TomTom: The Expo of Impractical Objects
TomTom: The Expo of Impractical Objects
TomTom: The Expo of Impractical Objects
TomTom: The Expo of Impractical Objects
Senior management at the Dutch navigation company were looking to inject the design team with a playful spirit during their yearly offsite. After having done more ‘traditional’ teambuilding activities in previous years (e.g. beach sports, cooking, drinking) they needed something tailored to the needs of the group. So they approached Tomfoolery to come up with a unique, ambitious concept to get the team out of their usual context.
The TomTom Design team came together from all over the world to create an absurd expo of impractical objects. Cartographers, UX researchers & Product Designers from Taipei, Madrid, Detroit & Amsterdam ditched the digital to flex their creative muscles using a wide assortment of dubious tools. This case study highlights the result of their work.
Senior management at the Dutch navigation company were looking to inject the design team with a playful spirit during their yearly offsite. After having done more ‘traditional’ teambuilding activities in previous years (e.g. beach sports, cooking, drinking) they needed something tailored to the needs of the group. So they approached Tomfoolery to come up with a unique, ambitious concept to get the team out of their usual context.
The TomTom Design team came together from all over the world to create an absurd expo of impractical objects. Cartographers, UX researchers & Product Designers from Taipei, Madrid, Detroit & Amsterdam ditched the digital to flex their creative muscles using a wide assortment of dubious tools. This case study highlights the result of their work.
Client
Client
TomTom
TomTom
Type
Type
Team event
Team event
Year
Year
2025
2025
Process
After doing participant research, I took inspiration from Jacques Carelman, the Pieremachocheltocht & Jan Hakon Erichsen. We asked everyone to bring their favorite household objects to the office, and then revealed they'd have to turn them into the most absurd versions of them.
The ideation phase took place at the TomTom office, and the creation of the art pieces was done at an art gallery. It led to a one-night-only expo, including an art brochure printed on the spot, with all the pieces as a memento for all participants. The night ended with drinks and dinner at the gallery.
After doing participant research, I took inspiration from Jacques Carelman, the Pieremachocheltocht & Jan Hakon Erichsen. We asked everyone to bring their favorite household objects to the office, and then revealed they'd have to turn them into the most absurd versions of them.
The ideation phase took place at the TomTom office, and the creation of the art pieces was done at an art gallery. It led to a one-night-only expo, including an art brochure printed on the spot, with all the pieces as a memento for all participants. The night ended with drinks and dinner at the gallery.
Outcome
Outcome
Outcome
The Designers created 8 unique pieces with remarkable skill and creativity. They used materials like clay, sponges, umbrellas, or string to create: a dangerous pool, a cumbersome guitar, a lemon juicer hat & a model of a heart. The team also participated in numerous activities meant to spark creativity within the art gallery.
The event was extraordinarily well received by TomTom's Designers
Was the event worth the personal time invested to attend? 8.4/10
Would you recommend Tomfoolery to friends and colleagues? 8.4/10
I had a lot of fun: 9/10
The Designers created 8 unique pieces with remarkable skill and creativity. They used materials like clay, sponges, umbrellas, or string to create: a dangerous pool, a cumbersome guitar, a lemon juicer hat & a model of a heart. The team also participated in numerous activities meant to spark creativity within the art gallery.
The event was extraordinarily well received by TomTom's Designers
Was the event worth the personal time invested to attend? 8.4/10
Would you recommend Tomfoolery to friends and colleagues? 8.4/10
I had a lot of fun: 9/10
Testimonials
Testimonials
Testimonials
"Tom's workshop was amazing, very different from what we usually do."
"Still thinking about some of the fun, collaborative exercises we did. Got me thinking differently."
"I loved that the activity with Tom was playful, but not banal; connecting with each other but staying spontaneous"
"It was very engaging and a great balance between looking at and creating art; a nice way to spend time with colleagues"
"We should do more fun, random stuff like this."
"Tom's workshop was amazing, very different from what we usually do."
"Still thinking about some of the fun, collaborative exercises we did. Got me thinking differently."
"I loved that the activity with Tom was playful, but not banal; connecting with each other but staying spontaneous"
"It was very engaging and a great balance between looking at and creating art; a nice way to spend time with colleagues"
"We should do more fun, random stuff like this."
Collaborators
Collaborators
Collaborators
Sonja Radenkovic - VP UX Design @TomTom
Stefanija Najdovska - Team Lead Design @ TomTom
Marija Ristic - Team Lead Design @ TomTom
Marei Schultze Senior - Executive Assistant to CTO @ TomTom
Joris Jan Reuten - Co-owner @ What is Happening Here Gallery
Sonja Radenkovic - VP UX Design @TomTom
Stefanija Najdovska - Team Lead Design @ TomTom
Marija Ristic - Team Lead Design @ TomTom
Marei Schultze Senior - Executive Assistant to CTO @ TomTom
Joris Jan Reuten - Co-owner @ What is Happening Here Gallery
Other work
Other work
Other work
Socials
Goodreads