Samar Héchaimé joins MEX founder Marek Pawlowski for a special discussion – recorded with a live web audience – exploring how we might transform our post-pandemic systems and organisations by putting people at the heart of future strategy. Drawing on deep cross-cultural experience – from the Middle East to the United States – and disciplines from architecture and digital services to consulting and innovation, Samar’s career has given her a unique perspective on balancing collective and individual design needs. Samar and Marek discuss projects ranging from wayfinding in airports to shaping the people-centred, holistic strategy of the Princess Noura University in Saudi Arabia.

It’s great to hear from listeners! You can get in touch with feedback, questions, guest suggestions or anything else @mexfeed on Twitter or email designtalk@mobileuserexperience.com.

Listen via

• Apple Podcasts
• Soundcloud
• Stitcher
• TuneIn
• Or search ‘MEX Design Talk’ in your favourite podcast player

Video

• If you prefer to watch this episode, a video of the original livestream is available here.

On this edition

• Samar Héchaimé, Co-founder, Agora Envisioning (@shechaime)
• Marek Pawlowski, podcast host & founder, MEX (@marekpawlowski)

Links

• Bauhaus, mentioned by Samar as an example of teaching philosophy early in her design education.
• Wayfinding, mentioned by Samar in reference to her early work.
• Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change, a book by Victor Papanek, mentioned by Samar as an early influence.
• Bureau Mijksenaar, where Samar worked on projects such as wayfinding at Schipol Airport and Oogziekenhuis (The Eye Hospital).
• Perkins Will, the architecture practice in Chicago where Samar worked.
• The Princess Noura University in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, where Samar worked on shaping the experience design.
• The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and subsequent amendment of 2008, mentioned by Samar in relation to how regulation influences design.

What do you think? Post your comments!

In addition to the interview with Samar, this edition of the MEX podcast was intended to prompt discussion in the community. In particular, Samar and I asked participants to consider a core question:

“Which of the many systems supporting our way of life have you become more aware of during the pandemic and how might we imagine changing them for the better with the principles of user-centred design?”

We’d love to hear your views on this or any other issue you’ve been thinking about on this theme.

Please post your thoughts in the comments section on the original livestream page so we can keep them together and encourage conversation in the community (you can also reach me and Samar by email if you’d prefer to discuss in private).

Donate to support

We need your help to keep MEX going! Make your donation today (any amount welcome) to show your support and become a MEX Patron. Your contributions go towards developing the podcast, livestream events and journal.

About MEX Design Talk & how to get in touch

The podcast for the MEX community, interviewing UX pioneers, exploring emerging technologies, user behaviour and how to design better digital experiences.

• Archive of previous MEX Design Talk episodes
• Subscribe for future editions by searching ‘MEX Design Talk’ in your favourite podcast player. We’re also on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher and TuneIn. For the old school, here’s our RSS feed
• If you enjoy MEX Design Talk, please help others discover the podcast by giving us a 5 star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts
• Get in touch with feedback and questions @mexfeed on Twitter or email designtalk@mobileuserexperience.com.
• MEX events
• MEX journal

Thanks

• Jukedeck, for the artificial intelligence engine which provided the music