Hosted by CapCHI, Melis, & Danny
Join us as we take a journey with Danny (Dinh Nguyen) Nhu and Maria Montano about co-designing with youth, part of the TASTE research project!
Designing With, Not For: Co-Designing a Board Game with Youth
by Danny (Dinh Nguyen) Nhu and Maria Montano
DATE TIME: Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 6:30-9:00 pm; doors open at 6:00 pm for networking.
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!) www.meetup.com/capchi/events/317342770
About Danny and Maria
Danny (Dinh Nguyen) Nhu is a Research Associate at Algonquin College’s Human-Centred Design Lab, leading community-based applied research that advances service transformation for vulnerable populations through participatory, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches grounded in lived experience.
With a background in design and a transition into applied research, he brings a human-centred approach that combines analytical thinking, creativity, and empathy. Originally from Vietnam, he completed a master’s degree and worked in Taiwan before settling in Ottawa. This cross-cultural journey informs his approach to research and collaboration, alongside a strong commitment to equity, accessibility, and meaningful social impact.
Maria Montano is a Research Associate at Algonquin College’s Human-Centred Design Lab, where she works with youth, communities, and service organizations to explore how research and design can contribute to more inclusive and meaningful experiences. Her approach is grounded in a belief that human-centred design can help communities navigate and reshape systems that affect their everyday lives.
Originally from Colombia, Maria began her career designing tangible products and working with businesses to understand users and translate their needs into products and experiences. Since moving to Canada, she has expanded this perspective through training in Service Design and Human-Centred Design, exploring how a more human-centred approach can be applied beyond products to services, systems, and the everyday realities of communities. Her work is particularly interested in creating more inclusive ways for people to participate, access opportunities, and belong.
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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.
CanUX
CanUX is an independent, locally-grown, volunteer-driven conference created for people who want to learn and share their expertise about experience design and how the profession can contribute to making things work better for everyone. The 14th edition of CanUX, Canada’s premier UX event, is happening in Ottawa on Nov 3-6, 2027.
DFFRNT
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.
Outwitly
Your Trusted Partner for Staffing High-Impact Design Teams
Outwitly is more than a UX recruitment agency. We’re your strategic design partner. We help you hire exceptional UXers, service designers, and researchers — with ongoing support from our own design experts to ensure lasting impact.
Impact HUB
Impact HUB is Ottawa’s coworking space for social impact where consultants, non-profits, social entrepreneurs and small business owners like you get the workspaces, services, and experts you need to do good better.
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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