Zineb Mezidi’s story is one of courage, curiosity, and transformation. As a high school student excelling in the exact sciences such as mathematics, physics, and logic, she was praised for her brilliance. Yet, despite her strengths, Zineb Mezidi felt drawn to something different: philosophy. While her classmates teased her, calling philosophy a loser field compared to the rigid sciences, Zineb Mezidi listened to her heart. She made a bold decision to switch her academic focus entirely, choosing to lose a year and enter the philosophy and literature field.
She explains that she was curious about using her right brain, not just the left. She wondered why use 50 percent of her brain when she could use 100 percent. This belief sparked a lifelong passion to blend logic and creativity, art and technology, philosophy and calculation. This unique blend would become the cornerstone of her career.
From Philosophy to Human Sciences and Design
After high school, Zineb Mezidi pursued human sciences at university, diving into research methodology, psychology, advertising impact, and communication theories. Alongside her studies, she developed her skills as a graphic designer. This combination of scientific curiosity and creative ability made the field of user experience and product design a natural fit for her.
User experience design is all about understanding people – their habits, expectations, and emotions – and creating digital experiences that feel intuitive and meaningful. For Zineb Mezidi, it was the perfect space where her passion for research and creativity could thrive together.
Youngest Multinational UX Researcher in Algeria
In 2022, Zineb Mezidi achieved a major milestone by becoming the youngest multinational user experience researcher in Algeria. She worked on projects across seven countries, which later expanded to twelve, covering diverse cultures and business environments. Navigating multicultural teams and adapting research approaches to unique contexts were among her biggest challenges, but also the most rewarding.
She says human sciences are the most complex sciences because one must understand what people have in common and what makes them different. Empathy, cultural awareness, and flexibility are crucial.
Zineb Mezidi’s work took her across Africa, Europe, the West Asia and North Africa region, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Each project deepened her understanding of how culture shapes user behavior and business needs. This global exposure enriched her skills and expanded her perspective.
Playing a Role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Currently, Zineb Mezidi works as a user experience and customer experience consultant in the Saudi Arabian government sector. Her role supports the country’s Vision 2030, a strategic plan to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.
She shares that being part of this transformation is an honor. It means helping design a better future for millions of people by improving the digital services they use every day.
Her work focuses on making government platforms more user-friendly, accessible, and effective. The goal is to create digital experiences that truly serve citizens’ needs and improve their quality of life. Zineb Mezidi’s long-term vision is to shape large-scale, human-centered ecosystems where research and customer experience strategy guide public services and daily citizen interactions.
The Power of Listening: A Lesson in Empathy
One of the biggest lessons Zineb Mezidi has learned in her user experience and customer experience journey is the importance of listening. She emphasizes that it is essential to listen to understand and listen to empathize. Putting oneself in someone else’s shoes before trying to solve their problems is central to her work.
Instead of defending assumptions or ideas, Zineb Mezidi believes innovation happens through empathy – truly understanding users’ challenges and needs. She designs solutions that solve real problems, not just validate preconceived notions.
She says no one stays forever in this industry and hopes that her work encourages the next generation to go even further and erase her traces by doing better.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Strong
Zineb Mezidi’s journey was not without obstacles. Changing her academic field meant sacrificing time and facing skepticism from her peers. Entering the tech industry as a young woman from Algeria, a region where user experience and customer experience are still emerging fields, presented its own set of hurdles.
Yet, Zineb Mezidi’s resilience and determination helped her overcome these challenges. She credits much of her strength to her upbringing. She reflects that if she could speak to her younger self, she would say, “Keep going, girl. You are your mom’s girl, and she raised you strong enough for whatever comes.”
Her story inspires many young women and aspiring professionals to pursue their passions, even when the path is uncertain.
A Life of Sharing and Kindness
Beyond her professional achievements, Zineb Mezidi is deeply committed to sharing her knowledge and experiences. She mentors aspiring designers and researchers, encouraging them to embrace curiosity and empathy in their work.
Her creativity also shines through her photography and graphic design, capturing moments that inspire and connect. For Zineb Mezidi, success is not just about reaching goals but about the journey itself and the people who share it.
She says that human sciences teach us about connections – between people, ideas, and cultures. That is the true magic behind user experience and customer experience.
Do follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn
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