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Join our welcoming HCD UAE thriving community, where engaging events, talks, hands-on workshops, and a supportive network empower you to refine your human-centered mindset, forge vital connections, and accelerate your career, while creating experiences that truly matter.

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Stop Guessing
Your Next Move.

Start Designing Your Career Strategy.

Jonathan Steingiesser

Katral-Nada H.

Christopher Clark

Eid Al Adha Mubarak to our HCD UAE design community.

Wishing you and your families a blessed Eid filled with peace, joy, generosity and togetherness.

At its heart, design is about people. So on this special occasion, we hope you get time to pause, connect with the people who matter most and celebrate the spirit of kindness and community.

عيد الأضحى مبارك لمجتمع التصميم في HCD UAE.

نتمنى لكم ولعائلاتكم عيداً مباركاً مليئاً بالسلام والفرح والعطاء والتواصل.

ففي جوهره، التصميم يدور حول الإنسان. وفي هذه المناسبة المباركة، نتمنى لكم وقتاً جميلاً للتوقف، والتواصل مع من تحبون، والاحتفاء بروح الخير والم

Eid Al Adha Mubarak to our HCD UAE design community.

Wishing you and your families a blessed Eid filled with peace, joy, generosity and togetherness.

At its heart, design is about people. So on this special occasion, we hope you get time to pause, connect with the people who matter most and celebrate the spirit of kindness and community.

عيد الأضحى مبارك لمجتمع التصميم في HCD UAE.

نتمنى لكم ولعائلاتكم عيداً مباركاً مليئاً بالسلام والفرح والعطاء والتواصل.

ففي جوهره، التصميم يدور حول الإنسان. وفي هذه المناسبة المباركة، نتمنى لكم وقتاً جميلاً للتوقف، والتواصل مع من تحبون، والاحتفاء بروح الخير والم

Eid Al Adha Mubarak to everyone celebrating!

Before the break, we brought the Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup community together for a conversation on #research, #ResearchOps and where the discipline is heading next.

The article captures some of the key reflections from the evening: why research cannot just be a study or a set of methods, why operations matter, and how we start building research as a real organisational capability.

A huge thank you to Dr Shazmin Rishmawi, Nathan Young, Jonathan Steingiesser @jonathan.s_design , Chris Clark @thechrisclark.design and everyone who joined us on the night.

A special thank you as well to Sarah Hyne, Eli Ferrall and Kate Towsey, whose work and influence helped shape the wider #ResearchOps movement and my own journey with it over the years.

Thank you also to Jonathan Steingiesser, Chris Clark, Katral-Nada Hassan, Sinji Washnam, Jasmine Warwick, Jack Kidd, Peter Mackintosh, Iwan Burgwin and the teams at @hcduae , @dtec_dso , @radissonreddubai and @aspexx.social for continuing to support and grow this community.

A special thanks to @heyitsnally for creating this fantastic video, and to our volunteer photographer @hubiyan7 for capturing the evening so beautifully through his photos in our stories.

You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eF_wja9F

And watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/eNYuRjXM

Wishing you and your families a blessed Eid Al Adha.

Join us on June 5th for the @hcdpro Career Strategy Workshop: https://www.hcd.ae/pro

Eid Al Adha Mubarak to everyone celebrating!

Before the break, we brought the Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup community together for a conversation on #research, #ResearchOps and where the discipline is heading next.

The article captures some of the key reflections from the evening: why research cannot just be a study or a set of methods, why operations matter, and how we start building research as a real organisational capability.

A huge thank you to Dr Shazmin Rishmawi, Nathan Young, Jonathan Steingiesser @jonathan.s_design , Chris Clark @thechrisclark.design and everyone who joined us on the night.

A special thank you as well to Sarah Hyne, Eli Ferrall and Kate Towsey, whose work and influence helped shape the wider #ResearchOps movement and my own journey with it over the years.

Thank you also to Jonathan Steingiesser, Chris Clark, Katral-Nada Hassan, Sinji Washnam, Jasmine Warwick, Jack Kidd, Peter Mackintosh, Iwan Burgwin and the teams at @hcduae , @dtec_dso , @radissonreddubai and @aspexx.social for continuing to support and grow this community.

A special thanks to @heyitsnally for creating this fantastic video, and to our volunteer photographer @hubiyan7 for capturing the evening so beautifully through his photos in our stories.

You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eF_wja9F

And watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/eNYuRjXM

Wishing you and your families a blessed Eid Al Adha.

Join us on June 5th for the @hcdpro Career Strategy Workshop: https://www.hcd.ae/pro

Our full panel is now locked in for the next Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup.

Research Isn’t Enough Anymore. Now What?

This one is for anyone who has ever watched good research fail to land.

Insights get lost.
Teams move forward without clarity.
Research happens, but decisions don’t always change.

So we’re bringing together researchers, designers, product people and leaders for an honest conversation about what actually makes research matter.

We’ll explore research craft, ResearchOps, AI, insight delivery, stakeholder influence and the gap between research and real impact.

Joining our host Jonathan Steingiesser:
- Nathan Young
- Shazmin Rishmawi, Ph.D

Co-hosted with the Dubai User Experience Research (UXR) community @uxr.dubai
📍 Building A5, Dtec, Dubai Silicon Oasis
🗓 Thursday, 21 May
⏰ 6.30 PM
🍹 Followed by drinks afterwards at the Radisson @radissonreddubai @dubaisiliconoasis rooftop pool

Big thanks to our venue partner @dtec_dso and our sponsor @aspexx.social for supporting the HCD UAE community.

If you work in design, research, product, strategy or leadership, this conversation is for you.

Register via www.hcd.ae

Our full panel is now locked in for the next Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup.

Research Isn’t Enough Anymore. Now What?

This one is for anyone who has ever watched good research fail to land.

Insights get lost.
Teams move forward without clarity.
Research happens, but decisions don’t always change.

So we’re bringing together researchers, designers, product people and leaders for an honest conversation about what actually makes research matter.

We’ll explore research craft, ResearchOps, AI, insight delivery, stakeholder influence and the gap between research and real impact.

Joining our host Jonathan Steingiesser:
- Nathan Young
- Shazmin Rishmawi, Ph.D

Co-hosted with the Dubai User Experience Research (UXR) community @uxr.dubai
📍 Building A5, Dtec, Dubai Silicon Oasis
🗓 Thursday, 21 May
⏰ 6.30 PM
🍹 Followed by drinks afterwards at the Radisson @radissonreddubai @dubaisiliconoasis rooftop pool

Big thanks to our venue partner @dtec_dso and our sponsor @aspexx.social for supporting the HCD UAE community.

If you work in design, research, product, strategy or leadership, this conversation is for you.

Register via www.hcd.ae

Human Centred Design UAE Meetup
Abu Dhabi | The DDX Lightning Edition sponsored by @aspexx.social

Six speakers. Ten minutes each.
A clear shift in how we think about design.

From Elizabeth Churchill on designing relationships with AI, to @espiekermann reminding us that simplicity and results matter, the message was consistent.

Design is moving upstream.

Jue Lu highlighted the gap between adoption and reality.

Laura Fehre made it clear that AI is raising the bar, not lowering it.

@jonathan_design_coaching shared how design is evolving within government at the Early Childhood Authority.

More clarity before commitment.
More experiments before scale.

And as @thechrisclark.design closed the night:

“Data informs the mind. Story engages the heart.”

Design is no longer just about outputs.
It’s about shaping decisions, systems, and outcomes.

—

Next stop: Dubai
🗓 21 May
📍 Dtec, Dubai Silicon Oasis
⏰ 6:30 PM

See you there.

Human Centred Design UAE Meetup
Abu Dhabi | The DDX Lightning Edition sponsored by @aspexx.social

Six speakers. Ten minutes each.
A clear shift in how we think about design.

From Elizabeth Churchill on designing relationships with AI, to @espiekermann reminding us that simplicity and results matter, the message was consistent.

Design is moving upstream.

Jue Lu highlighted the gap between adoption and reality.

Laura Fehre made it clear that AI is raising the bar, not lowering it.

@jonathan_design_coaching shared how design is evolving within government at the Early Childhood Authority.

More clarity before commitment.
More experiments before scale.

And as @thechrisclark.design closed the night:

“Data informs the mind. Story engages the heart.”

Design is no longer just about outputs.
It’s about shaping decisions, systems, and outcomes.

—

Next stop: Dubai
🗓 21 May
📍 Dtec, Dubai Silicon Oasis
⏰ 6:30 PM

See you there.

Human Centred Design @hcduae UAE Meetup | @designdrives DDX Lightning Edition | Abu Dhabi ⚡️

Building on the magic of DDX Dubai, we’re bringing another special night of lightning talks to Abu Dhabi with 6 standout voices from the conference.

Expect fast-paced talks exploring how design is evolving across AI, startups, systems and leadership and how we shape better products and services for people.

🎤 Speakers:
• Elizabeth Churchill
• @espiekermann
• Jue Lu
• @jonathan_design_coaching
• @thechrisclark.design
• Luis Ouriach

📍 @thebridgehub | Abu Dhabi
🗓 23 April
⏰ 6:30 PM
🎥 In person + live broadcast (details on eventbrite or meetup.com)

Big thanks to our partners at @aspexx.social and the HCD UAE crew 🙌

🎟️ Link in bio

Human Centred Design @hcduae UAE Meetup | @designdrives DDX Lightning Edition | Abu Dhabi ⚡️

Building on the magic of DDX Dubai, we’re bringing another special night of lightning talks to Abu Dhabi with 6 standout voices from the conference.

Expect fast-paced talks exploring how design is evolving across AI, startups, systems and leadership and how we shape better products and services for people.

🎤 Speakers:
• Elizabeth Churchill
• @espiekermann
• Jue Lu
• @jonathan_design_coaching
• @thechrisclark.design
• Luis Ouriach

📍 @thebridgehub | Abu Dhabi
🗓 23 April
⏰ 6:30 PM
🎥 In person + live broadcast (details on eventbrite or meetup.com)

Big thanks to our partners at @aspexx.social and the HCD UAE crew 🙌

🎟️ Link in bio

What a night @hcduae

Packed room, 100+ people, great energy and one of those events where the conversations don’t stop when the talks do. We’re still thinking about it.

Huge thank you to our speakers for bringing it, to our hosts @dtec_dso and to everyone who showed up and made it what it was.

And as always, couldn’t do this without our team @jonathan_design_coaching @thechrisclark.design
@katral
and our partners at @aspexx.social

This community just keeps getting better 🙌

What a night @hcduae

Packed room, 100+ people, great energy and one of those events where the conversations don’t stop when the talks do. We’re still thinking about it.

Huge thank you to our speakers for bringing it, to our hosts @dtec_dso and to everyone who showed up and made it what it was.

And as always, couldn’t do this without our team @jonathan_design_coaching @thechrisclark.design
@katral
and our partners at @aspexx.social

This community just keeps getting better 🙌

Last night at @dtec_dso 🙌

What a night. 100+ of you showed up and brought the energy 🔥

Huge thanks to our hosts, our partners @aspexx.social , and every single person who came out. It really was awesome.

And to our speakers… @leopoldajami @crashdownes @arya__d__s @joumana.mahmoud @anasofiag thank you for the engaging, honest, and thought-provoking talks 👏

This community just keeps getting better. ❤️

Last night at @dtec_dso 🙌

What a night. 100+ of you showed up and brought the energy 🔥

Huge thanks to our hosts, our partners @aspexx.social , and every single person who came out. It really was awesome.

And to our speakers… @leopoldajami @crashdownes @arya__d__s @joumana.mahmoud @anasofiag thank you for the engaging, honest, and thought-provoking talks 👏

This community just keeps getting better. ❤️

@jonathan_design_coaching and @thechrisclark.design are really excited to see you tonight. Here’s the details on how to find us @dubaisiliconoasis @dtec_dso

Massive thanks to @aspexx.social for all their support.

@jonathan_design_coaching and @thechrisclark.design are really excited to see you tonight. Here’s the details on how to find us @dubaisiliconoasis @dtec_dso

Massive thanks to @aspexx.social for all their support.

There’s a lot happening around us at the moment.

And when things feel a bit unpredictable, I always come back to something simple. Being in a room with good people helps.

So we’re bringing the community together again for the next Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup | DDX @designdrives Lightning Edition | Dubai.

An evening of short, sharp talks from people doing great work across design, product, and research. Different perspectives, practical thinking, and space to connect.

If you were at DDX, you already know the level.

If you weren’t, this is a good way to experience a slice of it.

We’re also hosting this one at @dtec_dso in @dubaisiliconoasis A space built for builders. Startups, designers, founders. It feels like the right home for where this community is heading.

In light of everything going on, joining in person is completely optional. We’ll be streaming it live. But if you feel like getting out and connecting, we’d love to see you there.

And we’ll keep things going after the talks, continuing the conversations next door at the @radissonreddubai rooftop.

📅 9 April
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Dtec Auditorium, Dubai Silicon Oasis
A5 Building, Dubai Digital Park, DSO - https://lnkd.in/g2UpK4hM
🚙 Gate 5 Visitors Parking - https://lnkd.in/g6SyQgTn
💻 Google Meet Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uij-fzca-ebu
🎟 Tickets: https://lnkd.in/dW9wS7Jz

Speakers:
Ana Sofia Gonzalez – Principal Product Designer, Microsoft

@leopoldajami – Chief Influence Officer, @novelphilosophy.academy

@joumana.mahmoud – Head of Design, @frog_design

@crashdownes – CoFounder, Scaleable Capital

@arya__d__s – Lead UX Designer, @mashreq

If you’ve been meaning to come to a meetup, come to this one.

Thanks as always to our team @jonathan_design_coaching @thechrisclark.design and @katral , our partners at @aspexx.social @peter_mackintosh89 and @jackkidd89 , and the Dtec team, especially Sinji Washnam and Jasmine Warwick, for hosting us.

There’s a lot happening around us at the moment.

And when things feel a bit unpredictable, I always come back to something simple. Being in a room with good people helps.

So we’re bringing the community together again for the next Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup | DDX @designdrives Lightning Edition | Dubai.

An evening of short, sharp talks from people doing great work across design, product, and research. Different perspectives, practical thinking, and space to connect.

If you were at DDX, you already know the level.

If you weren’t, this is a good way to experience a slice of it.

We’re also hosting this one at @dtec_dso in @dubaisiliconoasis A space built for builders. Startups, designers, founders. It feels like the right home for where this community is heading.

In light of everything going on, joining in person is completely optional. We’ll be streaming it live. But if you feel like getting out and connecting, we’d love to see you there.

And we’ll keep things going after the talks, continuing the conversations next door at the @radissonreddubai rooftop.

📅 9 April
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Dtec Auditorium, Dubai Silicon Oasis
A5 Building, Dubai Digital Park, DSO - https://lnkd.in/g2UpK4hM
🚙 Gate 5 Visitors Parking - https://lnkd.in/g6SyQgTn
💻 Google Meet Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uij-fzca-ebu
🎟 Tickets: https://lnkd.in/dW9wS7Jz

Speakers:
Ana Sofia Gonzalez – Principal Product Designer, Microsoft

@leopoldajami – Chief Influence Officer, @novelphilosophy.academy

@joumana.mahmoud – Head of Design, @frog_design

@crashdownes – CoFounder, Scaleable Capital

@arya__d__s – Lead UX Designer, @mashreq

If you’ve been meaning to come to a meetup, come to this one.

Thanks as always to our team @jonathan_design_coaching @thechrisclark.design and @katral , our partners at @aspexx.social @peter_mackintosh89 and @jackkidd89 , and the Dtec team, especially Sinji Washnam and Jasmine Warwick, for hosting us.

HCD UAE Meetup
DDX Lightning Edition

Building on the magic of @designdrives Dubai, we’re bringing together a special evening of lightning talks from some of the standout voices from the conference.

If you experienced the energy of DDX you know how special it was. If you missed it, this is your chance to hear some of the ideas and perspectives shaping the future of design, product, and innovation.

📅 9 April
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 @dtec_dso , A5 Building, Dubai Silicon Oasis

Speakers

@anasofiag – @microsoft
@rousalama – @careem (Uber)
@leopoldajami – @novelphilosophy.academy
@joumana.mahmoud Mahmoud – @frog_design
@crashdownes – Scaleable Capital
@arya__d__s – @mashreq

A special thank you to @sebastiangier , founder of DDX, for supporting the Human Centred Design UAE community and helping connect our local meetup with the global design movement.

Thanks as well to our founder @jonathan_design_coaching and co-organisers @thechrisclark.design and @katral for continuing to grow this amazing community.

We’re grateful to our venue partner Dtec – Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus for hosting us at TechnoHub in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

This event is also proudly supported by @aspexx.social , with thanks to @peter_mackintosh89 and @jackkidd89 for their continued support of the design community.

🎟 Tickets: [link in bio]

We’re super excited for this one. Register early as seats are limited.

HCD UAE Meetup
DDX Lightning Edition

Building on the magic of @designdrives Dubai, we’re bringing together a special evening of lightning talks from some of the standout voices from the conference.

If you experienced the energy of DDX you know how special it was. If you missed it, this is your chance to hear some of the ideas and perspectives shaping the future of design, product, and innovation.

📅 9 April
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 @dtec_dso , A5 Building, Dubai Silicon Oasis

Speakers

@anasofiag – @microsoft
@rousalama – @careem (Uber)
@leopoldajami – @novelphilosophy.academy
@joumana.mahmoud Mahmoud – @frog_design
@crashdownes – Scaleable Capital
@arya__d__s – @mashreq

A special thank you to @sebastiangier , founder of DDX, for supporting the Human Centred Design UAE community and helping connect our local meetup with the global design movement.

Thanks as well to our founder @jonathan_design_coaching and co-organisers @thechrisclark.design and @katral for continuing to grow this amazing community.

We’re grateful to our venue partner Dtec – Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus for hosting us at TechnoHub in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

This event is also proudly supported by @aspexx.social , with thanks to @peter_mackintosh89 and @jackkidd89 for their continued support of the design community.

🎟 Tickets: [link in bio]

We’re super excited for this one. Register early as seats are limited.

Designing Ethical AI

Hosted by the @hcduae in collaboration with Elizabeth F. Churchill @mbzuai

📍 Online
📅 March 10

🕟 7:30pm

As AI reshapes our world, how do we design systems that are transparent, accountable, usable, and deeply human?

⸻

🎤 Elizabeth Rosenzweig

Talk Title: The Human Imperative: World Usability Day in the Age of AI

Co-founder of World Usability Day, author, and global UX leader.

Elizabeth will explore why usability principles matter more than ever in a world of opaque and autonomous systems, and how Human Centred Design must evolve toward explainable and trustworthy AI.

⸻

🎤 Elizabeth F. Churchill

Talk Title: Beyond the Algorithm: Embedding Human-Centered Design in AI Education

Founding Chair of HCI at MBZUAI and former Senior Director of User Experience at @google .

Elizabeth will share how MBZUAI is embedding Human Computer Interaction and Human-Centered AI into its curriculum, preparing the next generation of AI researchers to build ethical, transparent, and highly usable systems.

⸻

A timely and important evening for designers, researchers, technologists, academics, and students shaping the future of AI.

Seats are limited. Join us for meaningful conversation and Iftar together.

Designing Ethical AI

Hosted by the @hcduae in collaboration with Elizabeth F. Churchill @mbzuai

📍 Online
📅 March 10

🕟 7:30pm

As AI reshapes our world, how do we design systems that are transparent, accountable, usable, and deeply human?

⸻

🎤 Elizabeth Rosenzweig

Talk Title: The Human Imperative: World Usability Day in the Age of AI

Co-founder of World Usability Day, author, and global UX leader.

Elizabeth will explore why usability principles matter more than ever in a world of opaque and autonomous systems, and how Human Centred Design must evolve toward explainable and trustworthy AI.

⸻

🎤 Elizabeth F. Churchill

Talk Title: Beyond the Algorithm: Embedding Human-Centered Design in AI Education

Founding Chair of HCI at MBZUAI and former Senior Director of User Experience at @google .

Elizabeth will share how MBZUAI is embedding Human Computer Interaction and Human-Centered AI into its curriculum, preparing the next generation of AI researchers to build ethical, transparent, and highly usable systems.

⸻

A timely and important evening for designers, researchers, technologists, academics, and students shaping the future of AI.

Seats are limited. Join us for meaningful conversation and Iftar together.

Ramadan Kareem to our beautiful design community 🌙

Whether you’re fasting or simply embracing the spirit of the month, may this time bring reflection, patience, generosity, and connection.

Ramadan reminds us to slow down.
To be intentional.
To design not just with skill, but with empathy.

To everyone celebrating, wishing you a peaceful and meaningful month.

To everyone supporting, thank you for holding space for others.

Let’s carry that spirit into our work and our community. ✨

Ramadan Kareem to our beautiful design community 🌙

Whether you’re fasting or simply embracing the spirit of the month, may this time bring reflection, patience, generosity, and connection.

Ramadan reminds us to slow down.
To be intentional.
To design not just with skill, but with empathy.

To everyone celebrating, wishing you a peaceful and meaningful month.

To everyone supporting, thank you for holding space for others.

Let’s carry that spirit into our work and our community. ✨

DDX Day 1 - Our founder @jonathan_design_coaching was running around co-hosting and catching some action from talks and workshops by Luis from @figma Ksneia, @arya__d__s @jnd1er @thechrisclark.design @leopoldajami to name a few

DDX Day 1 - Our founder @jonathan_design_coaching was running around co-hosting and catching some action from talks and workshops by Luis from @figma Ksneia, @arya__d__s @jnd1er @thechrisclark.design @leopoldajami to name a few

Design Leaders vs Design Contributors- a panel moderated by @katral with @brentonprice_ from Pure Health, Janna from Steer AI and Ahmed from @canva

Design Leaders vs Design Contributors- a panel moderated by @katral with @brentonprice_ from Pure Health, Janna from Steer AI and Ahmed from @canva

We’re very excited to kickoff our conference in collaboration with @designdrives @dubaisiliconoasis @ritd_nmd @rit_dubai and @aspexx.social

We’re very excited to kickoff our conference in collaboration with @designdrives @dubaisiliconoasis @ritd_nmd @rit_dubai and @aspexx.social

🎉 @hcduae @designdrives @aspexx.social - After-Party – Open to All! 🎉

Join us for an unforgettable night of celebration, networking, and fun after Day 1 of the DDX HCD Conference, proudly supported by our partners aspexx!

This event is open to the entire HCD UAE community and friends, so even if you didn’t attend the conference, you’re welcome to drop by!

Mingle with fellow designers, innovators, and enthusiasts in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in human-centered design, this is the perfect chance to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships.

Let’s come together to celebrate this growing community and the impact of design in the region and beyond. See you there!

🎉 @hcduae @designdrives @aspexx.social - After-Party – Open to All! 🎉

Join us for an unforgettable night of celebration, networking, and fun after Day 1 of the DDX HCD Conference, proudly supported by our partners aspexx!

This event is open to the entire HCD UAE community and friends, so even if you didn’t attend the conference, you’re welcome to drop by!

Mingle with fellow designers, innovators, and enthusiasts in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in human-centered design, this is the perfect chance to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships.

Let’s come together to celebrate this growing community and the impact of design in the region and beyond. See you there!

Last night was a reminder of why this community matters.

Real conversations, honest reflections, and a room full of people who care about doing the work better.

A perfect way to kick off 2026 with HCD UAE.
Huge thanks to @isola.space for hosting, @julierix for the sharp insights, and @aspexx.social for the continued support.

More to come.

@jonathan_design_coaching @thechrisclark.design @katral

Last night was a reminder of why this community matters.

Real conversations, honest reflections, and a room full of people who care about doing the work better.

A perfect way to kick off 2026 with HCD UAE.
Huge thanks to @isola.space for hosting, @julierix for the sharp insights, and @aspexx.social for the continued support.

More to come.

@jonathan_design_coaching @thechrisclark.design @katral

Picking Up the Pieces – What happens after the consultants leave

Kicking off 2026 with a chance to reconnect, catch up after the winter break, and ease back into conversations with the @hcduae UAE community.

As part of the evening, @julierix , Co-founder and Strategic Designer at The Sifer Network, will share a short, informal reflection on what often happens once the strategy decks are delivered and organisations are left to turn intent into action. Expect a couple of real examples, lived experience, and plenty of room for discussion rather than a formal talk.

You told us in our recent survey that you wanted a new venue, so we’re excited to bring everyone together at @isola.space in Business Bay. Thanks to Francesca Vittori and Gabrielle Cavallaro for making this possible.

Huge thanks to our partners @aspexx.social , especially @peter_mackintosh89 and @jackkidd89 , and to the HCD Team @jonathan_design_coaching @thechrisclark.design and @katral , for making it all happen.

We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones.

🗓 Thursday 29 January
⏰ 6:30pm
📍 @isola.space , The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection, Business Bay
🎟 Tickets: link in bio

#design #strategy #designstrat #meetup #hcd #dubai❤️

Picking Up the Pieces – What happens after the consultants leave

Kicking off 2026 with a chance to reconnect, catch up after the winter break, and ease back into conversations with the @hcduae UAE community.

As part of the evening, @julierix , Co-founder and Strategic Designer at The Sifer Network, will share a short, informal reflection on what often happens once the strategy decks are delivered and organisations are left to turn intent into action. Expect a couple of real examples, lived experience, and plenty of room for discussion rather than a formal talk.

You told us in our recent survey that you wanted a new venue, so we’re excited to bring everyone together at @isola.space in Business Bay. Thanks to Francesca Vittori and Gabrielle Cavallaro for making this possible.

Huge thanks to our partners @aspexx.social , especially @peter_mackintosh89 and @jackkidd89 , and to the HCD Team @jonathan_design_coaching @thechrisclark.design and @katral , for making it all happen.

We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones.

🗓 Thursday 29 January
⏰ 6:30pm
📍 @isola.space , The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection, Business Bay
🎟 Tickets: link in bio

#design #strategy #designstrat #meetup #hcd #dubai❤️

More than a meetup. A year of practice.

In 2025, the Human Centred Design @hcduae UAE Meetup continued its shift from a traditional event series into a more practice-led design community.

We slowed down to talk about mental health and psychological safety.
We scaled up through @designdrives without losing substance.

We returned to our roots with a #UXBookClub. We created space for leadership, debate, and hard conversations about AI.

And in the second half of the year, we moved decisively from ideas to action through portfolio critiques and live design critique across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Less showcasing.
More learning.
More critique.
More shared standards.

We’ve captured the full story, the people behind it, and what we learned along the way in a longer article 👇 link in bio.

If you care about design as a practice, not just a title, I hope it resonates.

And if you want to be part of what comes next:
🚀 Join us at DDX Dubai 2026 (Feb 7–8): https://lnkd.in/dsPkXC_9
🎟️ Use code HCD20 when registering.

Massive thanks to our partners @aspexx.social @peter_mackintosh89 and @jackkidd89 and our co-organisers @jonathan_design_coaching @thechrisclark.design @katral

#design #tech #product #hcd #hcduae #UX

More than a meetup. A year of practice.

In 2025, the Human Centred Design @hcduae UAE Meetup continued its shift from a traditional event series into a more practice-led design community.

We slowed down to talk about mental health and psychological safety.
We scaled up through @designdrives without losing substance.

We returned to our roots with a #UXBookClub. We created space for leadership, debate, and hard conversations about AI.

And in the second half of the year, we moved decisively from ideas to action through portfolio critiques and live design critique across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Less showcasing.
More learning.
More critique.
More shared standards.

We’ve captured the full story, the people behind it, and what we learned along the way in a longer article 👇 link in bio.

If you care about design as a practice, not just a title, I hope it resonates.

And if you want to be part of what comes next:
🚀 Join us at DDX Dubai 2026 (Feb 7–8): https://lnkd.in/dsPkXC_9
🎟️ Use code HCD20 when registering.

Massive thanks to our partners @aspexx.social @peter_mackintosh89 and @jackkidd89 and our co-organisers @jonathan_design_coaching @thechrisclark.design @katral

#design #tech #product #hcd #hcduae #UX

It has been an amazing year for the Human Centred Design (@hcduae) UAE Meetup community, and we wrapped it up with our final meetup of 2025 with a #PortfolioCritiqueNight focused on Service Design and Design Research.

Huge thanks to our panel James Samperi, Linda Covino and Tom Hawksfield, and to @sunsetswithlisa Lisa Harpalani and @malfzari Mohammed AlFzari for bravely putting their portfolios under the spotlight in front of a full room. And of course a big thank you to Peter and Jack from @aspexx.social for supporting our community this year.

Thank you also to our founder @jonathan_design_coaching and co-organisers @thechrisclark.design and @katral for all your support this year and the events you ran.

A few of the big takeaways from the night:
● Less but deeper
Service design portfolios are often overflowing with projects. The panel pushed for focus. Choose fewer case studies and go deeper into the challenge, the context and the change you helped create, instead of listing every project you ever touched.

● Tell the story of you, not just the project
Do not just narrate the steps of the project. Make it clear what you did, the decisions you made and how you worked with others. Show the leaps from insight to idea to implementation, and do not be afraid to share what did not work and what you learned along the way.

● Context, impact and how you think
Hiring managers want to know why the work mattered. What problem was the organisation facing, what shifted for customers and teams, and how did your service design or research practice help move the system. Sketches, rough artefacts and reflections all help reveal your thinking, not just the polished blueprints.

We also shared our new Design and Research Critique Charter to help teams run more structured, psychologically safe critiques back at work, so critique becomes a regular practice rather than a one off event.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year, submitted work, asked hard questions and helped us raise the bar for all areas of design in the Emirates.

It has been an amazing year for the Human Centred Design (@hcduae) UAE Meetup community, and we wrapped it up with our final meetup of 2025 with a #PortfolioCritiqueNight focused on Service Design and Design Research.

Huge thanks to our panel James Samperi, Linda Covino and Tom Hawksfield, and to @sunsetswithlisa Lisa Harpalani and @malfzari Mohammed AlFzari for bravely putting their portfolios under the spotlight in front of a full room. And of course a big thank you to Peter and Jack from @aspexx.social for supporting our community this year.

Thank you also to our founder @jonathan_design_coaching and co-organisers @thechrisclark.design and @katral for all your support this year and the events you ran.

A few of the big takeaways from the night:
● Less but deeper
Service design portfolios are often overflowing with projects. The panel pushed for focus. Choose fewer case studies and go deeper into the challenge, the context and the change you helped create, instead of listing every project you ever touched.

● Tell the story of you, not just the project
Do not just narrate the steps of the project. Make it clear what you did, the decisions you made and how you worked with others. Show the leaps from insight to idea to implementation, and do not be afraid to share what did not work and what you learned along the way.

● Context, impact and how you think
Hiring managers want to know why the work mattered. What problem was the organisation facing, what shifted for customers and teams, and how did your service design or research practice help move the system. Sketches, rough artefacts and reflections all help reveal your thinking, not just the polished blueprints.

We also shared our new Design and Research Critique Charter to help teams run more structured, psychologically safe critiques back at work, so critique becomes a regular practice rather than a one off event.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year, submitted work, asked hard questions and helped us raise the bar for all areas of design in the Emirates.

A great meetup to end the year on a high! Huge thanks to @aspexx.social as well as all our speakers and everyone who joined us in 2025!!!

A great meetup to end the year on a high! Huge thanks to @aspexx.social as well as all our speakers and everyone who joined us in 2025!!!

Do all designers need a portfolio? Or is that just for visual and interaction designers?

That’s one of the questions we’ll debate tomorrow night at the @hcduae Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup as we explore why critique matters just as much for Service Designers, Design Researchers, and Content Designers as it does for UX and Visual Designers.

🗓️ Tomorrow, Thursday 20 November
We’re wrapping up the year with our final #PortfolioCritiqueNight with the Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup, proudly sponsored by aspexx.
It’s a big session focused on #ServiceDesign, #DesignResearch, and #ContentDesign and what great work in these fields really looks like today.

Our panel this month is unreal:
⚫ James Samperi, Managing Partner at @enginecxdesign , who built and scaled Engine’s first international studio and has led major transformation programmes for governments, developers, and global brands.

⚫ @experiencedesignguru @lineccepibile, Director of Experience Design & Innovation at @majidalfuttaim , who brings over 15 years of experience blending strategy and creativity to craft omni-channel experiences that move the needle.

⚫ Tom Hawksfield, Experience Design Director at @apostrophy__ , who leads global innovation work and builds service ecosystems that balance business strategy with real human needs.

🎙️ Moderating the session will be our founder @jonathan_design_coaching

🤝 @aspexx.social is once again supporting this community and event, and the whole team will be there. Peter Mackintosh, Jack Kidd and the whole team would love to catch up with everyone on the night.

📍 Thursday 20 November
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 @lockstockuae @rixospremiumdubai
🔗 RSVP: https://lnkd.in/d-f_Ew2A

Last one of the year. See you there!

#DesignMeetup #ServiceDesign #DesignResearch #UXDesign #ContentDesign #Dubai #UAE #HCDUAE #Critique

Do all designers need a portfolio? Or is that just for visual and interaction designers?

That’s one of the questions we’ll debate tomorrow night at the @hcduae Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup as we explore why critique matters just as much for Service Designers, Design Researchers, and Content Designers as it does for UX and Visual Designers.

🗓️ Tomorrow, Thursday 20 November
We’re wrapping up the year with our final #PortfolioCritiqueNight with the Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup, proudly sponsored by aspexx.
It’s a big session focused on #ServiceDesign, #DesignResearch, and #ContentDesign and what great work in these fields really looks like today.

Our panel this month is unreal:
⚫ James Samperi, Managing Partner at @enginecxdesign , who built and scaled Engine’s first international studio and has led major transformation programmes for governments, developers, and global brands.

⚫ @experiencedesignguru @lineccepibile, Director of Experience Design & Innovation at @majidalfuttaim , who brings over 15 years of experience blending strategy and creativity to craft omni-channel experiences that move the needle.

⚫ Tom Hawksfield, Experience Design Director at @apostrophy__ , who leads global innovation work and builds service ecosystems that balance business strategy with real human needs.

🎙️ Moderating the session will be our founder @jonathan_design_coaching

🤝 @aspexx.social is once again supporting this community and event, and the whole team will be there. Peter Mackintosh, Jack Kidd and the whole team would love to catch up with everyone on the night.

📍 Thursday 20 November
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 @lockstockuae @rixospremiumdubai
🔗 RSVP: https://lnkd.in/d-f_Ew2A

Last one of the year. See you there!

#DesignMeetup #ServiceDesign #DesignResearch #UXDesign #ContentDesign #Dubai #UAE #HCDUAE #Critique

🎙️ Meet Our First Panelist: James Samperi

We’re excited to introduce James Samperi, Managing Partner & Director at Engine Dubai @enginecxdesign , as our first panelist for the upcoming Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup - #ServiceDesign & #DesignResearch #DesignCritiqueNight, happening on November 20 at @lockstockuae @rixospremiumdubai in JBR.

James built and scaled Engine’s first international studio, leading transformation programs for governments, developers, and global brands across the region. His work blends strategy, design, and research to create experiences that drive growth and real change.

This session will explore how service design, design research, and content design come together to shape meaningful experiences and what a strong portfolio looks like in these evolving fields.

🗓️ Thursday, November 20
📍 LOCK, STOCK, & BARREL LLC — Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
🎟️ Register here: https://lnkd.in/dFr_pekd
💬 To have your portfolio reviewed live, drop a comment below with hashtag#YES I'll be there and a link to your PDF or website.

Massive thanks to our partners @aspexx.social @peter_mackintosh89 and @jackkidd89 , for helping us close out the year with another night of critique, community, and connection. And to @jonathan_design_coaching & @thechrisclark.design for co-organising these incredible sessions.

#HCDUAE #HumanCentredDesign #ServiceDesign #DesignResearch #DesignCommunity #UAEDesign #Critique #DesignCritique

🎙️ Meet Our First Panelist: James Samperi

We’re excited to introduce James Samperi, Managing Partner & Director at Engine Dubai @enginecxdesign , as our first panelist for the upcoming Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup - #ServiceDesign & #DesignResearch #DesignCritiqueNight, happening on November 20 at @lockstockuae @rixospremiumdubai in JBR.

James built and scaled Engine’s first international studio, leading transformation programs for governments, developers, and global brands across the region. His work blends strategy, design, and research to create experiences that drive growth and real change.

This session will explore how service design, design research, and content design come together to shape meaningful experiences and what a strong portfolio looks like in these evolving fields.

🗓️ Thursday, November 20
📍 LOCK, STOCK, & BARREL LLC — Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
🎟️ Register here: https://lnkd.in/dFr_pekd
💬 To have your portfolio reviewed live, drop a comment below with hashtag#YES I'll be there and a link to your PDF or website.

Massive thanks to our partners @aspexx.social @peter_mackintosh89 and @jackkidd89 , for helping us close out the year with another night of critique, community, and connection. And to @jonathan_design_coaching & @thechrisclark.design for co-organising these incredible sessions.

#HCDUAE #HumanCentredDesign #ServiceDesign #DesignResearch #DesignCommunity #UAEDesign #Critique #DesignCritique

Great design doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s shaped through critique, conversation, and community.

And that’s exactly what we saw at our @hcduae Meetup #PortfolioCritiqueNight in Abu Dhabi.

The room at @thebridgehub was packed, a new record for Abu Dhabi, with designers eager to learn, share, and challenge each other. The atmosphere was thoughtful, honest, and full of generosity, a perfect reflection of what makes this community so special.

This edition focused on #Interaction & #VisualDesign, and what stood out most was the openness to feedback and the genuine curiosity to grow. Every critique was delivered with care, and every designer walked away with clarity and confidence to keep pushing their craft forward.

A few key takeaways from the evening:
✔️ Design critique is a conversation, not a competition. It’s about perspective, not perfection.
✔️ Clarity wins. Great portfolios tell a clear story about what problem was solved and how.
✔️ Visual design isn’t decoration, it’s communication. Every choice should have intent and meaning.
✔️ Share your process. The best portfolios reveal thinking, not just outcomes.
✔️ Community builds confidence. The more we critique together, the stronger our collective craft becomes.

Huge thanks to our brilliant panelists:
⚫️ Jue Lu – Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
⚫️ @batsimadz – ADIB - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
⚫️ @cesareo_kreativ – Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi
⚫️ Peter Mackintosh – @aspexx.social

And to our brave designers who submitted their portfolios for live critique: Nathalie Zeitoun @nath_zey , Zain Tahir and Farish Hubiyan. @hubiyxn

A big thank you to Peter, Jack and the team at aspexx., to @thechrisclark.design for co-creating this series, and to everyone who joined us and made the night so memorable.

📺 If you missed it, you can catch up on YouTube

#HCDPortfolioCritique #HCDUAE #DesignCommunity #PortfolioReview #InteractionDesign #VisualDesign #UX #UI #DesignInAbuDhabi #DesignCritique #ProductDesign #meetup

Great design doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s shaped through critique, conversation, and community.

And that’s exactly what we saw at our @hcduae Meetup #PortfolioCritiqueNight in Abu Dhabi.

The room at @thebridgehub was packed, a new record for Abu Dhabi, with designers eager to learn, share, and challenge each other. The atmosphere was thoughtful, honest, and full of generosity, a perfect reflection of what makes this community so special.

This edition focused on #Interaction & #VisualDesign, and what stood out most was the openness to feedback and the genuine curiosity to grow. Every critique was delivered with care, and every designer walked away with clarity and confidence to keep pushing their craft forward.

A few key takeaways from the evening:
✔️ Design critique is a conversation, not a competition. It’s about perspective, not perfection.
✔️ Clarity wins. Great portfolios tell a clear story about what problem was solved and how.
✔️ Visual design isn’t decoration, it’s communication. Every choice should have intent and meaning.
✔️ Share your process. The best portfolios reveal thinking, not just outcomes.
✔️ Community builds confidence. The more we critique together, the stronger our collective craft becomes.

Huge thanks to our brilliant panelists:
⚫️ Jue Lu – Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
⚫️ @batsimadz – ADIB - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
⚫️ @cesareo_kreativ – Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi
⚫️ Peter Mackintosh – @aspexx.social

And to our brave designers who submitted their portfolios for live critique: Nathalie Zeitoun @nath_zey , Zain Tahir and Farish Hubiyan. @hubiyxn

A big thank you to Peter, Jack and the team at aspexx., to @thechrisclark.design for co-creating this series, and to everyone who joined us and made the night so memorable.

📺 If you missed it, you can catch up on YouTube

#HCDPortfolioCritique #HCDUAE #DesignCommunity #PortfolioReview #InteractionDesign #VisualDesign #UX #UI #DesignInAbuDhabi #DesignCritique #ProductDesign #meetup

Fantastic videography by @jackkidd89 Thank you Jack and Peter from @aspexx.social for your partnership. These are some great highlights of our #designcritiquenight hosted by @jonathan_design_coaching with @cesareo_kreativ @batsimadz and Jue Lu with wonderful support from @thechrisclark.design

Fantastic videography by @jackkidd89 Thank you Jack and Peter from @aspexx.social for your partnership. These are some great highlights of our #designcritiquenight hosted by @jonathan_design_coaching with @cesareo_kreativ @batsimadz and Jue Lu with wonderful support from @thechrisclark.design

One last big one to end the year!

We’re closing out an incredible year for the @hcduae Meetup with a special finale at @lockstockuae at the @rixospremiumdubai in JBR and this one’s all about the craft behind Service Design, Design Research, and Content Design.

This time, we’re tackling a big question:
👉 Do these disciplines even need portfolios?
And if they do, what should they look like?

Unlike UX or Visual Design, where the work is often tangible, these roles shape systems, stories, and evidence, so how do you showcase that?

We’ll explore this with an expert panel of leaders and hiring managers from across the region (to be announced in the coming weeks).

📍 Lock, Stock & Barrel – Rixos JBR
🗓️ Thursday 20 Nov | From 6:30 PM
🎟️ Register here: https://lnkd.in/dPDEAcfK

💬 To submit your portfolio for consideration in the live critique, drop a comment on Jonathan Steingiesser's latest LinkedIn post with #YES I'll be there and your link or website.

A huge thanks to our partners at @aspexx.social Peter Mackintosh and @jackkidd89 , to @thechrisclark.design for all his work behind the scenes and to every designer, researcher, and strategist who’s helped this community grow stronger each month.

Let’s finish the year with great conversations, big ideas, and maybe a few surprises.

#HCDUAE #HumanCentredDesign #ServiceDesign #DesignResearch #ContentDesign #DesignCommunity #DubaiDesign #DesignCritique #MeetupUAE

One last big one to end the year!

We’re closing out an incredible year for the @hcduae Meetup with a special finale at @lockstockuae at the @rixospremiumdubai in JBR and this one’s all about the craft behind Service Design, Design Research, and Content Design.

This time, we’re tackling a big question:
👉 Do these disciplines even need portfolios?
And if they do, what should they look like?

Unlike UX or Visual Design, where the work is often tangible, these roles shape systems, stories, and evidence, so how do you showcase that?

We’ll explore this with an expert panel of leaders and hiring managers from across the region (to be announced in the coming weeks).

📍 Lock, Stock & Barrel – Rixos JBR
🗓️ Thursday 20 Nov | From 6:30 PM
🎟️ Register here: https://lnkd.in/dPDEAcfK

💬 To submit your portfolio for consideration in the live critique, drop a comment on Jonathan Steingiesser's latest LinkedIn post with #YES I'll be there and your link or website.

A huge thanks to our partners at @aspexx.social Peter Mackintosh and @jackkidd89 , to @thechrisclark.design for all his work behind the scenes and to every designer, researcher, and strategist who’s helped this community grow stronger each month.

Let’s finish the year with great conversations, big ideas, and maybe a few surprises.

#HCDUAE #HumanCentredDesign #ServiceDesign #DesignResearch #ContentDesign #DesignCommunity #DubaiDesign #DesignCritique #MeetupUAE

Fantastic meetup last night with record numbers for Abu Dhabi!

A massive thanks to our partners at @aspexx.social aspexx., Peter Mackintosh and @jackkidd89 Jack Kidd . It was insightful having Peter on our panel, his experience and unique perspective brought great depth to the discussion.

Jack did a wonderful job capturing photos and video, and was an incredible co-host for the crowd.

A big thank you as well to our panelists
🔵 Jue Lu
🔵 Batsi Madzonga @batsimadz
🔵 Luke Cesareo @cesareo_kreativ
🔵 Peter Mackintosh @peter_mackintosh89
Each brought their own distinct perspective and energy to the night.

And to our brave designers who had their portfolios critiqued — Nathalie Zeitoun, Zain Tahir, and Farish Hubiyan — thank you for sharing your work and inspiring us all.

And finally, a huge thanks to everyone who attended. Your energy, curiosity, and openness to learn and share are what make this community so special.

#meetup #ux #ui #AbuDhabi #product #tech #design #hcdUAE #hcd

Fantastic meetup last night with record numbers for Abu Dhabi!

A massive thanks to our partners at @aspexx.social aspexx., Peter Mackintosh and @jackkidd89 Jack Kidd . It was insightful having Peter on our panel, his experience and unique perspective brought great depth to the discussion.

Jack did a wonderful job capturing photos and video, and was an incredible co-host for the crowd.

A big thank you as well to our panelists
🔵 Jue Lu
🔵 Batsi Madzonga @batsimadz
🔵 Luke Cesareo @cesareo_kreativ
🔵 Peter Mackintosh @peter_mackintosh89
Each brought their own distinct perspective and energy to the night.

And to our brave designers who had their portfolios critiqued — Nathalie Zeitoun, Zain Tahir, and Farish Hubiyan — thank you for sharing your work and inspiring us all.

And finally, a huge thanks to everyone who attended. Your energy, curiosity, and openness to learn and share are what make this community so special.

#meetup #ux #ui #AbuDhabi #product #tech #design #hcdUAE #hcd

We’re back this Wednesday for another Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup @hcduae and this one’s extra special!

Joining our panel is Peter Mackintosh, Co-Founder of @aspexx.social and a familiar face to many in the UAE design scene. With years of experience recruiting design and product talent across the UAE, Europe, and beyond, Peter has helped shape how teams hire, grow, and build meaningful design cultures.

Peter will be joining our incredible panel of design leaders — Jue Lu (@dctabudhabi Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)), Batsi Madzonga (@adib_bank - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank), and @cesareo_kreativ Cesareo (Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi), with @jonathan_design_coaching moderating.

Together, they’ll explore how interaction and visual design portfolios can better communicate craft, clarity, and intent.

📍 @thebridgehub Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Wednesday, October 22 | 6:30 PM
🎟️ Register here: details in the bio

A huge thank you also to @jackkidd89 and the rest of the team at aspexx. for their continued partnership and to every designer in the community who keeps showing up, sharing, and raising the bar for design in the UAE.

And finally, a special thanks to @thechrisclark.design for putting this series together with me and helping make these meetups what they are.

#HCDUAE #DesignCommunity #PortfolioCritiqueNight #InteractionDesign #VisualDesign #Aspexx #UAEDesign #HumanCentredDesign #meetup #tech #product #UX #UI

We’re back this Wednesday for another Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup @hcduae and this one’s extra special!

Joining our panel is Peter Mackintosh, Co-Founder of @aspexx.social and a familiar face to many in the UAE design scene. With years of experience recruiting design and product talent across the UAE, Europe, and beyond, Peter has helped shape how teams hire, grow, and build meaningful design cultures.

Peter will be joining our incredible panel of design leaders — Jue Lu (@dctabudhabi Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)), Batsi Madzonga (@adib_bank - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank), and @cesareo_kreativ Cesareo (Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi), with @jonathan_design_coaching moderating.

Together, they’ll explore how interaction and visual design portfolios can better communicate craft, clarity, and intent.

📍 @thebridgehub Abu Dhabi
🗓️ Wednesday, October 22 | 6:30 PM
🎟️ Register here: details in the bio

A huge thank you also to @jackkidd89 and the rest of the team at aspexx. for their continued partnership and to every designer in the community who keeps showing up, sharing, and raising the bar for design in the UAE.

And finally, a special thanks to @thechrisclark.design for putting this series together with me and helping make these meetups what they are.

#HCDUAE #DesignCommunity #PortfolioCritiqueNight #InteractionDesign #VisualDesign #Aspexx #UAEDesign #HumanCentredDesign #meetup #tech #product #UX #UI

After a full house in Dubai, we’re thrilled to bring Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup’s #PortfolioCritiqueNight to Abu Dhabi, proudly supported by @aspexx.social

The Dubai edition was buzzing with energy, constructive feedback, and genuine community spirit and now it’s the capital’s turn. This session spotlights #Interaction & #Visual Design, gathering some of the UAE’s most respected design leaders for an evening of open critique, honest conversation, and shared growth.

📍 @thebridgehub Abu Dhabi
🗓 October 22 | 6:30 PM

Panel Line-Up
• Jue Lu – Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) @dctabudhabi
• @batsimadz – ADIB - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) @adib_bank
• @cesareo_kreativ – Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi @ihl.abudhabi

Moderated by @jonathan_design_coaching – Founder, @hcduae Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup and Innovation Lead at Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority @abudhabi_eca

A huge thank-you to @thechrisclark.design , Peter Mackintosh and @jackkidd89 for driving this initiative and to every designer who continues to show up, share, and push the craft forward in the UAE.

🎟 Register through our website - link in the bio.

Let’s keep learning, connecting, and shaping a stronger design community together.

#HCDUAE
#AbuDhabi
#DesignCommunity
#Design
#meetup
#tech
#product
#design
#uxUAE
#UX
#UI

After a full house in Dubai, we’re thrilled to bring Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup’s #PortfolioCritiqueNight to Abu Dhabi, proudly supported by @aspexx.social

The Dubai edition was buzzing with energy, constructive feedback, and genuine community spirit and now it’s the capital’s turn. This session spotlights #Interaction & #Visual Design, gathering some of the UAE’s most respected design leaders for an evening of open critique, honest conversation, and shared growth.

📍 @thebridgehub Abu Dhabi
🗓 October 22 | 6:30 PM

Panel Line-Up
• Jue Lu – Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) @dctabudhabi
• @batsimadz – ADIB - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) @adib_bank
• @cesareo_kreativ – Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi @ihl.abudhabi

Moderated by @jonathan_design_coaching – Founder, @hcduae Human Centred Design (HCD) UAE Meetup and Innovation Lead at Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority @abudhabi_eca

A huge thank-you to @thechrisclark.design , Peter Mackintosh and @jackkidd89 for driving this initiative and to every designer who continues to show up, share, and push the craft forward in the UAE.

🎟 Register through our website - link in the bio.

Let’s keep learning, connecting, and shaping a stronger design community together.

#HCDUAE
#AbuDhabi
#DesignCommunity
#Design
#meetup
#tech
#product
#design
#uxUAE
#UX
#UI

The feedback has been fantastic of our first #DesignCritiqueNight @hcduae

Massive thanks to @aspexx.social @thecarscafe @thechrisclark.design @jonathan_design_coaching @carlosmontanadesign Amanda Cano and everyone who joined us.

The feedback has been fantastic of our first #DesignCritiqueNight @hcduae

Massive thanks to @aspexx.social @thecarscafe @thechrisclark.design @jonathan_design_coaching @carlosmontanadesign Amanda Cano and everyone who joined us.

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

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