Lunch Talks

Melis Sönmez

Founder & Design Researcher, Bright Side
January 19, 2018

“I decided to do something for my frustration — Bright Side, [a platform] where we interviewing immigrants and share their stories.”

Melis Sönmez is a design researcher with a background in product design and brand communication. She has spent the past four years collaborating with design and strategy teams tackling complex challenges and contributing insights and strategic thinking to projects in high-visibility projects. She specializes in using design research to understand what makes people tick, surface latent needs, and to form actionable insights that inspire design opportunities at all stages of the design process. She is also the founder of Bright Side, a community where immigrants can share their inspiring stories to empower each other and show the world their positive impact on society.

  • A group of people are gathered in a bright room with a projector screen at the front displaying a presentation. There are chairs set up in rows, and some people are standing and chatting while others are seated. The room has a modern, casual atmosphere.
  • A person stands at the front of a classroom, giving a presentation to a group of seated attendees. The presentation slide shows six individuals with names and titles. The room has a casual setup with various posters and items on shelves.
  • A person holds a can of Sweet Action beer at a wooden table. The can has a label featuring a star and text. A plate with a partially eaten sandwich is in the foreground, and there are people and a kitchen area in the background.
  • A diverse group of people sitting closely together in a well-lit room, attentively listening to a presentation. Some individuals are taking notes, while others are holding drinks. The room has bookshelves and a staircase in the background.
  • A woman is speaking in front of an audience in a classroom or workshop setting. Behind her is a large screen displaying various headshots and names. The audience is seated facing her, and there are posters on the wall with the word "HISTORY.
  • A woman with long dark hair is speaking in front of a screen displaying various knitting stitch techniques and patterns. She is gesturing with her hands, holding a small remote in her right hand.
  • A person delivers a presentation to a seated audience in a modern, stylish room adorned with various posters and artwork. A large projection screen displays a collage of photographs. The audience listens attentively, seated in rows facing the presenter.
  • A group of people seated and standing in a room with a bookshelf and a large window. Some people are using cell phones, while others are talking. Jackets and coats are draped over chairs. The word "RESIST" is visible on the window in large letters.
  • A group of people sit on black and orange chairs in a modern, spacious room with a loft area. They are socializing and eating, creating a lively atmosphere. In the foreground, a large green potted plant adds a touch of nature to the scene.

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