workshop; it was a small celebration of people, design, and touch. And I’m grateful to be part of it.

—Boey