HCD UAE Meetup | The DDX Lightning Edition | Abu Dhabi

Building on the magic of DDX Dubai, the HCD UAE Meetup is bringing together another special evening of lightning talks in Abu Dhabi from some of the standout voices from the conference.
DDX has quickly become one of the region’s most important gatherings for design, product thinking, and innovation. For those who attended, you know the energy. For those who missed it, this is your chance to experience some of that thinking and inspiration.
This edition will also be broadcast live internationally, allowing the global design community to join the conversation.

📍 The Bridge Welness Hub, Abu Dhabi
🗓 23 April
⏰ 6:30 PM
🎥 In-person + Live Broadcast `(details announced closer to the event)

## What to Expect

Across a series of fast-paced lightning talks, our speakers will explore a shared theme that runs through DDX:
How design is evolving in an era of AI, startups, complex systems, and new forms of leadership.
From product research and venture design to philosophy, enterprise design, and UX leadership, the evening will explore how designers can:
• Shape better products and services
• Navigate uncertainty and emerging technologies
• Influence strategy and decision making
• Design responsibly for people and society
Each speaker will deliver a concise version of their DDX talk followed by networking with the community.

## Speakers

Elizabeth Churchill
Professor & Department Chair, MBZUAI

Erik Spiekermann
Founder, MetaDesign, FontShop, Edenspiekermann

Jue Lu
Director of Visitor Experience, Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi

Jonathan Steingiesser
HCD Founder / Innovation Lead at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority

Chris Clark
HCD Co-organiser / Innovation Lead at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority

Luis Ouriach
Design Advocate, Figma

Together, they bring perspectives from big tech, government, design leadership, product and research, cultural experience, and global design advocacy.

## Why Attend

• Learn from leading designers and thinkers shaping the region
• Get a taste of the ideas presented at DDX Dubai
• Connect with the growing UAE design community
• Meet designers, researchers, founders, and innovators
• Experience the HCD UAE Meetup community

## Hosted by

Human Centred Design UAE Meetup

## Sponsor

Proudly supported by aspexx.

## Join Us

Whether you are a designer, researcher, product manager, founder, or simply curious about the future of design, this will be a fantastic evening of learning, conversation, and connection.