Join us one more time this year for an exciting glimpse into designing for the off-road world with Cristina Ilenescu.

What happens when you bring design thinking into a world of engines, mud and mechanical precision?

This talk looks back at the experience of introducing a user-centered approach to the design of off-road vehicle interfaces. It explores how a human perspective was brought into a highly technical environment and how collaboration helped make complex tools easier and safer to use. It is a story of UX with mud on its boots that illustrates how design thinking can adapt and bring value to places that were unaware of its existence.

DATE TIME: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:00-8:00 pm.

LOCATION: In-Person Event at Impact Hub Ottawa (123 Slater Street, 7th floor, Ottawa, ON K1P 5H2).

• NOTE: The venue is in a high-rise building, and the entry doors on the ground floor/street level lock automatically at 7pm.

REGISTRATION: (Free!) https://www.meetup.com/capchi/events/311864809/ 

About Cristina Ilenescu

With over 10 years of experience in research and design, complemented by a background in Psychology, Cristina brings a human-centred perspective to understanding and shaping how people interact with products, services and systems. Her work blends research insights with design strategy to create solutions that are both useful and usable. Cristina has contributed to projects across public and private sectors, from local initiatives to global programs, in industries including government, education, coaching, digital signatures, agriculture, automotive, building management and telecommunications. Curious and collaborative, she explores how research-driven design can make complex systems intuitive, human and impactful.

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A Space for Community and Support

Beyond the talk, we recognize the importance of fostering a strong UX and design community—especially in light of the recent news about Algonquin College suspending its Human-Centred Design program. The decision to halt new student admissions after Fall 2025 is a significant loss to the local UX ecosystem.

Now, more than ever, we must come together to support, uplift, and advocate for the growth of human-centered design. Events like this serve not only as learning opportunities but also as spaces for connection, mentorship, and solidarity.

We hope to see you there. Let’s keep the spirit of UX alive.
Spread the word and bring a friend!

 

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About The Venue

Impact Hub Ottawa is situated on the 7th floor of a high-rise building and at 7pm the entry doors on the ground floor/street level lock automatically. We will monitor the doors a bit past the lock time and tape a note to the door with a number to contact for entry. Water, tea and coffee are provided for free, but food will not be available. You are welcome to bring your own snack. No alcoholic beverages please. If you like to head out for a drink afterwards, there are various options near by to do so.

 

Our Sponsors

We are extremely grateful to these organizations for their generous support of CapCHI and the local UX community. 

Design Centered Co.
https://designcentered.co/

Design Centered Co. is a leading UX and digital transformation agency, recognized for delivering inclusive, sustainable, and impact-driven solutions. We help organizations create meaningful change through user-centered design and innovative strategies.

 

DFFRNT
https://dffrnt.ca We’re an exceptional team of highly experienced behavioural researchers and design strategists. We apply a fundamental understanding of human behaviour, strategic design and human-computer interaction to deliver product and service design value.  

 

Jumping Elephants
https://www.jumpingelephants.ca  Jumping Elephants is a full-service, consulting group based in Ottawa and specializing in user-centred solutions design and business process management for the public and private sector. 

 

Nokia
http://www.nokia.com

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. We put the world’s people, machines, and devices in sync to create a more sustainable, productive, and accessible future.

 

 

About CapCHI

CapCHI (www.capchi.org) is a social and professional society of people who work as user interface designers, researchers, educators, software developers, web designers, graphic designers and human factors engineers in and around Canada’s National Capital Region. Founded in 1991, CapCHI’s goal is to bring together local professionals interested in how humans and computers interact, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

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