Blog
4 min read
A new chapter in building a thriving design community in Saudi Arabia
In an ever-evolving world, where design and technology intersect, the need for a supportive and collaborative community has never been more crucial. As part of our commitment to fostering creativity and innovation within Riyadh, what began as a simple brainstorming session with my team at الرائــــــدة | Alraedah, quickly grew into something far more impactful: the birth of Riyadh Design Nights. Last week, with the unwavering support of AlMashtal | المشتل and الرائــــــدة | Alraedah, we proudly hosted our inaugural event, marking the beginning of what we hope will be a long-lasting and influential community.
A full house of inspiration and innovation
Our first event was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of Riyadh-based designers and technologists under one roof. The energy in the room was palpable, as like-minded professionals came together to share knowledge, insights, and their collective passion for design.
Along with the Alraedah Design Team, we were honored to have two incredible speakers who shared their journeys and expertise with our attendees. Lujayn Alhddad captivated the audience with her talk on practicing Human-Centered Design (HCD) in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world. She delved into the challenges and opportunities that designers face in such environments, and how embracing a human-centered approach can lead to more resilient and impactful solutions. Lujayn’s insights not only motivated the audience but also underscored the importance of adaptability and empathy in design.
Following Lujayn, Saif Dalli took the stage to demonstrate the power of research in design. Through his work on various projects, Saif highlighted how thorough research can lead to more informed and effective design decisions. His talk emphasized the critical role that research plays in understanding user needs, market trends, and the broader context in which design solutions are implemented. Saif’s presentation left a lasting impression on the audience, reinforcing the idea that great design is not just about aesthetics, but about solving real-world problems through informed, strategic decisions.
The Alraedah Design team and I also had the privilege of speaking at the event, where we discussed the importance of Building High-Performing Design Teams. I shared my experiences and strategies for cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within design teams. And my team Nouf Alzoman, Marian Iamaguti and Toby Glass each shared their contributions to the team and the impact they have made on our company. It was a moment of pride to see my team showcase their individual design methodologies and demonstrate the positive impact our collective efforts have had on our business.
Unveiling a new resource for designers
One of the most exciting moments of the evening was the debut of this design community website: design.alraedahdigital.sa. This platform is the first of its kind in the region, and we envision it as a valuable resource dedicated to supporting designers in Arabic and English across Saudi Arabia and beyond. The website is designed to be a hub for knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration, providing designers with access to tools, resources, and a community that will help them grow both personally and professionally.
The importance of building a design community
At its core, Riyadh Design Nights is more than just a series of events; it’s about building a community. In today’s rapidly changing world, where new technologies and methodologies emerge almost daily, designers need a space where they can connect, learn, and grow together. By fostering a strong design community, we can collectively elevate the standards of design practice in our region, driving innovation and creating solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply impactful.
A thriving design community can lead to more collaboration across disciplines, encouraging designers to think beyond their immediate challenges and consider the broader implications of their work. It can also provide a support system for designers, offering mentorship, inspiration, and the opportunity to share experiences and insights. Ultimately, by coming together as a community, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic design landscape that benefits everyone.
Looking ahead
The success of our first Riyadh Design Nights event is just the beginning. We are excited to continue building this community, hosting more events, and expanding the resources available through our website. Our goal is to make Riyadh Design Nights a cornerstone of the design community in Saudi Arabia, where designers can come together to inspire and be inspired.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first event, and a special thanks to Al Mashtal and their incredible team for their unwavering support and commitment to the creative community in KSA. Our next event is planned to take place on: October 21st, 2024 and we look forward to seeing you as we continue to shape the future of design in our region.
