What happens after CIID? For many of our graduates, it’s the beginning of something remarkable. Alumni of the Interaction Design Programme (IDP) have gone on to shape the future — as designers, entrepreneurs, technologists, educators, and leaders in some of the world’s most innovative companies and studios.
Real People. Real Journeys.
What you’ll hear about:
How CIID’s hands-on, interdisciplinary curriculum shaped their approach to design
The unique hands-on learning environment that blends creativity and technology
A myriad of career paths that have taken people all around the world
The lifelong friendships, networks, and collaborations that began at CIID.
We have curated a selection of alumni stories where they share how their time at CIID transformed their thinking, expanded their skills, and opened doors to new possibilities. Whether you’re considering applying to CIID or just curious about what happens after, these voices offer an honest, diverse, and individual perspective into what’s possible. From launching startups to designing for social impact, from working at Google, IDEO, and LEGO to founding independent studios, our alumni span industries and continents — but they’re united by a shared foundation in using design for positive impact.
"There are only a handful of experiences in life that fundamentally alter your worldview, and CIID was one of them. I entered as a wide-eyed design rookie and left with new, diverse skills that helped me deconstruct and tackle any challenge that came my way. CIID gave me creative confidence that extended well beyond its walls, showing me how my authentic self can imagine and shape the world around me. It unlocked the entrepreneur in me, and I can’t imagine navigating life without the learnings and growth I had at CIID"
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We’re excited to share the first interview from our new Interaction Design Programme alumni series “IDP Alumni Spotlight”, featuring Alejandra Molina who graduated from IDP 10 years ago and now works as a designer at Google DeepMind. In this insightful conversation, Alejandra reflects on her journey from CIID to one of the leading tech companies in the world. She discusses her approach to design, the role of creativity in shaping technology, and how her experiences at CIID have influenced her work at Google. Alejandra also touches on the evolving nature of design in tech, and the importance of bridging the gap between human-centred design and cutting-edge AI technologies. Her perspective offers a unique look into the intersection of design and science, and how designers can have a meaningful impact in the development of intelligent systems.
As part of our ongoing IDP Alumni Series, we’re excited to feature Herin Haramoto, a 2020 graduate of our Interaction Design Programme (IDP). Now a Senior Product Designer at a startup, Herin brings a deeply empathetic approach to her work — rooted in co-creation and meaningful user engagement. In this interview, she reflects on how her time at CIID shaped her thinking around inclusive design and the role of technology in strengthening our connections with people and the ecosystems we live in. One of her current projects explores the future of autonomous vehicles — specifically, how we might reimagine the in-car experience when people are no longer focused on driving. Herin’s story is a powerful example of how the IDP can spark transformative journeys, equipping designers to create lasting impact.
Andrew has spent over a decade shaping meaningful experiences through design. After beginning his journey at Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design in Copenhagen, he moved to London, where he has worked across agencies, production houses, and design consultancies. For the past four and a half years, Andrew has been Frog Design, where he’s now an Associate Director, focusing on projects in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. Andrew’s reflections are a reminder that great design is not just about tools and outcomes—it’s about people, relationships, and a shared sense of purpose.
John graduated from CIID’s Interaction Design Programme in 2011, and is the Founder and Director of a service design studio based in Dublin, focused on transforming public services. John shares what it means to bring design into the spaces that shape people’s everyday lives — particularly within government and policy. His studio works to ensure that design has a seat at the table alongside economists, engineers, and policymakers, especially where it matters most: in the systems people rely on in moments of their greatest need. One of John’s most memorable takeaways? “You’ll always have a couch to sleep on in any city.” That sense of belonging is something we’re deeply proud of at CIID.
Now a Design Director at Spotify in Stockholm, Shamik brings a thoughtful and systems-minded lens to design — asking how we can ensure our work contributes to a net positive future for the planet. In this short interview, he reflects on the role of design in navigating today’s rapid technological change and hs ongoing search for peaceful, planet-first solutions. One of his key takeaways: there are no fixed rules in design — only curiosity, observation, and the courage to make meaning. Shamik’s perspective is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when designers not only respond to complexity, but embrace it with creativity and care.
Originally from Belgium, Justine Syen, a 2016 graduate of CIID’s IDP, is now based in London, working as an Interaction Design Lead at IDEO. Her practice spans service design, feature development and digital product design — a reflection of the interdisciplinary approach embedded in the CIID experience. From designing for menopause care to developing sustainable ecosystems for consumer tech - and launching immunisation initiatives for babies, Justine’s work shows how design can be applied to complex, real-world challenges. We’re proud to count Justine among our global alumni community, using interaction design to make a meaningful difference.
Since graduating in 2009, Adam has returned to CIID as a visiting faculty member multiple times - generously sharing his insight and experience with students. Now working as an independent UX researcher and designer, Adam brings a considered perspective to the role that design can — and should — play in shaping better systems. In this interview, he reflects on the responsibility designers and technology teams have in rebuilding public trust, particularly through the improvement of government service delivery. At a time when confidence in institutions is increasingly fragile, Adam reminds us that design isn’t just about usability — it’s about creating systems that work more effectively for everyone. One of his key takeaways from CIID was the ability to collaborate across disciplines and cultures — a skill that continues to inform his work today.
