Maker Park

ilmi is a new science and innovation center opening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With 38,000 square meters of immersive and interactive installations, it is conceived as a national cultural hub for families and a flagship for informal learning in STREAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, Mathematics).

To scale the impact beyond its physical walls, ilmi includes a digital platform extending the experience nationwide. Designed as a freemium ecosystem, it combines educational content, gamified mechanics, interactive features, and external integrations to support continuity between on-site and off-site learning.

For over three years, I wore three hats simultaneously: lead designer, creative director, and strategist. I didn’t just design the prototype of the digital platform; I contributed to the center’s Digital Learning Strategy while guiding the accessibility guidelines.

Working in a high-profile, fast-paced ecosystem meant translating playful learning objectives and sky-high business requirements into scalable, retention-driven concepts. The briefs constantly evolved, the timelines were intense, and the expectations were huge, but so far this is the project where I’ve learned the most, no doubt! It was a catalyst as well, because the intense intersection of game mechanics and diverse learners’ needs led me straight to my CPACC accessibility certification.

Through it all, I coordinated a global network of partners, cross-functional teams, and vendors. I acted as the captain of the boat keeping everyone and everything aligned, and pulling off miracles under pressure. It was a brutal masterclass in high-stakes leadership, and honestly? The most rewarding project I’ve worked on so far.

• Led end-to-end UX/UI and experience strategy for a large-scale nationwide digital learning ecosystem.
• Co-authored the center’s Learning Digital Strategy from the ground up.
• Pioneered foundational accessibility standards across the entire ecosystem.
• Mastered informal learning and game mechanics, to turn educational goals into engaging experiences.
• Orchestrated a global network of teams and vendors through constantly shifting requirements.