What truly drives innovation – people, technology, or passion?
The question sounded simple: Does innovation start with user needs or with technological possibilities? But as the evening unfolded, it became clear that this opposition no longer holds. At our HelloDigital. MeetUp on November 6, 2025, one thing stood out: real innovation happens where understanding, invention, and excitement intersect.
Between empathy, technology, and curiosity
Lieke Ypma (telling.eu) put it succinctly: “User needs live longer than technology.” Technologies evolve, human needs endure. For her, innovation never begins with tools but with empathy and the ability to uncover the motives behind human behavior.
Adrien Hobt (gentle.systems) offered a complementary perspective: “We don’t solve problems. We open new problem spaces.” For him, technology isn’t just a means of efficiency but a medium of curiosity, an invitation to explore new possibilities.
Both agreed on one essential point: too much speed kills quality. Especially in the age of AI, innovation isn’t about iterating faster — it’s about iterating with insight, delivering a higher quality.
The third force: passion
Between empathy and technology, a third driving force became unmistakable: passion.
What may sound banal proved to be the true differentiator. Without passion, every method remains hollow. It’s the inner conviction to create something meaningful that keeps projects on track, beyond trends, tools, and hypes. By the end of the evening, one insight prevailed: Innovation needs balance, between user-centric understanding, technological curiosity, and human passion.
Watch the full discussion
Watch the full conversation here for all the details, including project insights and exciting debates on AI, quality and innovation:
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