Irene Schmid
About Irene Schmid
Irene Schmid is a Customization and Design Specialist at Motion, where she has worked since 2018. With a background in international humanitarian work and a strong focus on design for health care, she has held various roles in organizations such as the ICRC, UN, and The World Bank.
Work at Motion
Irene Schmid has been employed at Motion since 2018, serving as a Customization and Design Specialist. In this role, she focuses on developing products and services that enhance user well-being through design research and iterative prototyping. Her work emphasizes the intersection of industrial design and interaction design, particularly in the health care sector. Irene's expertise allows her to create tailored solutions that address the unique needs of individuals.
Education and Expertise
Irene Schmid holds a Licence in Economics from Universite de Lausanne, Switzerland, where she studied from 1987 to 1991. She also earned a Master of Arts in International Relations from Georgetown University, completing her studies from 1991 to 1993. Additionally, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, studying from 2008 to 2012. Her educational background supports her extensive experience in customization and design, particularly for individuals with complex disabilities.
Background
Irene Schmid has a diverse professional background, with significant experience in international humanitarian work. She worked at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in various roles, including Deputy Head of Operations for West Africa and Protection Coordinator for Iraq. Her tenure at the United Nations included serving as Deputy Director for the Protection of Civilians in Sudan. Irene's early career included consulting for The World Bank and serving as a Senior Protection Officer for UNHCR in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Irene Schmid has gained insight into inter-cultural dynamics through her extensive international humanitarian work. She has developed a particular interest in designing and fabricating custom solutions for persons with complex disabilities. Her experience includes leading projects at Emily Carr University of Art and Design and working as a Seating and Positioning Technologist at the Provincial Health Services Authority. Irene's work has consistently focused on enhancing user well-being through innovative design.