Building a UX/UI Community in Santo Domingo: A Look at Our First Meetup

The world of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design is growing in the Dominican Republic. Still, something has been missing—a strong, engaged community where designers can connect, share knowledge, and grow together. That’s why we launched IxDF Santo Domingo and last week, we hosted our first virtual meetup, setting the stage for what’s ahead.

Around 20 participants engaged in the first IxDF Santo Domingo Virtual Meetup on March 14th, 2025, sharing insights and networking online.

A Space to Connect and Grow

We kicked things off with a warm welcome from Osvaldo Gómez, one of our local leaders, followed by intros from the attendees. The call brought together talented designers like Luis Ogando (Lead Product Designer at Scotiabank), Nahomi Sánchez Santana, Vittorio Villella, and myself, all eager to shape a more collaborative UX/UI community in the DR.

This session covered a lot of ground, from accessibility in design to career transitions, with meaningful conversations throughout.

1. Accessibility in UX/UI: A Non-Negotiable Design Standard

One of the most insightful discussions revolved around accessibility in digital design. We discussed how it’s often perceived as an “expensive extra” rather than an ethical and legal requirement. Several attendees shared their experiences working with users with disabilities and how small design choices can significantly impact usability.

2. What Makes a UX/UI Portfolio Stand Out?

Luis Ogando shared solid advice for designers looking to land better job opportunities. The key takeaway? A good portfolio is not just about pretty interfaces. It’s about telling a story, documenting your process, and explaining the reasoning behind every decision. Recruiters and hiring managers want your thoughts, not just the final product.

3. Career Transitions: Finding Your Path in UX/UI

Many attendees came from different backgrounds—graphic design, advertising, and development—looking for ways to break into UX/UI. We explored the many roles within UX, the skills needed, and how to leverage your existing expertise to carve out a career in this space.

What’s Next for IxDF Santo Domingo?

This first meetup proved a real need for a thriving UX/UI community in the Dominican Republic, and we’re just getting started. Here’s what’s coming up:

📅 April (Virtual Meetup) – More learning, insights, and community-building.

📅 May 17 (In-Person Event in Santo Domingo) – Time to connect face-to-face!

If you’re passionate about UX/UI and want to be part of this movement, spread the word and bring your colleagues along. The more, the better.

📲 Stay connected:

👉 Instagram: @interactiondesign.do

👉 LinkedIn: IxDF Santo Domingo

👉 Únete a nuestro grupo de WhatsApp: Enlace

This is just the beginning. Let’s design the future of UX/UI in the DR together.