Innovation Beyond Technology

Why good ideas still struggle to become meaningful change

Innovation is often treated as shorthand for new technology, AI or the next big feature. But technology alone doesn’t create innovation. For this HCD UAE Meetup, we’ll explore a bigger question: *What actually makes something innovative and what does it take to make meaningful change happen inside an organisation?* 📍 Dtec, Building A5, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis 🗓 Thursday, 8 October ⏰ 6:30 PM

What to Expect

We’ll hear three short, honest case studies from people who have tried to make change happen — what they were trying to do, what got in the way, what worked, what didn’t, and what they would do differently now. Rather than talking about innovation in theory, each speaker will bring a real example from their own work and experience. We’ll then open it up into a panel discussion exploring:

• Why good ideas often struggle to reach customers • Whether innovation has become too closely associated with technology • The role of design, brand, leadership, culture and organisational constraints • Who actually gets to shape what an organisation changes • What designers and product people can realistically do to move ideas into action • How organisations create the conditions for meaningful change rather than simply generating more ideas

Expect real stories, different perspectives and an open conversation about what innovation looks like when you move beyond the hype.

Speakers & Panel

James Samperi Managing Partner / Director, Engine Dubai Jonathan Steingiesser Innovation Lead, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority Founder, HCD UAE Kizz Ahdan Product Design Leader & Founder

The conversation will be moderated by Chris Clark, Innovation Consultant, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and HCD UAE organising committee member.

Together, the group brings perspectives across innovation, product, brand, strategic design, leadership and organisational change.

Why Attend

Whether you work in design, product, innovation, strategy or leadership, this meetup is about the messy space between having a good idea and actually making something happen. Come along to:

• Hear honest case studies rather than polished innovation success stories • Explore innovation beyond AI, technology and new features • Understand some of the organisational forces that help or prevent ideas from moving forward • Hear perspectives from product, design, brand and innovation leaders • Connect with designers, researchers, product people and innovators from across the UAE

In Collaboration With

This meetup is being held in collaboration with Dtec, who are hosting us at A5 Building at Dubai Digital Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Hosted by

Human Centred Design UAE Meetup Organising committee: Jonathan Steingiesser, Chris Clark and Nada Hassan.

Sponsor

A big thank you to Peter Mackintosh and Jack Kidd from aspexx. for continuing to support the HCD UAE community.

Join Us

Innovation doesn’t only happen in innovation labs, and it doesn’t always begin with technology. Sometimes the harder question is how you create the conditions for a good idea to survive, gain support and become something meaningful. Join us on 8 October at Dtec for an evening of real stories, different perspectives, good discussion and connection with the HCD UAE community.