​Details

​Join us for an insightful evening at Digital Ops-Tech Centre (DOTC) where design meets defense! In two engaging talks, you'll explore how commercial UX principles are adapted to the military domain and gain invaluable insights from speakers who have successfully navigated the transition into this field.

Ever wondered how commercial UX practices transform when applied to high-stakes military environments? Joel, Senior Product Designer at DOTC, will share how he brings his experiences and expertise from working across sectors like GovTech Singapore and Sephora SEA into DOTC. Get ready for insightful takeaways on how familiar design principles evolve to meet the critical demands of security-driven projects. 

​Curious about jumping into the world of product design? Trena will take you through her inspiring journey of transitioning into UX design within the military landscape. Discover the tips, tricks, and unexpected challenges she encountered along the way. Whether you’re just starting or planning your own career shift, this talk will provide practical advice for your next steps.

​This event is perfect for both seasoned designers and newcomers eager to learn more about the unique intersection of UX and the military world!

​Schedule 🗒

​6:30pm – 7:00pm — ⁠Reception & Refreshments

​​​​7:00pm – 7:30pm — Welcome & Introduction of DOTC

​​​​7:30pm – 8:15pm — Presentation by speakers

​​​​8:15pm – 9:00pm — Merch Giveaways & Networking

​​Talks⚡

​From Commercial to Military Domain

​​​with Joel Tai, Senior Product Designer

​Ever wondered how commercial UX principles evolve when applied to the high-stakes world of military design? This talk explores that intersection, showcasing how familiar design practices adapt to meet the unique demands of defense. Whether you’re a seasoned product designer or new to the field, get ready for insightful takeaways and real-world challenges from designing in a critical, security-driven domain!

Joel is the Senior Product Designer leading the UX and Marketing team at DOTC. With over a decade of experience in product design, branding, and advertising across various sectors in Singapore and Southeast Asia such as GovTech Singapore and Sephora SEA, he brings a wealth of expertise. As an alumnus of the General Assembly and a mid-career switcher, Joel is deeply passionate about giving back to the community and providing mentorships in the APDList network.

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​Career Transition into DOTC

​​​with Trena Lee, Product Designer

​Curious about how a passion for design evolves into a career in UX, especially in the unique sphere of military defence? In this session, Trena will take you through her personal journey, from early experiences in communications and interactive storytelling to discovering a love for creating enjoyable user interactions. You'll hear firsthand how that led her to pursue a career in UX, culminating in the decision to join DOTC, where purpose, challenge, and collaboration meet, and how it is like working here.

​Trena is a Product Designer at DOTC, where she leads design for products like Pinpoint and Pressify. With a strong foundation in visual design and research background in interactive storytelling, her design philosophy focuses on creating delightful and intuitive experiences for users. Previously, she worked in the Republic of Singapore Air Force and Nexus (MINDEF), shaping communication strategies. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, Trena aims to inspire a new generation of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of UX.

​Our Event Host

​​The Digital Ops-Tech Centre (DOTC)

​The mission of Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces is to enhance Singapore’s peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor.

​The Digital Ops-Tech Centre (DOTC) will support the SAF in its mission by raising an responsive and capable software workforce that will engineer digital products that can drive new fighting concepts or enhance existing workflows.

​They identify operational challenges and develop digital solutions that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and security of our operations. Their team fosters a culture of creativity and close collaboration within the team and with our users.

​Through their unwavering commitment to nurturing digital talents and embracing diversity, they aim to forge a future where technology empowers our armed forces, ensuring a safer and more agile defence ecosystem.

​​​Note

​​​🌮 Refreshments provided

​​​🎟️ FREE. Register now as it’s going out quick!

​​​By attending our Singapore Product Design meetup events, you are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. We foster curiosity and connections through our events and are a harassment-free zone 💜