Join us for an informative and interactive lunch and learn with Meena Kothandaraman, co-founder and strategist at twig+fish. a cutting-edge progressive UX Research microagency in Boston.
DATE TIME: Tuesday December 16, 2025, 12:00 pm (noon).
LOCATION: ONLINE Event! Link visible for attendees on registration.
REGISTRATION: (Free!) https://www.meetup.com/capchi/events/312319216/
By attending Meena’s lunch and learn, you will leave with knowledge and practical tips on:
- Qualitative learning process language, and how AI can be inserted into it.
- About AI and qualitative research: where can it flourish? and where will it hurt?
- Perspectives and rationale to share with stakeholders to help them decide on the most appropriate AI approach for the organization, team and particular product as it relates to the research context.
About Meena Kothandaraman
Co-founder and strategist at twig+fish
With 35 years of experience, Meena Kothandaraman has elevated the strategic role of qualitative research in informing product, space, and service design.
As co-founder of twig+fish, she advances credible and transparent approaches that integrate human stories into organizational decision-making. She has also led organizations in operationalizing anti-racism and DEI principles, as well as meaningful AI integration within their research practice.
Meena is a founding Lecturer in Bentley University’s Human Factors in Information Design graduate program, where for 25 years she has guided practitioners in building meaningful research capabilities.
She actively mentors African American, LatinX, and Indigenous professionals, believing that diversifying who conducts research leads to more equitable design outcomes.
She holds an M.S. from Syracuse University and a B.Com from the University of Ottawa
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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.
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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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