I am a product oriented CEO.
Qualitative Research, Product Architecture, and User Experience are at the core of my practice.
I am CEO and co founder at Smart Nora, where we design products that improve quality of life. Our first product has helped tens of thousands of couples improve their relationships, by reducing their snoring. ;-)
Recently at IDEO.org I worked on a wide range of projects including a sustainable franchise to deliver essential services in the D.R. Congo, reproductive health services in Zambia, and an inclusive financial product in the Philippines.
As a systems designer, I straddle the intersection between research, strategy, and visual communication. I take ideas from an abstract place to a tangible product or solution.
I mentor tech and social enterprise startups on Human Centered Design, design-led practices, and Lean methodology. I facilitate strategy sessions globally, often bringing together expert from different fields to collaborate in new ways.
I am always up for a good conversation.
email: behrouz [at] smartnora.com
SPEAKING & JURY
Rotman Design Challenge . Toronto . March 2015
Engineers without Borders . Montreal. January 2015
Bongo Hive Incubator . Lusaka, Zambia . July 2014
University of San Francisco . San Francisco . January 2014
Hult Intentional Business School . San Francisco . January 2014
Pecha Kucha Night . Toronto . February 2012
Glendon College . Toronto . March 2010
Center for Social Innovation . Toronto . February 2010
Ignite Toronto . November . 2009
Noor Cultural Center . Toronto . November 2008
York University . Toronto . March 2008
WRITING
Editor of Reviews, Neshan Magazine
2010 - 2013
Online Editor, Dabireh Collective
2008 - 2011
Elsewhere: Design Taxi, Haft Shahr Quarterly, Ping Mag
EDUCATION
York University / Sheridan Institute
Honours Bachelor of Design (B. Des.)
2003 – 2008
University of Tehran
School of Visual Communication
Exchange Student, 2005 – 2006
MENTORSHIP & COMMUNITY
Diasporic Genius . Board Member . 2015
UNHCR Innovation Fellowship . 2014
Creative Mornings Toronto . Founder and Organizer . 2011 - 2013
JOLT / MaRS . Toronto . 2013
FounderFuel . Montreal . 2012
Project Wildfire . Toronto . 2011
EXHIBITIONS
Deep Surface: Contemporary Ornament and Pattern
A major exhibition including graphic design, architecture, products, textile and fashion, CAM Raleigh, September 2011 – January 2012
Persianissimo
Group Poster Show, Toronto, July 2011
49th International Thessaloniki Film Festival
Video Projection and Installation, Greece, November 2008
GEN X, Posters by Young Iranian Designers
York University, Toronto, April 2008
International Graphic Design Day
Group Poster Show, University of Tehran, Iran, April 2007
CONFERENCES & EVENTS
Hacking Health, Toronto, 2012
Kaos Pilots Workshop, Toronto, 2010
TypoBerlin, Berlin, 2009
Design Thinkers, Toronto, 2008, 2011, 2012
FITC, Toronto, 2006, 2007, 2009
Pause Conference, New York, 2008